ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ

Our History: A Legacy of Faith and Learning

Gates Hall

Founded in 1908, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist University stands as a testament to enduring faith, academic excellence, and a commitment to serving others. What began as a vision to provide Christian higher education on the plains of West Texas has grown into a global institution impacting thousands of students across multiple campuses and online. Rooted in strong Baptist values and a dedication to holistic learning, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s history is rich with stories of perseverance, purpose, and progress that continue to shape its legacy today.


Dr. James Henry ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ

1908

The Vision Begins

Dr. James Henry ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ, a physician in Plainview, Texas, saw the need for faith-based education in West Texas. He and his wife donated $10,000 and 25 acres of land, establishing what would become ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist University. Their vision was to provide academic excellence rooted in Christian values, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy.

First students of WBU

1910

The First Students Arrive

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ opened its doors in September 1910, welcoming 241 students. Just a year later, Elmer Childress became the first graduate. In 1914, the college joined the Baptist General Convention of Texas, securing its place as a faith-driven institution committed to shaping future leaders.

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ integration history

1951

Breaking Barriers

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ made history as the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederate states to integrate, three years before Brown v. Board of Education. Under Dr. James W. "Bill" Marshall, the college embraced racial equality, becoming a pioneer in inclusive Christian education.

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ external campus

1970s

Growth & Innovation

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ expanded beyond Plainview, opening external campuses in Wichita Falls (1974), Amarillo (1976), and Hawaii (1979). The university also introduced the Bachelor of Applied Science to support working adults, making education more accessible to a diverse student body.

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ becomes a university

1980s

Becoming a University

With the transition from ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist College to ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist University, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ expanded its graduate programs and lifelong learning initiatives. This milestone marked a period of growth, allowing ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ to serve students beyond its traditional campus setting.

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Virtual Campus

2000s

A Digital Future

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ launched its Virtual Campus, allowing students to earn degrees remotely. This innovation helped ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ become the fourth-largest Southern Baptist university in the U.S. by 2003, ensuring a Christ-centered education was available worldwide.

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ campus today

Today

Continuing the Legacy

In 2016, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ introduced its first doctoral program. Today, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ operates campuses in six states and online, continuing its mission of faith-based learning and academic excellence. More than a century after its founding, ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ remains dedicated to preparing students to lead and serve in their communities.

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