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Belhaven University

Jackson, MS

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Non Ministari Sed Ministare (Latin)(Not To Be Served But To Serve)

1883
Founded
Private university
Type
1,370
Total Students
$29K
Tuition (In-State)
$29K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
53%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
6-year
69%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Roger Parrott

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Belhaven University

Belhaven University: A Christian institution fostering academic excellence and artistic talent.

Belhaven University, founded in 1883, stands as a vibrant private university deeply rooted in its Christian heritage and committed to academic distinction. Known for its comprehensive "Christian Worldview Curriculum," Belhaven offers a unique educational experience that integrates faith with learning across all disciplines. The university has earned national accreditation in all four major arts—Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Dance—making it a standout choice for students passionate about creative expression within a supportive, faith-informed environment.

From its origins as the "Belhaven College for Young Ladies" in 1894, the institution has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a fully co-educational university with a current student body of 3,600. Despite facing challenges like devastating fires in its early history, Belhaven consistently rebuilt and expanded, thanks to dedicated leadership and a strong connection to various Presbyterian denominations. This resilient spirit has shaped a campus culture that values perseverance and growth, maintaining a close church connection.

Under the leadership of President Roger Parrott since 1996, Belhaven has experienced remarkable expansion, quadrupling its student body and extending its reach through additional campuses in cities like Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, alongside robust online programs. This growth signifies Belhaven's commitment to accessibility and innovation, offering diverse learning environments for a broad range of students. Prospective students and their families will find a dynamic community dedicated to fostering personal, intellectual, and spiritual development, preparing graduates not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1883, Belhaven University is a private Christian institution with a rich history.
  • Nationally accredited in all four major arts: Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Dance.
  • Offers a distinctive "Christian Worldview Curriculum" integrated across its programs.
  • Under President Roger Parrott, the student body has nearly quadrupled, growing to 3,600 students.
  • Expanded its footprint with additional campuses in Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, plus extensive online programs.
  • The world's first singing Christmas tree debuted at Belhaven in 1933.
  • Fully co-educational since 1954, enhancing its inclusive academic community.

Timeline

1883
Established from the merger of Mississippi Synodical College and McComb Female Institute; adopted as official founding date.
1894
Opened as 'Belhaven College for Young Ladies' at its current location in Jackson, Mississippi.
1910
Original location destroyed by fire.
1911
Reopened as 'Belhaven Collegiate and Industrial Institute'.
1915
Name changed to 'Belhaven College'.
1927
Major fire devastated the college's only building.
1933
The world's first singing Christmas tree debuted at Belhaven.
1954
Board of trustees voted to allow male students, making it fully co-educational.
1972
Synod of Mississippi officially transferred ownership, making Belhaven a fully independent college.
2010
Name changed from Belhaven College to Belhaven University.
🏛️
143 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Roger Parrott
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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