Belhaven University

Jackson, MS

private nonprofitgraduate

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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 thriving Christian institution blending faith, arts, and academic excellence.

Discover Belhaven University, a dynamic private institution where faith and learning harmoniously converge, fostering a distinctive Christian worldview across all academic pursuits. Founded in 1883, Belhaven has a rich history of resilience and transformation, evolving from a college for young ladies into a comprehensive university renowned for its strong academic offerings and vibrant campus life. It stands out with national accreditation in all four major arts — Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Dance — providing an exceptional environment for creative expression and scholarly achievement.

The university's story began in Jackson, Mississippi, overcoming challenges like devastating fires in its early years. Originally known as "Belhaven College for Young Ladies" and named after a historic mansion, the institution made a pivotal shift to become fully co-educational in 1954, embracing a broader student body. This spirit of innovation continued, leading to its independence from the Synod of Mississippi in 1972 and joining the esteemed Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, solidifying its commitment to Christian higher education.

Under visionary leadership, Belhaven has experienced remarkable growth, quadrupling its student body to 3,600 students and expanding its footprint with new buildings, diverse undergraduate majors, and extensive graduate programs. The university now reaches students through multiple campuses in cities like Memphis, Orlando, and Atlanta, alongside robust online offerings. With over 80% of its faculty holding doctoral degrees by 1995, students benefit from a high-quality, faith-infused education designed to prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of service, complemented by a range of intercollegiate sports and a close-knit community.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1883, adopting the oldest founding date of its absorbed institutions.
✦Nationally accredited in all four major arts: Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Dance.
✦Student body has nearly quadrupled to 3,600 students under current leadership, expanding to multiple campuses and online programs.
✦Over 80% of faculty held doctoral or equivalent degrees by 1995, ensuring high-quality instruction.
✦Pioneered the world's first singing Christmas tree in 1933.
✦Offers a distinctive "Christian Worldview Curriculum" and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Timeline

1883

Established from the merger of Mississippi Synodical College and McComb Female Institute, which became the university's official founding date.

1894

Opened as "Belhaven College for Young Ladies" at its current location in Jackson, Mississippi.

1915

Name changed to "Belhaven College" by the board of trustees.

1933

Hosted the debut of the world's first singing Christmas tree.

1954

Became a fully co-educational institution, allowing the enrollment of male students.

1972

Achieved full independence from the Synod of Mississippi.

1995

Over 80% of Belhaven's faculty held doctoral or equivalent degrees.

1996

Dr. Roger Parrott began his presidency, leading to significant growth and expansion.

2010

Renamed Belhaven University to reflect its expanded graduate programs and total enrollment exceeding 3,000 students.

🏛️

143 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Roger Parrott

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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