Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University (BJU) stands as a unique private Christian university, founded in 1927 with a clear mission: to provide higher education rooted in fundamentalist Christian principles, counteracting the perceived secularization of colleges and the influence of religious liberalism. What began as Bob Jones College with just 88 students in Lynn Haven, Florida, has evolved into an institution known for its unwavering commitment to faith-based learning and a journey marked by both challenges and significant growth.

The university's early years were characterized by remarkable resilience. Facing bankruptcy during the Great Depression, BJU relocated from Florida to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1933. After becoming the largest liberal arts college in Tennessee, the need for campus expansion led to another move to its current home in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1947, when it officially became Bob Jones University. This new chapter in Greenville heralded a period of rapid expansion, with the university more than doubling in size within two years. During this era, BJU innovated by establishing an AM radio station (followed by an FM station), a film department, and an art gallery that has since grown into one of the Western Hemisphere's largest collections of religious art, showcasing its unique blend of academic and cultural pursuits.

While rooted in its founding principles, BJU has also adapted to meet contemporary educational needs. After a period without them, the university reinstated intercollegiate athletics in 2011, fostering a well-rounded student life. This commitment to educational excellence was further solidified by its membership in the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in 2011, and crucially, its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2017. These achievements underscore BJU's dedication to academic rigor and recognized standards, providing a distinctive environment for students seeking a faith-integrated education. With Bruce McAllister serving as its seventh president, Bob Jones University continues to build on its enduring legacy of Christian higher education.