Carolina University

Carolina University stands as a testament to evolving Christian higher education, rooted in a rich history stretching back to its founding as Piedmont Bible Institute in 1945. With a current enrollment of 826 students, this private university, guided by its motto "GRATIAE ET VERITATIS" (Grace and Truth), has consistently adapted to serve its mission. Under the leadership of President Charles Petitt, Carolina University is renowned for its strategic growth, particularly its unique path of integrating several Christian colleges, which has significantly broadened its academic scope and impact.

The university's historical journey highlights a steadfast commitment to biblical instruction. From its early accreditation in 1956, allowing for bachelor's degrees in Religious Education and Theology, to the introduction of graduate programs in 1994 and a robust expansion into online learning, Carolina University has continuously innovated. These milestones include the 2003 merger with Spurgeon Baptist Bible College, which established the Spurgeon School of Online Education, and partnerships that extended its reach to international branch campuses, including a Spanish master's in Biblical Studies.

Academic strengths at Carolina University are deeply rooted in its theological foundation but have diversified through a series of key mergers. The integration of institutions like Tennessee Temple University, Southeastern Bible College, and John Wesley University has expanded offerings to include programs such as Criminal Justice and Sign Language Interpretation. To honor its foundational mission, the Piedmont School of Divinity was created in 2020, preserving the university's heritage of training ministers. Looking forward, Carolina University is set for a significant expansion, with plans to move its headquarters to a new facility in Winston-Salem in 2024, promising an even more dynamic environment for its growing student body and faculty.