Welch College

Welch College stands as a private institution deeply committed to its Free Will Baptist heritage, guided by the inspiring motto, "O Send out Thy Light and Thy Truth." Established by the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the college has been a beacon of Christian education, fostering an environment where students can grow academically and spiritually, preparing them for lives of service and leadership within their communities and beyond.

From its modest beginnings in 1942 as a two-year institution with just eight students, the college has steadily grown and evolved. It expanded its curriculum to offer third and fourth years of study in 1949 and 1950, respectively, culminating in the awarding of its first Bachelor's degrees in 1951. This growth continued with a significant move in the 21st century; in 2008, the college purchased a sprawling 66-acre tract in Gallatin, Tennessee, marking a new chapter of expansion and modernization as it completed a new, larger campus by 2017.

In a pivotal moment in 2012, the college was renamed Welch College, honoring the significant contributions of John L. Welch and his wife, Mary, prominent figures in the Free Will Baptist denomination. This renaming reinforced the college's deep ties to its founding principles and the vision of those who helped shape its mission. Prospective students and families will find Welch College to be an institution dedicated to academic rigor, spiritual formation, and a supportive community experience that prepares graduates to shine their light in a complex world.