Welch College

Welch College stands as a beacon of faith-based higher education, rooted in the traditions of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. As a private institution, it is dedicated to nurturing students not only academically but also spiritually, guided by its inspiring motto, "O Send out Thy Light and Thy Truth." This commitment ensures a holistic educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of purpose and service within their communities and beyond.

Founded in 1942 as Free Will Baptist Bible College, the institution began modestly as a two-year college with just eight students and Linton C. Johnson as its first President. Its rapid growth and dedication to academic expansion quickly saw it evolve, adding a third year of study in 1949, a fourth in 1950, and proudly awarding its first Bachelor's degrees to five pioneering students in 1951. This foundational period established the college's commitment to rigorous education and spiritual formation.

The college embarked on a significant new chapter with the purchase of a sprawling 66-acre tract in Gallatin, Tennessee, in 2008, paving the way for a larger, modern campus. This relocation marked a pivotal moment in its development. In 2012, in a move that honored its heritage, the institution was officially renamed Welch College, recognizing the influential contributions of John L. Welch and his wife Mary in the Free Will Baptist denomination. Today, under the leadership of President J. Matthew Pinson, Welch College continues its mission, providing a distinctive educational environment designed to challenge and inspire its student body.