Luther Rice University

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Luther Rice University is a private Independent Baptist college and seminary in Lithonia (Metro-Atlanta), Georgia. The school was founded in 1962 by Robert Gee Witty in Jacksonville, Florida. It has an enrollment of about 1,600 students.^[1] It is widely known for its non-traditional course delivery (online) and for its high-profile graduates (e.g., Charles Stanley, Jerry Vines, and other well-known evangelical preachers). LRU is listed under "The Best Alternative Programs/Nontraditional Education" in the Comprehensive Guide to the Best Colleges and Universities in the United States, published by the American Council for University Planning and Academic Excellence (ACUPAE).^[2]

Contents 1 History 2 Ministry Philosophy 3 Purpose 4 Guiding Principles 5 Accreditation 6 Faculty 7 References 8 External links

[edit] History

Robert Gee Witty and five other Southern Baptist pastors founded Luther Rice Seminary in 1962. The State of Florida granted the school's charter on June 14, 1962. Witty was elected President of the college in 1970, a position he held until 1982, when he retired to become Chancellor. In May 1982, Gene Williams became president of Luther Rice Seminary. He holds an earned doctorate (Th.D.) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

In August 1988, the college moved from Florida to Lithonia, Georgia.

[edit] Ministry Philosophy

Luther Rice University affirms the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God and teaches all programs from a biblical worldview. The University maintains that providing a theological foundation consistent with its doctrinal statement will equip the student to carry out ministry around the world.

The University desires to inculcate a Christian ethic into its students so that they exemplify excellence in every area of life.

The University holds that learning occurs through various means including observation, instruction, and research. Because all truth has God as its source, the entire body of knowledge is consistent with, and not contrary to, God’s revelation. Research and study in all disciplines are possible because of (1) the inherent logical structure of the created order, (2) the absolute nature of truth, and (3) humanity’s creation in the image of God with the potential to relate to Him by faith and with the ability to engage their minds in academic pursuits.^[3]

[edit] Purpose

The purpose of Luther Rice University is to provide theological education for Christian ministers and leaders around the world with an end to granting undergraduate and graduate degrees.^[4]

[edit] Guiding Principles

In response to its commitment to Christian higher education, Luther Rice University has adopted the following guiding principles:

Luther Rice University affirms the Bible as the foundational standard for all endeavors.

Luther Rice University values Christian excellence in all practices.

Luther Rice University strives to develop Christian character in each student.

Luther Rice University equips students to impact the world by fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.^[5]

[edit] Accreditation

Luther Rice University is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools^[6]. TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is a faith-based accrediting organization that is recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov).

[edit] Faculty

http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=facultylist

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Luther Rice University
• Story of Baptist missionary Luther Rice [1]
• Message from LRU President [2]
• Luther Rice Publications [3]
• Luther Rice Catalog [4]