Kentucky Christian University
Encyclopedia
Kentucky Christian University (KCU) is a comprehensive baccalaureate level Christian university located in Grayson, Kentucky
. It was founded on December 1, 1919, as Christian Normal Institute, by J. W. Lusby and J. O. Snodgrass. As a "normal school" its programs included a high school, a junior college, and a training program for public school teachers. During the early 1920s its emphasis shifted to educating students for the Christian ministry. Degree programs are offered in eight schools within the University: the School of Art and Science, the Sack School of Bible and Ministry, the School of Business, the Keeran School of Education, the School of Music, the Yancy School of Nursing, the School of Social Work and Human Services, and the Graduate School.
KCU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
and is authorized to award bachelors and masters degrees. All programs requiring professional licensure (i.e. Nursing, Social Work, and Teacher Education) are professionally accredited.
Every graduate of KCU takes a thirty-hour core in Biblical Studies and Theology, in addition to the liberal arts core and the student's major area of study (social work, education, ministry, etc.) This combination of biblical studies, liberal arts, and professional studies is a feature unique to Kentucky Christian University. It is the rationale for KCU's self-designation as "The Great Commission University."
Twice weekly chapel services are an important part of the KCU experience and contribute to a sense of community on campus. The University is also well known for the strength of its music and athletic programs (football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, woman's volleyball.) The University Concert Choir has produced several albums and performs nationally and internationally.
(NAIA) and plays in the Mid-South Conference
.
In September 2007, after more than 20 years in office, Dr. Keith P. Keeran announced his plans to retire as President of the University. In May 2009, the trustees of the university announced that Dr. Jeff Metcalf, currently serving KCU as provost and chief academic officer, will be installed as President of the University in August. President Keeran continues to serve as President until Dr. Metcalf's installation, after which he will continue to serve the University as its Chancellor.
groups have come from KCU, including Audio Adrenaline
, and Bleach.
Grayson, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,877 people, 1,415 households, and 938 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.1 people per square mile . There were 1,538 housing units at an average density of 614.5 per square mile...
. It was founded on December 1, 1919, as Christian Normal Institute, by J. W. Lusby and J. O. Snodgrass. As a "normal school" its programs included a high school, a junior college, and a training program for public school teachers. During the early 1920s its emphasis shifted to educating students for the Christian ministry. Degree programs are offered in eight schools within the University: the School of Art and Science, the Sack School of Bible and Ministry, the School of Business, the Keeran School of Education, the School of Music, the Yancy School of Nursing, the School of Social Work and Human Services, and the Graduate School.
KCU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
and is authorized to award bachelors and masters degrees. All programs requiring professional licensure (i.e. Nursing, Social Work, and Teacher Education) are professionally accredited.
Every graduate of KCU takes a thirty-hour core in Biblical Studies and Theology, in addition to the liberal arts core and the student's major area of study (social work, education, ministry, etc.) This combination of biblical studies, liberal arts, and professional studies is a feature unique to Kentucky Christian University. It is the rationale for KCU's self-designation as "The Great Commission University."
Twice weekly chapel services are an important part of the KCU experience and contribute to a sense of community on campus. The University is also well known for the strength of its music and athletic programs (football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, woman's volleyball.) The University Concert Choir has produced several albums and performs nationally and internationally.
Cost and comparison
KCU’s tuition is moderately priced compared to other private colleges in the State; $468 dollars per credit hour before scholarships and grants are applied. The average KCU student receives scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, and loans, significantly reducing the total cost of attending the University.Recent additions
KCU began varsity football in the fall of 2008. The University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsNational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
(NAIA) and plays in the Mid-South Conference
Mid-South Conference
The Mid-South Conference is an athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA. Member institutions are located in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky....
.
In September 2007, after more than 20 years in office, Dr. Keith P. Keeran announced his plans to retire as President of the University. In May 2009, the trustees of the university announced that Dr. Jeff Metcalf, currently serving KCU as provost and chief academic officer, will be installed as President of the University in August. President Keeran continues to serve as President until Dr. Metcalf's installation, after which he will continue to serve the University as its Chancellor.
Notable alumni
Several Contemporary Christian MusicContemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
groups have come from KCU, including Audio Adrenaline
Audio Adrenaline
Audio Adrenaline was a Christian rock band that formed in the late 1980s at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. During the band's 17-year existence, they were awarded two Grammy awards, multiple Dove Awards and they released 17 number one singles. They were regular performers at the...
, and Bleach.