Urshan College
Urshan College, formerly known as Gateway College of Evangelism, is a Christian College in Florissant, Missouri, near St. Louis. It is owned and operated by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).[1] In 2012, the college was acquired by Urshan Graduate School of Theology. It is currently unaccredited and offers Associate of Arts in General Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Organizational Leadership, Human Services, Music Ministry, Music, and various certificate programs.
History
The founding of a bible college in the St. Louis area was initiated by Harry Branding (superintendent of the Missouri District for the UPCI), who formed a committee to look into this possibility, this committee presented the idea to the Missouri District Board. On July 13, 1966, the district passed a resolution to create such a bible college. The next year the bylaws were chosen and the college was given the name Gateway College of Evangelism.
On September 13, 1968, Gateway College officially opened at 3155 Charbonier Road in florissant, Missouri. Three years later, the college purchased the former St. Stanislaus Seminary at 700 Howdershell Road.
After four decades, President Darrel Johns led the school through a transition to UPCI ownership. After many months of collaboration the UPCI General Board approved a plan for Urshan Graduate School of Theology to acquire Gateway College and start a new undergraduate Christian college. On July 1, 2012, the transition was complete. Now, Urshan College is operated jointly with Urshan Graduate School of Theology under the governance of the Urshan Board of Directors and President David K. Bernard.
Academics
Urshan College currently offers an associate's degree in biblical and general studies and bachelor's degrees in Christian ministry, human service, organizational leadership, music ministry, and music. Each of these degrees have concentration options as well. Starting in Fall 2008, the college began offering online classes through the Consortium of Online Christian Colleges in addition to their on-campus instruction.[2]
Urshan is not accredited. However, the administrators of the college are currently attempting to gain accreditation and have hired an advisor to assist with the process.[3]
Location
Urshan is located in the northwestern part of the Saint Louis metropolitan area, near the population center of the United Pentecostal Church International.[4]