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 bachelor's and master's degrees. All programs requiring professional licensure (i.e. Nursing, Social Work, and Teacher Education) are professionally accredited.
Every graduate of KCU takes a 24-hour core in Biblical Studies, 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 mandatory 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 magnitude of their worship leaders, their Christian nursing program, and athletic programs (football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball.) The University Concert Choir has produced several albums and performs nationally and internationally; however, in order to accommodate a growing athletic budget, the choral program (as well as the entire School of Music) has been removed from the school's offered programs.
Cost and comparison
KCU's tuition is formerly the least expensive in the state of Kentucky; $534 per credit hour before scholarships and grants are applied. However, recent budget setbacks have forced a rise of tuition to $605 per credit hour. The average KCU student receives scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, and loans, reducing the total cost of attending the university.
Recent additions
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, who was serving KCU as provost and chief academic officer, was to be installed as President of the University in August. President Keeran continued to serve as President until Dr. Metcalf's installation, after which he continued to serve the university as its Chancellor.
Athletics
Kentucky Christian teams are known as the Knights and Lady Knights. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Kentucky Christian primarily competes as an Independent within the NAIA; while football, which began in 2008, competes in the Mid-South Conference. Men's sports include basketball, cross country, football and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The women's basketball team has won 15 NCCAA Division II National Championships since 1989.
Notable alumni
Several Contemporary Christian Music groups have come from KCU, including Audio Adrenaline and Bleach.
References
External links
- KCU's official website
- KCU's official athletics website
- KCU's Admissions Website
