Mission Statement
American Baptist College equips students for Christian service and leadership through an interdisciplinary education emphasizing biblical and theological studies.
Identity
American Baptist College is a Bible College dedicated to educating and developing Christians for worldwide leadership and service. We are committed to providing men and women with an outstanding interdisciplinary undergraduate professional education in Bible, theology, and the social and natural sciences. We train both clergy and laity for the practice of Christian ministry and various professional social vocations. We believe in fostering an academic environment in which students and faculty dialogue about critical issues facing the church, society and world. Our holistic educational philosophy enhances the spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of our students.
Goals
Goal 1. American Baptist College will provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that emphasizes academic excellence and encourages growth in biblical studies, theological education, ethics and the traditions of the Christian faith.
Goal 2. American Baptist College will encourage excellence in learning, teaching, research, administration and development.
Goal 3. American Baptist College will continue to manage the resources of the College in a fiscally responsible and highly accountable manner.
Goal 4. American Baptist College will achieve the highest levels of institutional effectiveness through evaluation and implementation of programs that safeguard the integrity of our mission.
Goal 5. American Baptist College will graduate quality students who are committed to Christian standards of social justice and the full humanity of all persons.
Institutional Objectives
Objective 1. Develop a comprehensive plan for curriculum assessment, course evaluation, and student learning.
Objective 2. Develop a comprehensive computer network for campus operations that provides access to Internet services, and utilizes up-to-date software programs to improve admissions and registration procedures, fiscal management, financial aid and student services.
Objective 3. Improve library services, library holdings and library computer technology to enhance teaching and learning of students and faculty.
Objective 4. Develop student-centered programs that foster spiritual formation, ethical leadership, and Christian values.
Objective 5. Develop a detailed plan for student recruitment and retention management that includes plans for improving support of student’s academic success, student housing, campus facilities, recreational activities and increased scholarship support of students.
Objective 6. Improve personnel services and support for faculty and staff.
Objective 7. Develop and implement a plan for faculty development in the areas of continuing education, scholarly research, and sabbatical leave.
Objective 8. Improve non-degree and degree programs in continuing education by developing effective strategies for theological and biblical education of church and community leaders.
Objective 9. Develop and implement a strategic plan for a capital campaign to increase the College’s endowment base.
Objective 10. Develop a plan for community development and outreach for the immediate area in which the College is located.
Objective 11. Develop a comprehensive plan to improve alumni/ae relations, institutional support and communication with graduates.
Values Statement
In accordance with the mission of American Baptist College, the Board of Trustees has approved a set of institutional core values. The following list of core institutional values guide the administration, faculty, staff and students of American Baptist College in fulfilling the mission of American Baptist College.
Caring
Maintaining an ethic of care that is committed to treating all people with compassion, dignity, sensitivity, empathy and justice.
Nurturing
We are committed to an educational and academic environment that furthers the professional, spiritual, and personal development of students, faculty, and staff.
Stewardship
We recognize our obligation to safeguard the integrity of our mission by managing the resources of the College in a fiscally responsible and highly accountable manner.
Excellence
We are committed to achieving the highest level of performance in all we do, at all levels of the organization. The College recognizes and rewards excellence in teaching, other scholarly pursuits, and service.
Integrity
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of justice, ethical, religious, and professional conduct.
Respect
We encourage mutual respect among faculty, staff and students recognizing that each person is a distinct individual with specific needs and concerns.
Teamwork
We work together as a team, recognizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We encourage active participation in collaborative efforts to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our teaching, outreach, service and management functions.
Accountability
Accountability permeates every aspect of our organization, with each member of the College accepting responsibility for the consequences of his or her actions. Furthermore, we collectively share responsibility to insure that all activities are aligned with the College’s mission and values.
Quality
We believe in meeting, or exceeding, the expectations for our internal and external constituencies.
American Baptist College (also known as American Baptist Theological Seminary or ABTS) is a small, predominantly African American liberal arts college located in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1924, its predecessor was Roger Williams University, a black college begun in the late-19th century and closed in the early 20th century (Its campus is now occupied by Peabody College of Vanderbilt University). Primarily a school designed to train African American Baptist ministers, its student body was highly influential in the civil rights movement.
The college officially opened under the name of the American Baptist Theological Seminary on September 14, 1924. In 1971, the school became accredited and its official name was changed to American Baptist College. The college was originally formed as a joint educational partnership between the Southern Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention, USA. The Southern Baptist Convention withdrew its support of the college in 1995. The college continues to serve as the primary theological training center for the NBC, USA Inc.
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| Percent of Students International: | 5% |
| On-Campus Housing Available: | Yes |
| Percent of Students Living On-Campus: | 36% |
| Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: | No |
| Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) | Expenses | ||
Published Tuition and Fees: |
$ 4,272 | ||
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 4,032 | ||
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 240 | ||
| Financial Aid | Avg. Amount Received | % of Students Receiving Aid | |
Federal Grants: |
$ 2,025 | 100% | |
State and Local Grants: |
$ 1,161 | 60% | |
Institutional Grants: |
$ 1,716 | 75% | |
Any Aid: |
100% |
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% (Open Admissions) |
| Application Fee: | $ 20.00 |
