Grace University is a private Bible college located in Omaha, Nebraska. The university includes three separate colleges: Grace College of the Bible, Grace College of Graduate Studies, and Grace College of Continuing Education.
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Founded in 1943, Grace was originally intended as an inter-Mennonite Bible institute where Christian men and women might further their theological training. The ten Mennonite ministers counted as Grace's founders (August Ewert, Albert Ewert, Albert Schultz, Peter Kliewer, Paul Kuhlmann, Harold Burkholder, John Barkman, C.H. Suckau, Solomon Mouttet, and John Tieszen) originally met to discuss relocating the Bible department of the Oklahoma Bible Academy. After several days of prayer they decided that what was really needed was a place of higher education.
Originally called Grace Bible Institute, the school opened in the fall of 1943 with a grand total of 23 students and six professors. No tuition was charged; instead, students performed "30-minute jobs" every day. That changed in 1948 when the Accrediting Association required member schools to charge money. The original tuition was a flat $50 fee. In 1976, the school's name was changed to Grace College of the Bible. On July 1, 1995, the school officially became Grace University, emphasizing the school's new academic identity.
Grace's original home was in a former Presbyterian theological seminary. In less than a year the college was able to purchase Stuntz Hall, 1515 S. 10th St. in Omaha. The current campus includes that lot (the hall, by then known as Old Main, was torn down in the 1990s due to decay and safety concerns) as well as the surrounding city blocks. In 1977, the University purchased the St. Catherine’s Hospital Center for Continuing Care. This purchase added almost 2.7 acres (11,000 m2) to the campus and doubled facility space.
From the original three majors offered, Grace has grown to offer 17 undergraduate degrees and two graduate degrees. Popular programs include pastoral ministries, psychology, music, and teacher education. Approximately 500 students currently attend. Facilities include a state of the art extensive theological library, a new gym (which is hosting the NCCAA division II Volleyball National Chamiponships in 2007 and 2008), a newly remodeled teacher education wing, and a LAN connection in every dorm room.
The teacher education program is one of the biggest programs offered at Grace University. This program started in 1998. This program strives to provide a Biblically-integrated curriculum as well as challenging, up-to-date education. Students can choose from a variety of different areas of teaching interest. Elementary and Middle School Education majors automatically receive an additional English Language Learner endorsement with their diploma. Among the possibilities of teacher education programs, students can receive an associate’s degree of education, elementary education, middle school, and high school. Students are also given the opportunity to pursue a degree in music education.
As a member of the NCCAA, the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association, Grace offers sports including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The Lady Royals Volleyball team was named Division II National Champions of the NCCAA in 2005. In 2007 and 2008, Grace University is hosting the NCCAA Division II Volleyball National Championship. The Royals are coached by Angela Taulborg. Angela played for Grace from 1995-97. During that time she was named to the Midwest Christian College All-Conference first team each year. She was selected as Most Valuable Player of the National Bible College National Tournament in 1996. She also was a member of the National Championship team. Coach Taulborg has had a successful coaching career in her time at Grace. She has lead the Royals to a national championship in 2005, and in 2007 runner-up, and in 2008 the girls were finalists
In 2008, the Men's Basketball Team won the NCCAA Div. II National Championship. Starter Paul Putz was named Tournament MVP.
In the area of fine arts, there are the Concert Band, the Women's Chorale, Resonate, the Handbell Choir, and most notably the Grace Chorale, which tours regularly across the United States and overseas. Intramural sports are also offered, as well as opportunities for drama. The various dorm halls compete regularly in creative contests, such as who can come up with the most bizarre holiday decorations.
While Grace maintains its Mennonite heritage and has yet to change its doctrinal stance, the college is now officially nondenominational, accepting students from a variety of churches and backgrounds. A majority of the student body hails from the Great Plains.
"Grace University exists to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education and through life change in a personal, discipling environment, all for the glory of God."
President Jim Eckman describes the value of Grace in this way: “You’ll not only get a marketable degree when you graduate, but you’ll gain a powerful worldview." While attending Grace University, students are challenged to align their personal philosophical thoughts with the truths of scripture. They are also pressed to couple their knowledge and faith with an active love for all humanity so that they might become servant leaders in their homes, communities and through out the world.
Grace University’s student body is made up of a diverse compilation of local, national and international students. In 2008, Grace’s enrollment was 56% female, 44% male. In 2008, 77 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees, 21 with masters and 4 with associates. Grace also offers EXCEL classes for those who are not able to attend traditional undergraduate courses.
| President | Term |
|---|---|
| Paul Kuhlmann | 1943, acting |
| Dr. C.H. Suckau | 1944-1950 |
| Dr. H.D. Burkholder | 1950-1955 |
| Dr. Joseph W. Schmidt | 1955-1960 |
| Rev. D.J. Unruh | 1960-1961, interim |
| Dr. Waldo E. Harder | 1961-1971 |
| Dr. Robert W. Benton | 1971-1984 |
| Dr. Warren E. Bathke | 1984-1993 |
| Dr. Neal F. McBride | 1993-1997 |
| Dr. James P. Eckman | 1997- |
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