Luther Rice University

Luther Rice Seminary & University [http://www.lru.edu (www.LRU.edu)] is a private Christian college and seminary in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. The school was founded in 1962 by Robert Gee Witty in Jacksonville, Florida. It has an enrollment of about 1,600 students. Through the university and seminary the institution offers bachelor, master's, and doctoral degrees in leadership, counseling, apologetics, Christian worldview, Christian studies, and more. For more information on degree programs visit the website at [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=academics (LRU Degree Programs)] [ [http://www.uscollegesearch.org/luther-rice-seminary.html US College Search stats on Luther Rice University] ]

Luther Rice is widely known for its online course delivery and online degree programs. It is also known for its high-profile graduates (e.g., Charles Stanley, Jerry Vines, and other well-known evangelical preachers, such as Larry Lewis, a former president of Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal, Missouri). LRU specializes in external and distance education. LRU is listed under "The Best Alternative Programs/Nontraditional Education" in the Comprehensive Guide to the Best Colleges and Universities in the United States, published by the American Council for University Planning and Academic Excellence (ACUPAE). [ [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=accreditation Luther Rice Seminary / University / Online Seminary / Theological Seminary ] ]

History

Robert Gee Witty and five other pastors founded Luther Rice Seminary in 1962 in Jacksonville, Florida. The school was founded to meet the needs of pastors and Christian leaders who could not quit their jobs and uproot their families to go away to seminary. From the beginning Luther Rice Seminary focused on distance education and external Christian education. Luther Rice now delivers quality distance education through online studies. Most degrees are available completely through online studies.

The State of Florida granted the school's charter on June 14, 1962. Dr. Witty was elected President of the college in 1970, a position he held until 1982, when he retired to become Chancellor. In May 1993, Dr. James Flanagan became president of Luther Rice Seminary. He holds an earned doctorate (Ph.D.) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In August 1991, the college moved from Florida to its current location in Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Ministry Philosophy

Luther Rice University affirms the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God and teaches all programs from a biblical worldview. The University maintains that providing a theological foundation consistent with its doctrinal statement will equip the student to carry out ministry around the world.

The University desires to inculcate a Christian ethic into its students so that they exemplify excellence in every area of life.

The University holds that learning occurs through various means including observation, instruction, and research. Because all truth has God as its source, the entire body of knowledge is consistent with, and not contrary to, God’s revelation. Research and study in all disciplines are possible because of (1) the inherent logical structure of the created order, (2) the absolute nature of truth, and (3) humanity’s creation in the image of God with the potential to relate to Him by faith and with the ability to engage their minds in academic pursuits. [ [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=purpose_statement Luther Rice Seminary / University / Online Seminary / Theological Seminary ] ]

Purpose

The purpose of Luther Rice University is to provide theological education for Christian ministers and leaders around the world with an end to granting undergraduate and graduate degrees. [ [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=purpose_statement Luther Rice Seminary / University / Online Seminary / Theological Seminary ] ]

Guiding Principles

In response to its commitment to Christian higher education, Luther Rice University has adopted the following guiding principles:

Luther Rice University affirms the Bible as the foundational standard for all endeavors.

Luther Rice University values Christian excellence in all practices.

Luther Rice University strives to develop Christian character in each student.

Luther Rice University equips students to impact the world by fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. [ [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=purpose_statement Luther Rice Seminary / University / Online Seminary / Theological Seminary ] ]

Accreditation

Luther Rice University is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools [ [http://www.tracs.org/accredited.htm TRACS List of Accredited Colleges] ] . TRACS [http://www.TRACS.org (www.TRACS.org)] is an accrediting body that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) [http://www.CHEA.org (www.CHEA.org)] , the United States Department of Education [http://www.ED.gov (www.ED.gov)] , and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Faculty

http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=facultylist

References

External links

* [http://www.lru.edu/ Luther Rice University]
*Story of Baptist missionary Luther Rice [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=aboutus_historical%20example&tool=quicklinks]
*Message from LRU President [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=welcome_from_president]
*Luther Rice Publications [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=aboutus_publications&tool=quicklinks]
*Luther Rice Catalog [http://www.lru.edu/Content.aspx?page=catalog&tool=quicklinks]