A new, private Christian university in far western Kentucky opens its doors for classes this month. Summit Christian University in Graves County is now accepting students for the spring semester beginning January 30.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has licensed the university to offer three Bachelors of Science degrees in Christian Ministries, Business Administration and Psychology, and an Associate’s degree in General Studies.
Provost and founder Dr. D. Keith Roach was a professor at former Mid-Continent University. He says he plans to expand the number of courses offered as the university progresses.
"We believe that if we can get started with about 20-25 students then that growth will take place over the next year quite a bit. I've seen that happen. We've started from scratch."
Roach says MCU’s closing in 2014 put about 48 professors out of a job and left some students without a degree.
“We wanted to continue the vision that was established 65 years ago for Mid-Continent and we wanted to continue that vision that those lives and wonderful people developed back then and move that vision to the 21st century.”
Roach says he has received nothing but positive feed back from members of the community.
"I've had numerous people telling me we're on the right track and it's so good to see something positive happening in the community."
Roach says he plans to collaborate with area universities in the near future. The university is seeking non-traditional students and will hold an information session tonight at Community Fellowship Baptist Church at 6:00PM. Courses will be taught at the church.
Roach says they are currently taking donations to fund the university and will begin the accreditation process when students begin. For more information visit www.summitchristianU.org.
