Entering a New Era – Emmanuel College Becomes Emmanuel University

Emmanuel College is now Emmanuel University.

On Monday, the school’s name was officially.

The College Board voted last year on the change and preparations have been underway since then.

“We are excited about the opportunities this name gives us to develop graduate programs and improve recruiting efforts,” said newly appointed president, Rev. Greg Hearn. “We believe this change communicates our commitment to academic expansion, improved student opportunities, and greater impact on our region.”

On June 30, Dr. Hearn officially took the helm as the 10th President of Emmanuel College and is now the first President of Emmanuel University.

Vice President for Academics, Dr. Cyndee Phillips believes this transition marks a new chapter in Emmanuel’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.

“This transformation will significantly benefit academics, providing our students with enriched learning opportunities and expanded academic programs in a safe environment,” she said. “Emmanuel University will empower students to create, innovate, and soar to new heights.”

Emmanuel spokeswoman Ashley Westbrook says the decision to change the school’s name is based on the growth in its academic programs.

“The decision was based on the fact that we are growing our Master’s degree program,” she explained. “Currently, we offer a Master of Elementary Education and a Master of Exercise Science, and we’re looking to expand that. So, this was really the next logical step for us to become a university. It offers a little more prestige and recognition for our growing Masters Degree Programs.”

Westbrook pointed out that the school is now also looking at adding even more Master’s degree programs in the coming years.

“A few programs that are ready to launch in the spring of 2024 are our Master of Divinity and our Master of Ministry,” she said. “So those would be housed in our School of Christian Ministry. But I know that there are others in the pipeline that we are working to get approved by our accreditor that we’re really excited about as well.”

Traditional undergraduate and online programs will also be expanded, according to the press release.

Westbrook said Emmanuel has already been making subtle changes over the past year in preparation for the changeover and she said that process is ongoing.

“Right now we have trademarked Emmanuel University. And so it’s going to be a gradual process here on campus. Now, the process is we’re looking to switch our domain over to EU.edu. And gradually, we’ll begin making changes on campus to signage and to buildings that had ‘Emmanuel College’ on them. Over the last year, we have been preparing for the change. Not many people have noticed it but we’ve been referring to ourselves as just ‘Emmanuel.’ Why we did that was so that it would make the changeover a little easier,” Westbrook said.

Begun in 1919 as the Franklin Springs Institute, since then Emmanuel has gradually grown into a fully accredited Christian College with a national and international student body and outreach.

According to Emmanuel’s website, at the foundation of the many changes and progress over the years remains the paramount emphasis on Christ-centered values. The lives of EC alumni speak of the quality of the academic opportunities they have received. Through its program of Christian higher education, Emmanuel College has provided students with academic and spiritual values that will enrich their lives and lead them to enrich the lives of others.