Kuyper College | |
Motto: | Ora et labora (Latin) |
Mottoeng: | Pray and work |
Established: | 1939 as Reformed Bible Institute |
Religious Affiliation: | Reformed Protestant (Calvinism) |
President: | Patricia R. Harris |
Students: | 127 |
Country: | United States |
Colors: | Purple and Gold |
Athletics Affiliations: | NCCAA Division II – Mid-West |
Website: | www.kuyper.edu |
Kuyper College is a private Christian college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a Reformed ministry-focused leadership college that educates and trains Christian leaders for ministry and service.
Kuyper College was founded in 1939 as Reformed Bible Institute. RBI had a three-year curriculum that offered a track into foreign and domestic missions. In 1970, after a five-year redesign of the curriculum and programs, the Michigan Department of Education gave the school the right to confer a four-year Bachelor degree. As a result, RBI changed its name to Reformed Bible College. On April 21, 2006, RBC once again changed its name, this time to Kuyper College after Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920). Kuyper was Prime Minister of The Netherlands from 1901–1905 and a theologian. He also played an important role in founding de Vrije Universiteit. Pre-seminary, youth ministry, and cross-cultural missions programs are part of the Bible curriculum, and social work, education, accounting, communication, business and other majors.
Kuyper is focused on Christian service regardless of vocation, so it not only offers ministry programs, but a range of degree programs in social work, business, communication, education, and others all within a Reformed perspective. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1.In 2015, there were 245 students total.[1]
It is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). In addition, the college social work program is accredited with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Kuyper is also approved and regulated by the Board of Education of the state of Michigan.
The college is a member of the National Association of Christian College Admissions Personnel (NACCAP), and has endorsed that body's "Principles of Good Practice." Kuyper holds affiliate membership within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.