In a historic move that’s been more than 10 years in the making, Carver Baptist Bible College, Institute, and Theological Seminary received its initial accreditation from the internationally recognized Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). The recognition came at ABHE’s annual convention in Orlando on Feb. 14.
Antoine Richardson receiving the ABHE framed accreditation certificate at the 2024 Annual Meeting in mid-April.
“We have been informed that ABHE has granted Carver Initial Accreditation through 2029. The Commission commented that our institution is ‘substantially compliant’ with all ABHE standards, requiring no follow-up actions.” Dr. Antoine Richardson, Carver president, shared in an email to board trustees and staff. “I am humbled to have led the School through this historic accreditation process.”
Board Chair Dr. Luke Bobo believes the accreditation expands the school’s reach in the community and beyond. “Earning accreditation from a higher learning commission like ABHE is a game changer. This great gift will open up many unchartered vistas for Carver,” he stated.
The action of ABHE couldn’t have come at a more profound moment, occurring in the midst of Black History Month. The school has made, and continues to make, history training up young leaders in the faith.
The college was founded in 1942 from what was previously a teacher training ministry called Gospel Ambassadors in the Rosedale district of Kansas City, Kan. As the college evolved into a Bible college, institute and theological seminary and later renamed after former slave, renowned scientist and devout Christian, Dr. George Washington Carver, it never lost sight of its initial purpose to raise up and train dynamic and effective Christian leaders in urban America.
READ: Hatred and racism didn’t deter George Washington Carver
“We have often said that Carver is a diamond in the rough,” reflected Chairman Emeritus Ronald Williams. “For over 80 years Carver has polished the souls of Christ’s redeemed ones, the ones Charles Haddon Spurgeon called ‘the jewels of God,’ to shine more brilliantly in their local church, having an impact for time and eternity,” he said. “Accreditation sets a new standard for how Carver will continue to transform ordinary lives into extraordinary gems, reflecting His glory and love in our community and beyond.”
Carver began its pursuit to achieve full accreditation in 2013, when the college hired Dr. Antoine Richardson as the third president since its founding. Reaching this milestone status would position Carver to boost financial aid opportunities for students, enhance transferability of course credits, and place it in a distinct competitive advantage among area Bible colleges.
To achieve or retain accreditation from ABHE, a school must demonstrate that it is accomplishing its mission and goals through a comprehensive system of assessment and planning. The ABHE was founded in 1947 and has 161 member institutions with over 63,000+ students enrolled in its member institutions. The ABHE is a national accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
–Metro Voice News