A Free Methodist Foundation
In 1860, the year Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States, B. T. Roberts organized the Free Methodist denomination in New York. Called to minister to the poor, the early Free Methodists advocated for freedom for slaves and free pews for all worshipers. Three years later, in 1863, Edward Payson Hart began to hold Free Methodist evangelistic meetings in Michigan. E.P. Hart would become the driving force behind the establishment of Spring Arbor Seminary, an academy for elementary and secondary grades, in 1873. The seminary was located near the site of a former Potawatomi Indian village, built on property that once belonged to Michigan Central College (now Hillsdale College). Devoted to the promotion of earnest Christianity and sound, solid learning, Spring Arbor Seminary was open to all children, regardless of religious conviction or belief.
The Shift Toward Higher Education
Spring Arbor Seminary celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1923 with the addition of a junior college. Over the next few terms, some college-level courses were added to the school's catalog. In 1929, Spring Arbor Seminary became Spring Arbor Seminary and Junior College. As the school's emphasis shifted toward higher education, primary and intermediate classes were discontinued.
Accreditation Milestone
In 1960, Spring Arbor Seminary and Junior College achieved accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As a result, the school was renamed Spring Arbor College. High school classes were discontinued, as plans were developed to turn the institution into a four-year college. Under the leadership of President David McKenna, Spring Arbor College launched its four-year program in 1963, graduating its first senior class in 1965.
On the Cutting Edge
In the early 1980s, Spring Arbor College began offering the first of its degree completion programs for adult learners in nearby Jackson. The initial class of students studied management of human resources and graduated in 1983. Over subsequent years, the college continued to expand, opening additional sites across Michigan and adding a variety of associate and bachelor's degree programs for working adults. Graduate education was introduced to the Spring Arbor sites in 1994, beginning with the Master of Arts in Management, which is now the Master of Business Administration. As a school on the cutting edge of accessible education, Spring Arbor College would quickly become a leader in the design of degree completion programs.
A College Graduated
On April 30, 2001, Spring Arbor College became Spring Arbor University. The school's new name recognized its growth, from a seminary for elementary and secondary students into an accredited university, with a wide range of degree offerings and locations across the state. It likewise acknowledged the school's ambitious vision for the future, rooted in our rich spiritual heritage and the Spring Arbor University Concept.
The Road Ahead
Since 1873, we have seen a variety of changes and challenges, but God’s faithfulness to Spring Arbor has remained constant. As we continue to grow and adapt to the changing world around us, we hold tight to the original founding principles of the school: to provide a uniquely Christ-centered education for our students. As we face any obstacles that may come over the next 150 years, we are confidant that God will see us through, just as he always has, as long as we keep our focus on him.
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” - Psalm 16:8-9
We invite you to be part of our legacy and join a network of alumni over 40,000 people strong who are impacting the world for Jesus Christ across the globe.