History
The Journey Begins
The rich history of Stark College and Seminary traces its origins back to 1945 when a group of prominent Baptists from South Texas convened to explore the idea of establishing a local institution dedicated to the education and training of ministers and teachers. Their vision soon took shape. Two years later, in 1947, Texas Baptists threw their support behind the founding of the University of Corpus Christi (UCC), situated on Ward Island. This island had previously been the site of a classified U.S. military radar station, adding an element of historical intrigue to our beginnings. UCC flourished as a respected four-year university, fulfilling its mission of preparing educators and clergy who would go on to become influential leaders not only in South Texas but also in wider communities.
The year 1970 brought Hurricane Celia, a devastating natural disaster that wreaked havoc on our campus, resulting in over a million dollars in damages. Faced with immense financial pressures, Texas Baptists made a pivotal decision. They generously offered more than two hundred acres of Ward Island to the city of Corpus Christi. In 1973, the city, in turn, made this land available to the state for the establishment of Texas A & I at Corpus Christi. This institution later evolved into Corpus Christi State University, and today, it proudly stands as Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.
From the beginning of this process, however, Texas Baptists retained ten acres of land adjacent to the larger campus to be used for religious education. Baptists led the way for other denominations when undergraduate classes in religion began in the fall semester of 1977 through Howard Payne University (HPU). Despite the many challenges, SCS opened its main building, housing classrooms and offices, an auditorium, prayer chapel, library, and kitchen in 1980. The following year celebrated the first student in our history to graduate from HPU at SCS.
In 1997, President Linn Self made history and partnered with Dr. Vernon Davis, Dean of Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University, to offer the Master of Divinity program in Corpus Christi. By 2004, SCS opened the Stark Conference Center, adding much-needed classroom space, as well as living quarters for resident faculty and visiting guests. In the Fall of 2011, Hardin-Simmons University began offering bachelor degrees for South Texas students at SCS.
The history of Stark College and Seminary has been dynamic and will only continue to grow!
2023
New Program and New Opportunities
SCS now offers a Master fo Divinity for students seeking deeper academic study or pursuing chaplaincy. Also, the creation of HyFlex classes will allow students more options to pursue an education, no matter their location or their schedule.
2018
Accreditation, New Location, New Name
SCS received full accreditation for all degrees. The Seminary now offered all of its own programs including a Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, and Master of Arts. To mark this significant moment, the seminary changed its name to Stark College and Seminary. The name honors Bill and Doris Stark who were original supporters of the vision of multiethnic theological education. Partnering with a local church, SCS began teaching classes in San Antonio.
2013
McAllen Grand Opening
SCS purchased, renovated, and officially opened a 3 acre, 45,000 square foot campus in McAllen, Texas. Students were able to pursue a certificate and diploma with SCS, or to take classes with Hardin-Simmons and Logsdon Seminary in pursuit of a Bachelor or Masters.
2005
New President
Dr. Anthony Celelli was selected by the board of trustees to serve as the fourth President after Linn Self retired. Former President Self and his wife Betty were honored as the namesake fo the Rev. Lin and Betty Self Bible Symposium, an annual conference held to benefit students and ministers throughout South Texas.
2004
Name Change
The trustees change the name from Baptist Learning Center to the South Texas School of Christian Studies.
1997
Partnership with Logsdon Seminary
Logsdon Seminary begins offering the Master of Divinity Degree in cooperation with the Baptist Learning Center.
1996
New Leadership
Rev. Linn Self becomes the third Director of the Baptist Learning Center. The CEAC trustees change his title to President in 2001.
Dr. Don Davidson accepted the position of Director in 1995.
1981
First Graduate
The first graduate at the Baptist Learning Center completes their studies with Howard Payne University. Classes were held in the Colson Building, beginning in 1981.
1978
Breaking Ground
The CEAC breaks ground on the 10-acre site for the 10,000 sq. ft. Colson Building.
1973
End of an Era
The final graduating class of University of Corpus Christi is recognized for their academic achievements.
1970
University of Corpus Christi Closes
Hurricane Celia hits Corpus Christi causing severe damage to UCC.
In 1971, Texas Baptists vote to release UCC to a city/state university. The next year, the Christian Education Activities Corporation (CEAC) begins meeting with UCC Trustees.
1947
University of Corpus Christi Opens
UCC begins meeting on Ward Island.
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