Colorado Christian University

History

CCU’s heritage dates back to the formation of Denver Bible Institute in 1914. In 1945, Denver Bible Institute was granted a state charter to become a four-year Bible college known as Denver Bible College. Expansion continued with the formulation of three main academic schools, including the College of Liberal Arts, the Theological School, and the Bible Institute, Denver Bible College became Rockmont College in 1949.

In 1981, Rockmont College was awarded accreditation by the North Central Association, and four years later merged with Western Bible Institute to become Colorado Christian College. Colorado Christian College merged with Colorado Baptist University, in 1989, to become what is now Colorado Christian University.

Campuses

The main campus of Colorado Christian University is located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb 10 miles (16 km) west of Denver. The Lakewood campus houses CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies for traditional students. The University’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies has regional learning centers throughout Colorado: Denver Tech Center and Global Online Center (Englewood), Lakewood Center (Lakewood) Northern Colorado Regional Center (Loveland), Northglenn Center (Northglenn), Southern Colorado Regional Center (Colorado Springs), Sterling Center at Northeastern Junior College (Sterling), Western Colorado Regional Center (Grand Junction).

In 2002, CCU began searching for a new campus near Ken Caryl, Colorado after attempting to develop their Foothills Campus near Morrison, Colorado. For over 40 years, CCU held classes on the 53 acres site which was shared with Christian radio station KWBI (later purchased by K-Love). Plans failed to rezone additional property at the site for future use and has since been abandoned and demolished.

In 2009, Colorado Christian University submitted a preliminary proposal to the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HCRA) to purchase about 100 acres (0.40 km²) for the development of a new campus in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Due to opposition from the residents, the University officially withdrew its bid to purchase land from Highlands Ranch on January 11, 2010.

Campus renovation

Colorado Christian University is currently undergoing a major campus renovation of their Lakewood, Colorado location. The renovation is scheduled to take 7–9 years to complete at a cost of over $120 million. Shannon Dreyfuss is overseeing the project.

The new academic building, Leprino Hall, was opened in Fall 2014. This building is the first of the CCU renovation. Leprino Hall is currently the gemstone of the university. At 43,000 square feet, the building cost thirty million dollars to build and was completed in the summer of 2014.

CCU opened a new residence hall to students in August 2015. The new housing has been named "Yetter Hall" after the president of Rockmont College from 1954-1963, Archie Yetter. The residence hall houses around 300 students in 53 apartment units. Each unit includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, full sized kitchen, and washer and dryers.

The next part of the campus renovation will be the building of the new student center and Chapel, which will begin in early 2016. The New Student Center will be 55,000 square feet and include a cafeteria, student fitness center, the student bookstore, "hangout space," and resident life staff offices. The New Chapel building is estimated to be 17,000 square feet. This Chapel building is intended to be the spiritual heart of the campus.

Academics

The University comprises two colleges: the College of Undergraduate Studies and the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. CCU offers 45 degree programs as well as licensure and certification programs. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Council for Independent Colleges.

The College of Undergraduate Studies provides academic programs for traditional undergraduate students and also offers off-campus study opportunities through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities’ Best Semester Program, Focus on the Family’s Focus Leadership Institute, and Jerusalem University College in Israel.

The College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers undergraduate degree completion, educator licensing, and certificate programs for working professionals. The college offers master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs. Students may take courses through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Centers throughout Colorado or through the college’s Global Online Center.

Rankings

In 2012, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni included Colorado Christian University in its What Will They Learn? study, which is an annual evaluation system of colleges and universities. The report assigns a letter grade to 1,070 universities based on how many of the following seven core subjects are required: composition, literature, foreign language, American history, economics, mathematics and science. Colorado Christian University was one of 21 schools to receive an "A" grade, which is assigned to schools that include at least six of the seven designated subjects in their core curriculum. CCU was also granted this award in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Lifestyle covenant

All traditional undergraduate students are required to sign the Lifestyle Covenant to attend Colorado Christian University. By signing this document, students commit to themselves and each other that they will pursue the challenge of living a life defined by a higher standard. The Lifestyle Covenant states a commitment "to educate men and women in the process of integrating their faith and education. This agreement also expresses our commitment to providing an atmosphere for study, personal exploration, involvement in interpersonal relationships, spiritual life, and growth that is conducive to students achieving goals, while enjoying living and learning in community". Students not signing the covenant are subject to immediate dismissal or suspension.

Chapel

Chapel attendance is required of all traditional undergraduate students who are taking 12 credit hours or more. Over a four-year period, 180 chapel credits are required to obtain clearance to graduate. For transfer students, or students who will graduate in less than four years, 45 credits per year of attendance at CCU is required.

Community service

"In order to graduate, upon entering CCU within the CUS [College of Undergraduate Studies] program, every student must complete 22.5 hours of service per semester with a maximum of 180 volunteer hours through a local or international ministry during his or her college career."

Global outreach

Colorado Christian University sponsors several service-based, short-term mission trips through its CCU2theWorld organization. The affluence of the countries visited is wide-ranging, though emphasis is typically placed on helping the underprivileged.

Athletics

The CCU Cougars participate in both NCAA Division II and NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association). CCU athletics are currently under the direction of Darren Richie, Athletic Director. The Cougars compete in 12 intercollegiate sports, and currently compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Notable alumni