Introduction to North Central University North Central University is a private, coeducational, undergraduate, primarily residential university owned and operated by eleven Assemblies of God Districts of the Upper Midwest. Located in the downtown, metropolitan area of Minneapolis, Minnesota, North Central is only several blocks from the Metrodome, the Guthrie Theater, and the businesses, shopping, and cultural opportunities that an urban center affords. The History North Central Bible Institute, a three year Bible training school typical of that time period, began classes on October 1, 1930, when twenty-six students arrived for classes held in the facilities of a local urban church. By 1936, over 200 students were enrolled in classes, and the old Asbury Hospital building (the current 910 Elliot Avenue site) was purchased to serve the growing student population. Ownership of the school was in the hands of the North Central District of the Assemblies of God and now includes the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Nebraska, Northern Missouri, Illinois, and the Midwest North Central University Page 1
Latin District. Although North Central University s student population through the years has come from all sectors of the globe and from many religious denominations, the majority of our students have historically come from Assemblies of God churches in these eleven districts. In February of 1955, the Board of Regents authorized the change to a four-year program, and the Institute s name was changed to North Central Bible College in April of 1957. In recognition of the needs of a growing student population and the expansion of the school s mission, North Central Bible College was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1986. Because of its growing student body, expanding curriculum, and heightened quality along with a desire for adding graduate programs, North Central Bible College changed its name to North Central University in 1998. In keeping with the vital, growing character of the University, enrollment has increased from 401 students in 1975 to a current enrollment of 1160. The stability and strength of the University has produced more than 25,000 alumni and, of its graduates, the majority of whom are presently in ministry positions in the United States and around the world. Today, North Central University continues in its mission to develop Christian men and women who will be able to minister effectively to their generation. The University is committed to excellence in the integration of the academic, spiritual, leadership and practical elements of the Christian life and currently offers thirty-five majors. The Institution has recently been recognized among America's Best Colleges and Universities by the U.S. News and World Report. North Central's selection as a 'Best Baccalaureate College' in the Midwest marks the second consecutive year the school has received this prestigious recognition. In accordance with the University s mission to develop Christian leaders who influence their generation, an elementary education major was established in 1986. The institution sought approval for the elementary education program to offer courses that lead to licensure and was approved to do so by the Board of Teaching in 1987. North Central University Page 2
The Mission The mission statement of North Central University is: North Central University is a Christ-centered Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence that prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world (Ephesians 4:11-12). All students at North Central are expected to accomplish this mission by completing both academic and personal development programs. The Student Life department endeavors to involve students in numerous real-life experiences through which they learn to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. The academic programs consist of three basic components: General Education (liberal arts core), the Bible/Theology core, and the Major. Completion of the academic degree programs and the non-academic learning opportunities make it possible for the student to: 1. communicate clearly and effectively, 2. relate the present to the past through an understanding of the historical process, 3. demonstrate expanded perceptions of life and refined aesthetic sensibilities, 4. develop and maintain a wellness model for living, 5. utilize a systematic approach to examine nature and to solve quantitative problems, 6. solve problems in a disciplined and imaginative way through analytical and critical thinking skills, 7. observe and interpret human behavior within the milieu of social and cultural diversity, 8. acquire foundational knowledge of Bible content and history and to develop a basic methodology for biblical research, 9. develop according to the end-sought statements for each major. As a result, the students should be able to build into their lifestyles and ministries the skills, knowledge and attitudes which will help them make a significant contribution to their generation. They should become lifelong learners who are curious, adaptive, creative, analytical, literate, morally sensitive, critically appreciative and theologically literate. Strong academics coupled with spiritual development help to produce the kind of student envisioned in our Mission Statement. North Central University Page 3
The Vision The vision statement of North Central University serves to guide both daily decisions and long-term planning for the institution. It is, in essence, the definition of who we are as an institution. It states: North Central University will be recognized as a globally influential university that prepares exemplary Pentecostal leaders and ministers. Since our goal in this is to produce Scholar-Saints, North Central has a unique blend of the academic quality of a university coupled with the spiritual fervency and purpose inherent in the Bible college tradition. We strive to incorporate the best of each: The University Model 1. The structure of scholarship and the academic disciplines 2. Academic growth through the classroom 3. Regional accreditation 4. Learning of the head 5. Professional faculty with advanced degrees 6. Academic purpose 7. Means and methods 8. The understanding of man 9. Variety of subject and content 10. The vehicle and methods by which goals are accomplished 11. Producing graduates who will succeed in their vocations 12. An understanding of the world of man 13. Educated world view 14. Scholars The Bible College Tradition 1. Meaningful content in Scriptural Truth 2. Spiritual growth through chapel and spiritual formation 3. Assemblies of God endorsement 4. Learning of the heart 5. Spiritual faculty who have pastored, taught, led worship and served in missions 6. Spiritual passion 7. Mores 8. The wisdom of God 9. Knowledge integrated in Christ 10. The values by which we are led 11. Producing graduates who live for God and do the work of His kingdom 12. An understanding of theology and how God is at work in our world 13. Christian world view 14. Saints North Central University Page 4
There are several distinguishing features of North Central University that serve to characterize it as a university in the Bible college tradition. These features serve to contextualize the student experience at North Central. Foremost among these distinguishing features are: All students in every major are required to take 30 credits of Bible and theology as well as fulfill practical ministry requirements. North Central has daily mandatory chapel and numerous special spiritual emphases throughout the year. There is a coordinated emphasis on the academic, spiritual and practical dimensions of life and ministry. Besides being academically proficient, our faculty are continually involved in the practics of their profession. They have experience, which informs classroom learning. The Education Department In 1987, North Central University was authorized by the Board of Teaching in the State of Minnesota to offer programs that lead to licensure. North Central established an Education Department and offered an elementary education major, a kindergarten endorsement and an early childhood program. Currently, the Education Department offers programs leading to licensure in elementary k-6 with specialties in 5-8 communication arts and social studies, communication arts 5-12, and vocal music k-12. A 5-12 social studies program has been submitted to the Board of Teaching for approval, and programs are also being developed for instrumental music k-12 and math 5-12. Two North Central alumni have had the honor of being named Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Gino Marchetti graduated in 1990 with a degree in Elementary Education and was named Teacher of the Year in 2003. Amber Damm, who graduated from North Central in 1998 with a degree in Humanities and Communications, was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2009. North Central University Page 5