This Is Carson-Newman
Nestled between two beautiful lakes in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Carson-Newman University is the Christian Liberal Arts university of choice in the Southeast!
Recognized as one of the best value schools in the region, here students are encouraged to grow in their faith and explore their calling. We have a strong commitment to local and international service, following the example Jesus set.
Recognized for Excellence
An education model that is Christ-centered and liberal arts-based is one we embrace…and we do well. But don’t just take our word for it. These are national publications and organizations that have recognized Carson-Newman University for its excellence in preparing our students to be difference-makers.
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- U.S. News & World Report
- Princeton Review
- Fortune
- Colleges of Distinction
About Carson-Newman
In the early 1840s, a number of Baptist leaders in East Tennessee desired to offer better prepared ministers to area congregations. The East Tennessee Baptist Educational Society, which was comprised of two groups with a common interest, applied in 1850 for a charter to establish an institution of higher learning. Afforded the use of a local church building, Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary opened to students in the fall of 1851. The Tennessee Legislature granted the school’s charter in December of that year.
As noted in their founding documents, the founders possessed a twofold intent: “to promote education in general, and among the ministry in particular.” Over time, that ideal has become the institution’s DNA of Christian service as evidenced in student volunteers as well as in the lives of alumni. The institution produced its first graduate, Richard Scruggs, in 1855. Manifesting the ideal of “education in general,” Scruggs went on to become a physician. The following year, the second graduating class reaffirmed the school’s mission by producing a lawyer and a minister.
The 1889 merger of men’s and women’s institutions made Carson-Newman an early entrant in co-education in the region. Throughout our history, our institution has instilled a deep commitment to service in its students. The fruits of our labor — our alumni — have filled schoolrooms, courthouses, hospitals, boardrooms, pulpits and mission fields throughout the world, sharing the Gospel and living out our mission as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders.
Find your place here & now!
Where is God leading you? Your adventure of a lifetime is HERE & NOW!
Community. Compassion. Calling. At Carson-Newman, it’s all HERE & NOW. We’re ready to journey with you in this place where you’re known and valued, where you’ll be free to explore how God is leading you. Here, you’ll get more than just a degree. You’ll get a life-shaping experience grounded in a Christ-centered community as you discover God’s calling for your life!
Schedule your visit or apply today!
The best way to experience Carson-Newman University is to see it and meet the people who know the university best — students, faculty and staff. Request a campus visit today!
Are you ready to take the next step? We invite you to fill out our FREE application today! Once you fill out our quick and easy application, one of our admissions representatives will be in touch with you shortly!