Future

While the 175^th Anniversary of Carson-Newman coincides with the 2026/27 academic year, the history of this storied institution goes back even further than that. At least two years earlier, in 1849, conversations were held in earnest about an institution of higher learning somewhere in our area.

As we know, it was founded and remains on the banks of Mossy Creek.

The early curriculum of Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary was streamlined, rigorous and classical. 

Course offerings were astronomy, chemistry, history, literature, mathematics, mental and moral sciences, natural philosophy and Latin, Greek and Hebrew.

Looking back through the window of time, daunting could be an apt description of this class schedule. From the perspective of the mid-19^th century, however, it was to be expected instruction in the few institutions of higher learning that existed in the country.

In 1851 only 31 states of the current 50 United States had been admitted to the union. There were, give or take, in the neighborhood of 250 colleges and universities in a country still officially less than 100 years old. Of those, less than 20 were fully classified as “state institutions” or had at least connections or affiliations with a state government.

The rest, more than 90% of the institutions nationwide, were private, and launched, in large part, in conjunction with a church denomination. The focus was on developing leaders, especially in the ministry and education, but across the board. Critical thinking and problem solving were standards, designed to graduate students who could impact their communities.

That was the intent at what is now Carson-Newman University. While the name has changed several times, the location – despite a concerted effort in the early years to move operations to nearby Morristown – and the mission have not.

And while there have been adjustments, they may not carry the same name, many classes or variations of those original offerings remain.

Sure, there are some places that now exist only in the memories of those who walked these paths during their time at Mossy Creek.

The 10,000-gallon silo — later converted to an observatory — that was built to supply the campus with water from a local spring was torn down in 1966 to expand Butler Hall. The first two of the three Henderson Halls were both destroyed by fire, 1916 and 1974. Blanc-Davis Hall, known affectionately (or not?) by many as “The Barn,” was home to hundreds of male undergraduates through a 60-year history. Mentioning they lived in “The Barn” draws a wry smile and even a chuckle from many alums. But time spent there was endearing, or at least memorable, enough for an obituary for the facility to appear in The Orange and Blue campus newspaper when a barn razing (not raising) was held.

Two have lived, and still exist both physically and in our hearts, for more than half the life of the school. Sarah Swann Hall is 120 years young and Butler-Blanc opened more than a century ago as well. 

The difference is what has been added through the years. Almost every decade has seen contributions to the Carson-Newman legacy intended to provide for the future. Buildings, academic and athletic facilities, programs and amenities all have been created or enhanced, growing opportunities for students while staying rooted in the foundation.

In just the last four years, the Drama and Ted Russell Health Sciences Center and the latest residence life facility West Campus Commons have been developed and built. An outdoor recreation park for students that provides space for more than a half-dozen activities now exsitsat West Campus and a new child development lab opens its doors this coming academic year.

New satellite education centers have been created in the Knoxville and Nashville markets.

New programs have launched to meet evolving needs of churches, schools and the business world and expand opportunities for our students once they leave Mossy Creek.

Programs offering a master’s degree in accountancy and business analytics, an MBA in entrepreneurial leadership and a master’s of divinity all have been launched in the last 24 months. The Moser Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership opened to work with our students on campus and business owners and operators in our region and state.

Meeting the needs of both our world and our region, bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security and emergency management, and hospitality and tourism management — the second-largest industry in Tennessee bringing in more than $30 billion in revenue annually to the Volunteer State — start this fall.

Also, Artificial Intelligence in Business program has been launched, charged with teaching “the importance of exercising biblical discernment to ensure that AI-driven insights and technologies are used ethically, responsibly, and in the service of Christ.”

A program in supply chain management (Business) and a minor in archeology through our Department of Biblical and Theological Studies are exciting recent developments as well.

At the doctorate level, 2026 sees the launch of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, one of the region’s most in-demand positions within the medical field.

Teaching for the future while never forgetting our past. Rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, students at Mossy Creek have more academic offerings than ever. Assistance from alumni and non-alum stakeholders to financially support such programs is critical to their success.

On the occasion of the 100^th Anniversary of our beloved institution, 1916 alum Dr. I.N. Carr was asked to chronicle the first century of our existence in a book. Weaving the responsibility through his other duties at Mossy Creek – where he served as professor, dean and head of the department of history and political science – the manuscript was published in the summer of 1959. 

It is an extremely detailed account, not only of our first 108 years, but our founding. As we look to the future here at Mossy Creek, the programs – both academically and athletically – that are needed and the buildings and facilities in which to house them are discussed, we look to the words of Dr. Carr and his evaluation of our founders. The ones, as our president, Dr. Charles A. Fowler often states, on whose shoulders we stand. Looking to our past as we plan our future.

Instead of summarizing Dr. Carr’s words, we will just relay them here. For they are as appropriate as anything we could pen ourselves nearly 70 years later.

“It is very definite that the founders of Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary were not stargazers, emotional or ignorant men, following blindly some impractical daydream without knowing whiter it led. Rather they planned for the future.” (Carr: History of Carson-Newman College, 1959)