College of Biblical Studies
The College of Biblical Studies–Houston is a private nonprofit nondenominational evangelical coed Bible college located in Houston, Texas. The school was founded as the Houston Bible & Vocational Institute in 1976. The school offers classes online and at three campus locations in Houston; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Its mission is, “to glorify God by educating and equipping multi-ethnic Christian leaders to impact the world for Christ.” In 2008, the college had 1,399 students. However, by 2019, the college had 460 students, with 134 of them being full-time. In 2007, 51% of students were African-American, and 23% were Hispanic. In 2019, 47% of the students were black, 24% Hispanic, 17% white, and 8% Asian.
History
Houston Bible Institute was started by Rev. Ernest L. Mays with a particular focus on inner-city minority groups. It was incorporated as Houston Bible & Vocational Institute in 1976, but a decision was made to focus on biblical and theological training, since adequate resources for vocational training were believed to exist in the area.In the fall of 1979, Houston Bible Institute offered its first classes, using the facilities of KHCB-FM for its classrooms and leasing administrative space nearby. Rev. Rodney L. Cooper was the school's first executive director. In 1983, Rev. Cooper resigned to study for a Ph.D., and Rev. Jack Arrington, formerly vice president, became president. In 1991, Rev. Arrington left the college, and Dr. William Boyd was hired to replace him. Under Boyd's leadership, the college grew through a scholarship program, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board certified the school as a college, the name was changed from "Houston Bible Institute" to "College of Biblical Studies–Houston," and a collaboration was established with Dallas Theological Seminary.
In 1994, a campus located near Hillcroft and the Southwest Freeway was purchased. In 1999, the college became nationally accredited through the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. In July 2007, Dr. Jay A. Quine became president, with Boyd becoming Chancellor. In January 2013, the College of Biblical Studies-Houston became accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award up to baccalaureate degrees. In July 2012, Dr. William Blocker became president. As president, he stated his goal to continue the impact of the college on families, churches and communities. In 2013, the college was granted membership into the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was reaffirmed in its national accreditation with Association of Biblical Higher Education.
In 2019, the school merged with Crossroads Bible College in Indianapolis. This resulted in the acquisition of the Grace Relations ministry which equips pastors and other Christian workers to bridge racial, ethnic, and cultural divides.