Southeastern Renames Undergraduate Program to Judson College; Judson University Clarifies Distinction
SEBTS and Judson U Staff | October 17, 2024
Elgin, IL / Wake Forest, NC — On Monday, October 15, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, announced the renaming of its undergraduate program to Judson College at Southeastern, in honor of pioneering Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson (1788-1850). This decision reflects the seminary’s commitment to theological education in service of the Great Commission, the mission that Judson dedicated his life to fulfill.
Judson College at Southeastern (Wake Forest) is now the second accredited Baptist college in the U.S. to adopt Adoniram Judson’s name, honoring the legacy of one of the most influential figures in the modern missions movement. The other, Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, originally began as the undergraduate division of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary before becoming its own institution, Judson College, in 1963. In 2007, the college was renamed Judson University, following significant growth as a conservative, evangelical Christian university in the Midwest.
Judson University and Judson College at Southeastern are distinct institutions, each committed to promoting higher education from a biblical perspective and challenging students to become ambassadors for Christ. While Judson College at Southeastern (Wake Forest) is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and is a school of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Judson University (Elgin) is an independent Christian university that serves students across a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Both institutions proudly honor Adoniram Judson’s contributions by fostering Christian communities of higher education that inspire students to pursue lives of service, sacrifice, and faithful ministry.
About Judson College at Southeastern (Wake Forest)
A school of Southeastern Seminary, Judson College at Southeastern remains committed to its mission of equipping students to give their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society. As North Carolina’s only accredited, four-year, confessional Christian college, Judson College at Southeastern offers a dynamic range of programs, ranging from business and teacher education to international missions, pastoral ministry, and church planting.
With a focus on developing both ministerial and professional skills, Judson College at Southeastern nurtures a vibrant Christian community where students can discern their calling, develop a biblical worldview, and learn to make disciples wherever Christ calls them.
About Judson University (Elgin)
Judson University offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, integrating faith and learning for over 60 years. Known for its innovative architecture program, founded in 1997 and accredited in 2004, Judson equips students with sustainable design skills. The RISE Program supports students with intellectual disabilities, while the athletics program promotes leadership in a Christ-centered environment. Judson also honors the legacy of Adoniram Judson, a passion championed by former President Jerry B. Cain, who served for 14 years. Judson remains committed to shaping students for impactful leadership.
Judson University remains steadfast in its mission as a comprehensive evangelical Christian university, offering programs across the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. With a commitment to intellectual refinement, professional development, and lifelong learning, Judson University equips students to be responsible and Christ-centered individuals who contribute positively to their communities, the nation, and the world.