January 6, 2010: As of January 1, Belhaven College officially changed its name to Belhaven University. The decision was announced on December 1, 2009, after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. Prior to the Board’s decision, an extensive study of the issues related to a name change was made, along with a survey to alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Over 1,000 people took the survey, and the overwhelming majority showed support for the name change.
The reasons behind the name change are numerous, and University President Dr. Roger Parrott has written an extensive letter to explain both the reasons for the change and to answer questions raised by individuals. The letter, along with a video of the announcement, can be found on the December 1st news release: “Belhaven College to Become Belhaven University.”
Belhaven University, formerly Belhaven College, prepares men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas. Founded in 1883, the University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, and online.