Palm Beach Atlantic University

Last updated

Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic Univ. logo.png
Former names
Palm Beach Atlantic College (1968–2002)
MottoEnlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands
Type Private university
Established1968;56 years ago (1968)
Religious affiliation
Interdenominational Christian [1]
Endowment $100.5 million (2022) [2]
President Debra A. Schwinn
Provost Chelly Templeton
Academic staff
397 [2]
Students3,829 [2]
Undergraduates 2,233 [2]
Postgraduates 772 [2]
Location
West Palm Beach
,
Florida
,
U.S.

26°42′13″N80°03′05″W / 26.7036°N 80.0514°W / 26.7036; -80.0514
Colors Navy Blue & White
   
Nickname Sailfish
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division II – Sunshine State
Website www.pba.edu
Palm Beach Atlantic University Logo.jpg

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private Christian university in West Palm Beach, Florida. The university's nine colleges focus on the liberal arts with a select collection of professional studies. In 2022, its undergraduate enrollment was approximately 2,400.

Contents

Founded in 1968, the university grew out of a local Baptist church. It operated out of assorted buildings until the first purpose-built campus building was completed in 1982. A subsidiary campus operates in Orlando. Eighteen sports teams represent the university in NCAA Division II competitions.

History

Palm Beach Atlantic University was the vision of and was founded by Jess C. Moody in 1968 while he was the pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach. He served until the first class graduated in 1972 and resigned from the presidency to focus on his duties at First Baptist Church. Two laymen of the church, Donald Warren and Riley Sims, became involved as trustees before the university began and continued to contribute time and support for many years. Warren served as chairman of the trustees for 38 years until 2007.

In July 1972, Warner E. Fusselle, previously president of Truett-McConnell College, became the second president of the university and led the accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which was achieved in December 1972.

George Borders, Vice President of Student Affairs at Stetson University, became the third president of Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1978. He was popular with students and the Florida Baptist Convention. After his resignation in 1981 to become the president of the Florida Baptist Foundation, Claude H. Rhea became president. During his presidency, the university developed the Rinker campus and expanded its academic programs.

Paul R. Corts, previously president of Wingate College, was the fifth president of Palm Beach Atlantic. He presided over the addition of two graduate programs, from 1991 until 2002. He resigned in 2002 to accept a position as Assistant Attorney General for Administration with the United States Department of Justice.

David W Clark, President of FamilyNet, and founding provost of Regent University became the sixth President in 2003. During his presidency enrollment grew from 2,600 to 3,291. Five new buildings were completed including the Warren Library, a mini campus in Wellington was built, and 96 acres (390,000 m2) for a new athletic campus were acquired. The university budget grew from $43 million to $73 million. Over 4,600 or 40 percent of all degrees were awarded during his tenure. President Clark announced his retirement during the 2008–2009 academic year the end of June.

On July 1, 2009, Lu Hardin took office as the seventh president of Palm Beach Atlantic University. A former Arkansas state senator, Hardin had previously served as the president of the University of Central Arkansas. [3] Hardin resigned the presidency of PBA on March 4, 2011, [4] shortly before pleading guilty in federal court in Little Rock, Arkansas, to two federal felony charges (wire fraud and money laundering) which occurred during his tenure at UCA. [5]

On March 10, 2011, William M. B. "Bill" Fleming, Jr., the university's vice president for development, was named interim president by the university's board of trustees. [6] After a nationwide search, Fleming, who had served as interim president for more than a year, was elected by the trustees as the university's eighth president, beginning his presidency on May 8, 2012. [7]

On January 16, 2020, Debra Schwinn was announced as the new president of the university, following Fleming's retirement. Schwinn took office on May 4, 2020. [8]

Campus

Palm Beach Atlantic University PBA students Outside grass.jpg
Palm Beach Atlantic University

PBA's campus is located in West Palm Beach. The first structure built specifically for PBA, the W.G. Lassiter Jr. Student Center, was completed in 1982. This was followed by Johnson Hall and Sachs Hall in 1989. A new campus was established in Orlando in 2002 and in Wellington in 2002. The Wellington campus ceased operations in 2017.

Residence halls include Baxter Hall, Coastal Towers Apartments, Johnson Hall, Oceanview Hall, Pembroke Hall, Rinker Hall, Watson Hall, and Weyenberg Hall.

Classroom buildings include the Vera Lea Rinker School of Music and Fine Arts, the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Borbe Hall, MacArthur Hall, Rinker Hall, Oceanview Hall, The Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fern Street Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and the Okeechobee Building.

A permanent home for Sailfish athletics is in the form of a 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus at 3401 Parker Avenue in West Palm Beach — just a short drive from Palm Beach Atlantic University. The campus, located between I-95 and Parker Avenue just north of Southern Boulevard, provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate and intramural and club sport competitions. The facility opened in September 2014 and was completed in August 2017. [9]

Academics

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs through nine schools:

Academic freedom

In 2023, English professor Samuel Joeckel was fired following allegations from a parent that he was "indoctrinating" students by including racial justice texts in a composition class. Joeckel said that he had a racial justice unit for the last 12 years of his 20 years teaching at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and that students were instructed to come to their own stance and conclusions. He has filed a discrimination complaint with EEOC with hopes to establish adequate academic freedom for university faculty. [10] [11]

The university does not offer professors tenure. [11]

Ministry life

Chapel is held four times weekly in the DeSantis Family Chapel, Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., as well as other times, dates and locations that are listed on the chapel calendar. Chapel is a requirement for all full-time undergrad students. Students must attend 24 chapels per year. [12]

"Workship" is the school's community service program that seeks to respond to human needs with Christ-like action in the community and throughout the world, with the intention that such community service might help students discern their vocation and develop a lifelong habit of servant leadership. [13]

Mission Trips are offered yearly for students. Mission teams travel to countries all over the world and minister through evangelism, performing arts, street ministries, construction, medical outreach, sports workshops and more. The teams travel during the summer on a multi-week trip and on a one-week Spring Break trip. [14]

Athletics

The Palm Beach Atlantic athletic teams are called the Sailfish. The school's colors are navy blue and white. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) since the 2015–16 academic year as a provisional member for most their sports (achieving D-II full member status in 2016–17); [15] [16] while its men's and women's track & field teams compete as NCAA D-II Independents as the conference does not sponsor these sports. The Sailfish previously competed as an NCAA D-II Independent from 2003–04 to 2014–15; and in the Florida Sun Conference (FSC; now currently known as the Sun Conference since the 2008–09 school year) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1990–91 to 2002–03.

Palm Beach Atlantic competes in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.

Facilities

The new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus has beach volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, and running trails as well as a new state of the art weight and training rooms. The new 34,000 sq ft (3,200 m2) building houses locker rooms, meeting rooms as well as athletic offices. [17]

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stetson University</span> Private university in DeLand, Florida, US

Stetson University is a private institution located in Central Florida, along the I–4 corridor. Established in 1883 as DeLand Academy, it was later renamed John B. Stetson University in honor of a generous donor. The university's main campus in DeLand spans 175 acres and boasts Florida's oldest collection of education-related buildings, including DeLand Hall, the state's longest-standing building used for higher education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgetown College</span> Christian college in Georgetown, Kentucky, U.S.

Georgetown College is a private Christian college in Georgetown, Kentucky. Chartered in 1829, Georgetown was the first Baptist college west of the Appalachian Mountains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maranatha Baptist University</span> Private Baptist university in Watertown, Wisconsin

Maranatha Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Watertown, Wisconsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida Atlantic University</span> Public university in Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University is a public research university with its main campus in Boca Raton, Florida and satellite campuses in Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Fort Pierce. The university is a member of the State University System of Florida. FAU was established as Florida's fifth public university and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunshine State Conference</span>

The Sunshine State Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. All of its member institutions are located in the state of Florida, which is popularly known as the Sunshine State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nova Southeastern University</span> Private university in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida, U.S.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research university with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida, United States, in the Miami metropolitan area. The university consists of 14 total colleges, offering over 150 programs of study. The university offers professional degrees in the social sciences, law, business, osteopathic medicine (DO), allopathic medicine (MD), health sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, education, occupational therapy, and nursing. As of 2019, 20,576 students were enrolled at Nova Southeastern University, with more than 210,000 alumni. With a main campus located on 314 acres in Davie, Florida, NSU operates additional campuses in Dania Beach, North Miami Beach, Tampa Bay-Clearwater and campuses throughout the state of Florida. There are also campuses in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Denver, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bluefield University</span> Baptist university in Bluefield, Virginia, US

Bluefield University is a private Baptist university in Bluefield, Virginia. It offers 22 majors and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 82-acre (330,000 m2) campus is about 150 ft (46 m) from the state line between Virginia and West Virginia. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University merged with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine medical school system located at the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Christian University</span> Private university in Houston, Texas, U.S.

Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University, is a private Baptist university in Houston, Texas. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its Cultural Arts Center houses three museums: the Dunham Bible Museum, the Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Southern History.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hardin–Simmons University</span> Private university in Abilene, Texas, US

Hardin–Simmons University (HSU) is a private Baptist university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm Beach State College</span> Public college in Lake Worth, Florida, US

Palm Beach State College is a public college in Lake Worth, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. Palm Beach State College enrolls nearly 25,000 students in over 100 programs of study including bachelor of applied science, associate in arts and associate in science degree programs, and short-term certificates, as well as continuing education and avocational courses. In 2009, the college started its first baccalaureate program, a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision & Management.

Missouri Baptist University (MBU) is a private Southern Baptist university in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is one of three universities of the Missouri Baptist Convention. The main campus is located on a 68-acre site near Creve Coeur and Town and County in West St Louis County, off highway 64-40. There are currently 12 MBU locations including its regional learning centers throughout the St. Louis region and Illinois. The school enrolled 5,309 students in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corban University</span> Christian university in Salem, Oregon, US

Corban University is a private Christian university in Salem, Oregon. There are about 1,000 full-time students enrolled on the Salem campus and 2,800 worldwide. Athletically, it is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Catanese</span>

Anthony James Catanese is an American university administrator, author, and a former President and CEO of the Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to his position at the Florida Institute of Technology, Catanese was President of Florida Atlantic University. Catanese previously served as President and Chairman of the President's council of the Sunshine State Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Mary Hardin–Baylor</span> Christian university in Belton, Texas, US

The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor (UMHB) is a private Christian university in Belton, Texas. UMHB was chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845 as Baylor Female College, the female department of what is now Baylor University. It has since become its own institution and grown to 3,914 students and awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sun Conference</span> College athletic conference

The Sun Conference (TSC) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Seven of the ten full member institutions are located in Florida, with three in Georgia. The Sun Conference competes in the NAIA in all sponsored sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Vanatta</span> American basketball coach and college athletics administrator

Bob Vanatta was an American basketball coach and college athletics administrator. He was the head basketball coach for Central Methodist, Missouri State University, Army, Bradley, Memphis State, Missouri, and Delta State University. At Missouri State, he won the 1952 and 1953 NAIA Championships. He compiled a 109-34 record at Memphis State, including making it to the 1957 NIT Championship game. After coaching, he later served as athletic director at Oral Roberts University, commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference, commissioner of the Atlantic Sun Conference, executive director of the Independence Bowl, athletic director at Louisiana Tech University, commissioner of the Sunshine State Conference, president of the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner's Association, and associate athletic director at Florida Atlantic University. He was a Palm Beach County Sports Commission member, which presents the Lou Groza Award to the nation's top placekicker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doak S. Campbell</span>

Doak Sheridan Campbell was from 1941 to 1957 president of Florida State College for Women and its successor coeducational school, Florida State University. He oversaw the creation of this new university.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keiser University</span> Private university in Florida, US

Keiser University is a private university with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and flagship residential campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. Additional campuses are located in other parts of Florida and internationally. Keiser provides educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels in both traditional and online delivery formats. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of Palm Beach Atlantic University

The Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish are the athletic teams that represent Palm Beach Atlantic University, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) since the 2015–16 academic year as a provisional member for most their sports ; while its men's and women's track & field teams compete as NCAA D-II Independents as the conference does not sponsor these sports. The Sailfish previously competed as an NCAA D-II Independent from 2003–04 to 2014–15; and in the Florida Sun Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1990–91 to 2002–03. The school's colors are navy blue and white.

Samuel T. Joeckel is an American author, professor of English, and accomplished mountain biker. He is one of the world's top experts of author C. S. Lewis. Joeckel is the author of two books, The C.S. Lewis Phenomenon and The Christian College Phenomenon. He has also published many articles on 18th Century British Literature. He is also the co-editor of a volume about Christian colleges. He taught at Palm Beach Atlantic University for over 20 years until his termination in March 2023.

References

  1. ↑ "Palm Beach Atlantic University's new president has controversial past". Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on November 16, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Palm Beach Atlantic University Fact Book". Palm BEach Atlantic University.
  3. ↑ "Campus Community Gets First Glimpse of New President".
  4. ↑ "University President Lu Hardin Resigns".
  5. ↑ Brantley, Max (March 7, 2011). "Lu Hardin pleads to wire fraud, money laundering". Arkansas Times. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  6. ↑ Abramson, Andrew (March 10, 2011). "Palm Beach Atlantic University appoints vice president to fill top job temporarily". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  7. ↑ "William Fleming named PBA President - Palm Beach Atlantic University" . Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Debra A. Schwinn Appointed 9th President of University | Palm Beach Atlantic University". www.pba.edu. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Rinker Athletic Campus - Palm Beach Atlantic University" . Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  10. ↑ Marra, Andrew (May 1, 2023). "PBAU professor fired over teaching of racial justice files discrimination complaint". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Jaschik, Scott (February 19, 2023). "Professor's Job Endangered for Teaching About Race". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  12. ↑ "404 Error - Palm Beach Atlantic University" . Retrieved June 14, 2015.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  13. ↑ "Workship | Palm Beach Atlantic University".
  14. ↑ "404 Error - Palm Beach Atlantic University" . Retrieved June 14, 2015.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  15. ↑ "Sunshine State Conference Expands to 11 Institutions" (Press release). Sunshine State Conference. August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Sunshine State Conference Expands to 11 Institutions". sunshinestateconference.com.
  17. ↑ "404 | Palm Beach Atlantic University". www.pba.edu.{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  18. ↑ "Live, From West Palm Beach, It's Commencement - Palm Beach Atlantic University" . Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Jennifer Rothschild - About". July 14, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.