70 Years Later

Dr. Robert Knowles, Vice President for Advancement

French critic Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr has been credited as saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Many people have heard (and used) that phrase. When applied to Crandall University it does not take long to identify the changes and “sameness” of this institution.

Recently, our Manager of Marketing and Communications, Darrell Nevers (‘08), found a newspaper clipping from 1949 when the sod was turned on the Salisbury Road to begin construction of the United Baptist Bible Training School (UBBTS). He posted it on social media as a reminder that we are marking a special anniversary in the history of our University. This sod turning was a big step at the time. No students, no buildings, no money to speak of, but a big vision carried out by those with a big commitment.

UBBTS, ABC, ABU, and Crandall University have changed a lot. No longer a high school or junior college located on a small parcel of property on the outside of the city, Crandall University now boasts a much larger enrollment with students born in 25 countries of the world! More programs than ever are offered, bringing university education to the traditional undergraduate and the working professional. This past year we welcomed more international students than ever before and the upcoming year promises to be even more significant. The opportunities to study and work abroad for our students are expanding. Things are ever changing at Crandall University, much like our wider society.

But things are much the same…like our committed employees. Our faculty are well-trained in their disciplines and add a personal touch to the classroom because of the sizes of the classes, and because of their own approach with which they teach their disciplines. The staff continue to serve with excellence out of a sense of devotion to our common mission.

At the recent convocation, the University’s Scripture (Col. 1:18b) was read along with the singing of the hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” which date back to the early days of the institution. Little did the founders know how much they were setting the tone for the future and how these two messages continue to frame what we are about. This has stayed the same.

Another thing that has stayed the same is the degree of faith needed to move forward in Christian higher education. The early days were challenging to build the reputation of the school. Likewise, in a day of so many options, Crandall must continue to build its brand and market that to potential students. As a privately funded institution, Crandall has always relied on partners to come alongside to share the vision and financial load.

Which brings me to my final observation, the sacrificial contributions of our donor base stays the same. Yes, some of our long time donors pass on and we have appreciated how their giving has supported the founders’ vision, but new ones rise up and help meet the current needs. I am grateful for the many people who stand with us. That importance of partnership stays the same.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same” certainly applies to us. Thank you for helping us navigate the changes, and thank you for your faithfulness to our students amid all of them.

Dr. Robert Knowles (’89) has served as Vice President for Advancement since 2012. He is married to Crystal (Huxter) (’92, ’16), and they are parents to Micah (’17), Rachel (’20), Bethany (‘22), and Luke.

The Art of Photography Dale Preston