10-Year MSCHE Accreditation Review:

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Founded in 1913, Cairn University enjoys a heritage that spans over one hundred years. In spring of 2015, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaffirmed our accreditation, which requires an on-site visit and review every ten years. In the last ten years, Cairn University has undergone many significant changes, improving and strengthening the University’s fulfillment of its mission. From new foundational documents and leadership to diversified academic programs and partnerships, here are some highlights of the 10-year period covered by the MSCHE review:

MISSION STATEMENT

Cairn boasts a new mission statement, one that emphasizes Cairn students’ impact on not only the church and parachurch organizations, but on the greater society and the world. Cairn is committed to educating students to serve Christ with their whole lives, whether serving in full-time ministry or in other vocations.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

Cairn’s Statement of Faith more clearly articulates Cairn’s evangelical conservative beliefs and values.

PROGRAMS

In 2005, Cairn offered just 32 traditional undergraduate programs, as well as 10 dual-level programs and two gap-year programs, the Wisconsin Wilderness Campus (WWC) and the Institute of Jewish Studies (IJS). Six graduate programs were also offered.

In 2015, Cairn currently offers 43 traditional undergraduate programs, 16 dual-level programs, and four First Year Programs (Outdoor Action, Israel and Archaeology, Arts and Culture, and Urban Ministry). Students may also choose among nine minors.

Today, Cairn also offers 11 graduate programs. Six fully online graduate programs are offered, as well as hybrid programs for Degree Completion and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

PARTNERSHIPS

Over the past 10 years, Cairn has built relationships with various organizations in order to elevate the profile of the University, expand accessibility of an affordable biblical education, and support the missions of regional and international Christ-centered organizations. These partnerships have included dual enrollment opportunities for homeschooled and Christian school juniors and seniors, as well as a number of tuition discount partnerships with mission-driven organizations seeking graduate education for their employees.

Read more about recent developments in Cairn’s local and international partnerships in this issue’s University News.

LEADERSHIP

President:
Replacing Dr. Sherrill Babb, Dr. Todd J. Williams became president of Cairn University in 2008.

Trustees:
Cairn’s Board of Trustees has added several new faces in recent years. The following new members have been selected for their expertise and experience in business development, research, leadership, and strategic and financial planning:

  • Dr. Jean S. MacFadyen (joined in 2006)
  • David B. Willard (2009)
  • Robert Doll (2011)
  • Matt Hancock (2014)

Deans:
All six current deans have been appointed in the last ten years. The following faculty demonstrate excellent administrative and leadership skills, bringing new perspectives and energy in further developing Cairn’s academic programs:

NAME
In 2012, the University made the decision to change its name from Philadelphia Biblical University to Cairn University. Our new name calls to mind the memorials that testify to God’s great faithfulness, like Joshua’s cairn at Gilgal (Joshua 3–4), as well as the guideposts that we are to follow on the path of righteousness (Jeremiah 31). It tells the story of who we are and what we do here as a biblical university.

While the institution has had many names in its over 100-year history (PSOB, BIOPA, PBI, PCB, PBU, and now Cairn), the University’s central commitment to Christ and His Word has stayed the same.