VALLEY FORGE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE BECOMES THE UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE
Name Change Reflects the Quality and Breadth of the Institution’s Programs
PHOENIXVILLE, Pa., July 31, 2014 – On the heels of its 75th anniversary, Valley Forge Christian College proudly announces that it will become the University of Valley Forge (UVF) on September 16, 2014. Overwhelming support and endorsement for the change came from faculty, students, college trustees, alumni and church leaders.
Prompting today’s announcement was notification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE), the entity charged with the responsibility to approve university designations in the state, that the college’s application has been approved. A ceremony is planned to officially recognize the change and to unveil a temporary sign that will grace the front of the campus until a permanent sign is erected.
President Don Meyer, Ph.D., shared that, “The mission of the University of Valley Forge will not change. Though our name will change, the spirit of the institution, the dedication of our faculty and staff, the world-wide impact of our alumni and the abiding commitment to our God-given mission, will continue to be the hallmarks of the university.”
In preparation for the official name change, the school has created new branding that includes a UVF seal and logo, as well as a new athletic logo and patriot icon. Signage, marketing materials and other items will be rolled out in the coming months.
The name change to the University of Valley Forge ushers in a new era in the life of the institution, signaling exciting new curricula, enrollment growth, campus development, and an ongoing commitment to increase the quality of academic programs. The new name will help students obtain entrance into graduate schools and make it easier for alumni to enter foreign countries where religious freedoms are restricted. For a nominal fee, alumni can request a new diploma with the University of Valley Forge inscription by contacting the Registrar’s Office.
The name change also recognizes the maturation that has occurred over the past 75 years, which has resulted in the quality institution that exists today. Campus development has transformed the former Valley Forge General Hospital site into a beautiful and well respected campus. In addition, academic programs have grown in number and quality, with 67 undergraduate majors and 7 graduate programs.
All of the activities that contribute to the vibrant and authentic spiritual environment that exists now will continue, including a daily chapel service, the hiring of highly qualified, spiritually dynamic faculty members and a solid Bible core in all majors.
In addition to the main campus in Phoenixville, Pa., the university offers courses at its additional location in Virginia and at extension sites in South Carolina and Illinois. UVF is actively engaged in a process to rapidly expand its online offerings. As members of the NCCAA Division III and provisional members of the NCAA Division III, the university competes in 10 intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports.
Executive Vice President, Dan Mortensen, Ph.D., stated, “We now become alumni and friends of an institution with a new name and many exciting new developments. However, UVF will maintain the tradition of providing a caring faculty, committed to quality education in a distinctly Christian environment. Spiritual development will endure as a primary institutional objective. While things all around us change, at UVF, ‘preparing individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world,’ will remain our mission.”
As the change has been contemplated over the past few years, President Meyer has reflected on the amazing contributions of thousands of alumni, employees, board members and denominational leaders who have contributed to create the amazing environment that exists at the university. “We hold a deep appreciation for those who have gone before, who have sacrificed to build the foundation from which we launch the University of Valley Forge.” Meyer continued, “I am reminded of the anonymous quote that says, ‘From the altars of the past, take the flame and leave the ash.’ As we make this momentous change, we have the privilege to take the best of what has gone before and create a life-changing environment that will transform students to accomplish all that God has for them.”
The university will continue to be regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In addition, the Social Work Program of UVF is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Education Program of UVF is aligned to meet the requirements of the DOE. The university is endorsed by the Alliance for Assemblies of Higher Education, a group of 16 institutions serving approximately 3 million Assemblies of God adherents in the United States.
About the University of Valley Forge
The University of Valley Forge was founded in 1939 and is part of an international network of Assemblies of God colleges and universities. As a private university of the arts, sciences and professions, it provides undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learning programs, whose mission is to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world. The University of Valley Forge’s 150-acre main campus is located in Phoenixville, Pa. The university offers 67 undergraduate majors, seven graduate programs and nine associate programs, and has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio serving over 1,000 students.
The University of Valley Forge’s history dates back to 1939, when several small bible institutes consolidated and formed Eastern Bible Institute (EBI), in Green Lane, Pa. The institute charter was granted to train evangelists, pastors, missionaries, Christian educators and lay workers. EBI expanded in numbers and property space becoming Northeast Bible Institute (NBI) and, after a fourth year of study was added, became Northeast Bible College (NBC). In 1976 – 1977, NBC moved to its current location in Phoenixville, Pa., on the site of the former Valley Forge General Hospital, and was renamed Valley Forge Christian College (1976 – 2014).
For more information on the university, visit www.vfcc.edu/university.
Accreditations
The University of Valley Forge is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. (Website: www.msche.org. Phone: 267.284.5000). The Social Work Program of UVF is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. (Website: www.cswe.org. Phone: 703.683.8080).
