Tennessee Temple Statement on the Merger

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)  Officials with Tennessee Temple University officially announce their merger with Piedmont International University in Winston Salem North Carolina.
        Here is the official release:

In a historic move to preserve the rich history of two Baptist colleges, the trustees of Tennessee Temple University (TTU) unanimously voted to approve a merger of the Chattanooga university with Piedmont International University (PIU) in North Carolina. The merger will officially take place on April 30, 2015, pending the approval of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools which is the accrediting body for both universities. The merger will signal the conclusion of Tennessee Temple’s previous efforts to relocate to the site of Woodland Park Baptist Church.

Established in the mid-1940s, the two universities have a connection that stretches back to their founders, Dr. Charles Stevens and Dr. Lee Roberson. The forefathers were close friends who echoed each other’s founding visions.  Remarkably, Dr. Roberson once told Dr. Howard Wilburn, then president of Piedmont, “Dr. Stevens and I were great friends, and we established Piedmont and Tennessee Temple within months of each other. The two of us had a gentlemen’s agreement that if either school ever faltered, the two would come together.” Others have also cited Dr. Roberson making mention of this agreement.

“Little did our founders know that their pledge of support to each other would find fruition nearly 70 years later,” said Echols. “Merging with Piedmont International University is a once in a generation opportunity. Piedmont International is a well-respected, outstanding Christian institution of higher education whose impact through the years for the cause of Christ is immeasurable. We are grateful to have an opportunity to join with them in our common mission of seeing lives changed for the glory of God.”

Since 2013, Tennessee Temple University has planned to move locations to the site of Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga. However, the school encountered several factors that hindered or delayed the relocation process. Additionally, gifts for the new campus and proceeds from the sale of the university’s former campus did not bring the anticipated amount, making relocation no longer financially feasible.

“Woodland Park Baptist Church has been incredibly gracious to open up their campus to Tennessee Temple, and we are disappointed the move ultimately did not work out,” said Echols. “Yet, when God closes one door, He always opens another door. We believe that new door is our merger with Piedmont International University.”

The current Tennessee Temple campus has been sold to Redemption to the Nations, a ministry organization which has plans to establish a Bible college. While TTU has lease options that would allow the university to remain on its Chattanooga campus for another year, Echols indicated staying would not be financially wise. 

“Understandably, the news will initially be very difficult for our students, faculty and staff, but ultimately we believe the merge will result in a healthier, stronger institution,” said Echols. “During this time, we will do everything we can to make the merge as seamless as possible.”

Following the transition, Echols reports Tennessee Temple’s online students should expect decreases in their tuition rates with minimal interruptions due to the merge. TTU’s online education program will be transferred in its entirety to PIU. Likewise, the school’s residential students who move to the Winston-Salem campus will experience a drop in tuition and other fees of more than 25 percent. Residential students who choose not to move to Winston-Salem may complete their degrees online through PIU, with the same discount. They also will have opportunities to complete their degrees at a comparable cost—and with an unaffected graduation date— at either Shorter University in Rome, GA or Bryan College in Dayton, TN. Echols expressed deep appreciation to these institutions for graciously extending this offer to TTU students.

A portion of Tennessee Temple’s current faculty and staff will be employed by Piedmont International University.  Echols hopes that the early announcement will allow remaining faculty and staff sufficient time to find other positions.  

Tennessee Temple University’s legacy will be preserved through the addition of Temple Baptist Seminary to Piedmont International University, as well as the showcasing of TTU memorabilia on PIU’s campus. Additionally, a Tennessee Temple Scholarship has been established at PIU which will provide a one-third discount on tuition for current TTU students, as well as any student who has previously taken courses at Tennessee Temple. The scholarship will also be available on a continual basis to current faculty and staff, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Beyond this legacy, Echols notes that TTU constituents can take heart that the lives changed through the ministry of Tennessee Temple University will glorify God forever.