HISTORY OF TEMPLE BAPTIST COLLEGE

In keeping with the tradition of institutions of higher education in early America, Temple Baptist College was started in 1972 as an outgrowth of a religious consciousness.  The members of Temple Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Chester E. Ratliff, became burdened about a place where Christian men and women could be trained in ministry, business, and education.  There were no institutions of higher learning within the Greater Cincinnati area that offered a quality arts and sciences education with the values, philosophy, and doctrinal positions of Christians who have historically been called Baptists.

After much research, feasibility studies, and prayer, Temple Baptist College was started as an educational mission endeavor of Temple Baptist Church to assist Christians in carrying out their Christ-given responsibilities to make disciples as people prepare to serve God in their life professions.  They immediately secured the services of Dr. Gail Terrell to develop curricula and organizational structure that the Ohio Board of Regents would approve.  The Ohio Board of Regents approved the Bachelors of Arts and Science programs in 1972.

Dr. Terrell continued with Temple Baptist College as president until 1985.  In 1990, Dr. Wesley K. Smith became president and served until 1998.  In 1999, Dr. Joseph Paturi was appointed president of the college and he continues in that capacity.