Magnolia Bible College
to Close its Doors
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Kosciusko, Miss - On August 19,
2009, the board of trustees for Magnolia Bible College
announced that they will close the doors to the 33 year-old
Bible training school on December 17 of this year. The
announcement comes after financial issues forced the
closure. "This is a sad day for me and the board of
trustees," said Mark Castleberry, chairman of the board.
"We have worked tirelessly to find another solution, but at
this time, it is in the best interest of the institution
and those involved in its history to close the doors." The
college will remain open through the end of the fall
semester that comes to a close in December. Students will
either transfer or find other means to receive preacher
training.
As of Wednesday, six people were laid off leaving five
employees and two adjunct professors to finish out the
semester. The institution employed 11 faculty and staff and
a student body of 20 students. According to Castleberry, a
flat and down enrollment and the lack of donations and
revenue forced the closure of the school. "There are those
of us who truly loved this institution, however we have to
be realistic in what the future holds. We could not
continue," said Castleberry. "The faculty and staff did
what they could to cut expenses over the last several
years, however, our expenses have exceeded our income. The
closing was inevitable. We are still receiving donations
from alumni and friends of the institution to continue
classes this semester and offset the debt incurred by the
institution."
Magnolia Bible College was founded because of the vision of
the elders of the South Huntington church of Christ, who
saw a great need to train gospel preachers and other
workers in the kingdom of Christ. Classes began in the fall
of 1976 with nine students. "We believe this was a great
work for the kingdom of Christ," said John Gardner, elder
at the South Huntington church of Christ and acting
president for MBC. "Our alumni have and will continue to
prove that this institution served a great purpose for the
Lord. While I am saddened that we have to close the school,
I am encouraged by the trees we have managed to plant in
the kingdom of our Lord." Students currently enrolled will
have to complete their degree elsewhere. Representatives
from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee and
other universities that offer degrees in Bible will consult
with the remaining students to help determine the best
possible avenue for their future. After closure, students
will be able to access their records through Freed-Hardeman
University.
In 1979, the Mississippi Commission on College
Accreditation, contingent on progress with national and
regional accrediting agencies, provisionally accredited the
College. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
first accredited MBC in 1990 and reaffirmed the
accreditation in 2005. Since then, the school has struggled
financially, but has managed to produce highly educated
ministers for the churches of Christ.
Magnolia Bible
College
P. O. Box 1109
822 South Huntington Street
Kosciusko, MS 39090