Magnolia Bible College to Close its Doors

MBC_064

Click Here for Instructions about Requesting a Transcript

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