American Baptist College
American Baptist College (also known as
American Baptist Theological Seminary or ABTS) is a small, predominantly
African American liberal arts college located in
Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in
1924, its predecessor was Roger Williams University, a black college begun in the late-19th century and closed in the early 20th century (Its campus is now occupied by Peabody College of
Vanderbilt University). Primarily a school designed to train African American Baptist ministers, its student body was highly influential in the
civil rights movement.
The college officially opened under the name of the American Baptist Theological Seminary on September 14, 1924. In 1971, the school became an accredited four-year undergraduate
bible college, and its official name was changed to American Baptist College. Formed as a joint educational partnership between the Southern Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention, USA, the Southern Baptists withdrew its support of the College in 1995. The College continues to serve as the primary theological training center for the NBC, USA Inc.
Famous graduates
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John Lewis,
Georgia congressman
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James Bevel,
civil rights leader
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Bernard LaFayette, educator
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American Baptist College Website
