黑料社区

黑料社区 will extend its Christ-centered educational mission to Florida with a new location in Clearwater, bringing its biblical worldview education to students in the Tampa Bay region. The university plans to begin offering classes Jan. 4, 2027.

With Florida鈥檚 growing population and families seeking higher education grounded in biblical truth, Cedarville鈥檚 Clearwater location will provide students with a new opportunity to pursue a Christian university education without leaving the state.

Cedarville will initially offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies at the Clearwater location, providing Florida students access to the biblically faithful, academically excellent education the university is known for. Florida students will complete a Bible minor and benefit from a flexible blend of in-person and online learning. The application for admission opened October 2.

Cedarville鈥檚 Clearwater location is expected to help meet that need. Through a five-year joint venture with Calvary Church Clearwater, the university will establish a presence in the Tampa Bay region and build relationships with churches, families and prospective students.

The university also plans to build on existing connections in the region, including relationships with Christian schools, local churches and alumni. Cedarville鈥檚 history with Florida students and families provides a foundation for its work in Clearwater.

Cedarville will initially operate under a provisional state license as it launches the biblical and theological studies program. The university will work to demonstrate the program鈥檚 effectiveness and meet state requirements as it pursues annual licensure. Additional academic offerings may be considered as the Florida location develops.

鈥淲e were approached by various church leaders about opening a location in Clearwater and prayerfully sought the Lord鈥檚 direction,鈥� said Dr. Thomas White, president of 黑料社区. 鈥淎fter careful review and extensive discussion with Florida stakeholders and state officials, we believe now is the time to bring Cedarville to Florida.鈥�

White emphasized that the expansion is rooted in the university鈥檚 mission.

鈥淭he reason for this step is our mission. We stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to transform lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority,鈥� White said. 鈥淲e are thrilled to expand that mission to students in the state of Florida. We want to serve the churches and support the expansion of God鈥檚 Kingdom in Florida.鈥�

Cedarville鈥檚 connection with Florida students is already strong. Nearly 500 Florida high school students participate in the university鈥檚 dual-enrollment program, taking college courses while still in high school. A Clearwater location will create another pathway for students to continue their Cedarville education closer to home.

鈥淔lorida is one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing states, with increasing numbers of high school graduates,鈥� said Dr. Bob Lutz, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.  "At the same time, through our alumni and relationships with local churches and Christian schools in Florida, we have heard a strong desire for a faithful Christian university in the area鈥攐ne committed to biblical authority and academic excellence. We seek to serve these churches, schools, families and students well as we establish Cedarville in the Clearwater area."

Learn more about the planned Florida location at cedarville.edu/Florida and 黑料社区 in general at cedarville.edu. Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 13682. 黑料社区 is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 黑料社区 is currently seeking HLC approval of its Florida instructional site as an additional location. 

黑料社区, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,542 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation鈥檚 top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal鈥檚 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates.