Amridge University

32°21′54.1″N 86°10′17.7″W

Amridge University

File:Amridge Seal.jpg
Type	Private
Established	1967
Endowment	U.S. $174,505
President	Rex A. Turner, Jr.
Undergraduates	366
Postgraduates	346
Location	Montgomery , AL , U.S.
Campus	Urban, 9 acres (0.036 km2)
Affiliations	Churches of Christ
Website	www.amridgeuniversity.edu

Amridge University is an accredited private Christian university located in Montgomery, Alabama associated with the Churches of Christ. Formerly known as Southern Christian University, the Board of Regents changed the name to Amridge University on January 31, 2008.

Amridge's primary purpose has historically been one as a theological seminary to train ministers in Bible and Christian Counseling. However, it has expanded to offer other degrees. Seminary training continues to be the primary purpose, now offered in the university's Turner School of Theology (named for the school's founder, Dr. Rex A. Turner, Sr.). All levels of ministry and theological degrees are available (Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy). It offers resident and online education opportunities with some face-to-face time being required in order to receive a degree.

The campus is located in east Montgomery just north of I-85 at the Taylor Road exit, adjacent to Auburn University Montgomery.

Amridge University has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1989 to award Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

In keeping with its Christian heritage, Amridge University provides educational opportunities through five schools: (1) College of Business and Leadership, (2) College of General Studies, (3) School of Human Services, (4) Turner School of Theology, and (5) School of Continuing Education. Each of these schools has its own special purpose within the overall purpose and institutional goals of the University.

Facilities

Libraries

The AU library features a large collection of religious books and theological reference works. A significant and growing number of periodicals are also present. The library is linked with other libraries across the U.S. to ensure availability of books which may be borrowed via interlibrary loan. The library card catalog is online and available for searching by students, faculty, and staff.

Buildings and Physical Plant

The AU campus has one building which houses classrooms and the library downstairs. Upstairs houses mainly administrative offices. Classrooms are equipped with extensive multimedia equipment so that instruction and lecture may be streamed via the internet. Instructors may stream computer data, video or still pictures from their desk in addition to their own comments. Students have hard-wired computer stations at every desk and may also make use of wi-fi access when in the building.

Controversies

Frequent Name Changes

On August 2, 2006, Southern Christian University’s board of regents voted to change the institution’s name to Regions University. They expected this would enhance the institution’s opportunities, complementing its purpose and vision while expanding its scope of educational and religious heritage to all the regions of the world. The name change, however, sparked a civil lawsuit by Regions Financial Corporation on September 29, 2006 for trademark infringement. Apparently, Southern Christian University conducted little or no investigation into using the Regions name. Consequently, on January 31, 2008, the board of regents resolved to change the institution’s name once again, this time to Amridge University, preserving its mission and vision to expand its operations worldwide.

Disgruntled Student

December 2007, a former student -- a non-practicing Jew -- filed a civil lawsuit against Amridge University for religious discrimination and breach of contract by failing to provide a complete education. The institution refused to answer the complaint citing lack of jurisdiction because its brick and mortar business was in Alabama and the student resided in Pennsylvania. Amridge University also claimed it was merely an “information website.” The student argued personal jurisdiction in internet cases because the institution advertises itself both on its website and in printed mailings as providing “live distance learning.” The pending case has been moved to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

External links

• Official Site