About

Welch College is a private Christian college located in Gallatin, TN.

The National Association of Free Will Baptists founded the college as Free Will Baptist Bible College in 1942. The Board of Education of the National Association chose Nashville as an ideal site for the new college, centrally located among the major centers of the denominational population in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest.

The Board of Education selected Georgia native Linton C. Johnson as the college’s first president, a post he held for 34 years. The ministry of Dr. Johnson and his wife Ruth was of singular influence in shaping the character of the college, its sponsoring denomination, and its theological expression in the twentieth century. Under his leadership, the college moved from a fledgling Bible school to a comprehensive, accredited Bible college with numerous new buildings and programs of study.

The college purchased one building on Richland Avenue in the historic Richland-West End neighborhood, which later became known as Davidson Hall. Eight students gathered there in 1942, comprising the original student body. The original faculty and staff numbered four, including such luminaries as Laura Belle Barnard, J. R. Davidson, and Henry Melvin. Originally a two-year institution, the college added a third year of study in 1949, the fourth year in 1950, and awarded its first bachelor’s degrees to five seniors in 1951.

In 2012 the college changed its name to Welch College to signify its development into a more comprehensive Christian college. The college is named for John L. Welch and his wife Mary. Welch was the leading figure in bringing together eastern and western Free Will Baptists to establish the National Association of Free Will Baptists in 1935, having served as the first moderator and secretary of education of that association.

In addition to Dr. L. C. Johnson, Welch College has been led by four presidents: L. R. Ennis (1944-1947), Dr. Charles A. Thigpen (1979-1990), Dr. C. Thomas Malone (1990-2002), and Dr. J. Matthew Pinson (2002-present). Today the College enrolls over 400 students annually from approximately 25 states and several international countries.

We are a Christian Community of Faith and Learning

At Welch College, we provide a unique setting for preparing student-leaders to serve God in whatever field He is calling them to.

In this Christian community of faith and learning, students find their place in God’s world, and we equip them with the tools to fulfill that calling.

Educating leaders to
Serve Christ.

Explore our 50 programs of study.

Whatever your future occupation may be, we want you to know that life is about God. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.

Degrees

Welch Divinity School

Associate’s Degrees

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Certificado de Estudios Bíblicos

The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies

ESL Endorsement

Resources

Academic Calendar

Catalog

Populi

Library

Quick Links

Registrar

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In-Person. On-Campus.
See You This Fall.

Welch College has announced plans to return to a fully in-person learning and living campus experience this fall.

Explore our safe and thriving in-person community.

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Welcome Days

Senior Days

Resources

#WelchBound

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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On-Campus, Undergrad

Adult and Online

Graduate Degrees

Dual Enrollment

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Better Together

At Welch College, you will be part of a community where students and professors know who you are.

Our students love it here, and you will too! You will have a great time making friendships that last a lifetime while learning in a safe, wholesome environment.

Campus Life

Christian Service

Community

The Arts at Welch

Athletics

Student Wellness

Resources

Incoming Students

Quick Links

WelchStudent.com

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