Dr. Paul Alexander, PresidentA significant factor contributing to the institution’s success is its debt-free status, which enables Trinity to offer substantial financial support to students and faculty alike. This combination of affordability, accreditation and accessibility ensures quality Christian education is within reach for many.
Courses Bridging the World, Marketplace and the Church
Trinity’s academic program comprises 20 majors across its undergraduate and graduate divisions, deliberately designed in a conscientious way to align with real-life applications. Its programs range from an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (A.A.) to a Ph.D. in Practical Theology. The college’s small, residential nature fosters strong student-faculty relationships. Professors engage with students beyond the classroom through lunches and meetings, combining professional expertise with relational teaching. An impressive 11 to 1 student-faculty ratio further enables students not to get ‘lost’ in the crowd and prepares them to follow God’s call.
Shaping Lives through Transformative Experiences
During undergraduate years, every student at Trinity is required to participate in faculty-led mission trips annually, traveling to various locations within the U.S. and around numerous international destinations. These experiences are life-transforming, as illustrated by the story of a young man from a southern state.
The chapel sessions, rich in spiritual vitality, played a pivotal role in his transformation. Inspired by a visiting missionary, the student, who was pursuing a double major in Bible and Exercise Science, felt compelled to join outreach efforts in the Himalayas. Today, he shares daily updates on social media, illustrating the positive impact he and his family are making in that region.
“The vibrant experiences at Trinity substantiate our Pentecostal commitment to raising the next generation of Christian leaders,” states Dr. Paul Alexander, president.
Semester Programs to Enhance Global Awareness
Trinity has designed the semesters to include a mid-semester program called ‘World Engagement Week.’ This initiative invites individuals who are making significant impacts in crucial cultural contexts to broaden students’ understanding and engagement with global issues. For example, last year, it hosted professionals from Las Vegas who assist trafficked individuals, particularly women in the sex trade, providing a profoundly transformative experience for students. In the next year, its focus is on civic engagement, ensuring students can apply theological thought to contemporary cultural issues.
Innovative Graduate Courses
The college’s five leading-edge MA programs, including the MA in Global Theology and the MA in Rural Ministry, exemplify the innovation that defines the entire institution. Notably, the MA in Rural Ministry is the only degree in the U.S. that connects students with diverse perspectives on rural ministry.
In all its efforts, Trinity remains steadfast in its mission to prepare leaders who are not only academically excellent but spiritually fervent, ready to make a difference in their communities
In an assessment of MA Rural Ministry graduates over the last three years, virtually all graduates testified that their churches had doubled in number, and their community impact had enhanced due to the knowledge and skills they acquired during their studies.
The other innovative program, MA Global Theology, takes students to four continents, exploring significant influences on Christian thought throughout the 20th century, such as the collapse of empire, post-colonialism, religious pluralism and global Islam. Destinations include Great Britain, South Africa, India and Jordan. Rooted in research, these programs equip students to impact their communities by reflecting on God’s character in meaningful ways, ensuring relevance to contemporary issues.
Continuous Improvement and Strategic Benchmarking
Trinity actively benchmarks against similar institutions to remain competitive and forward-thinking. It prioritizes continuous assessment and program review, involving students, faculty, board committees and trustees to foster a culture of improvement. The leadership team conducts vision tours to learn from institutions like or more advanced than theirs, staying informed about education best practices and trends.
The Graduate School has just achieved associate status with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which indicates Trinity’s continued desire to add both accreditation and offer relevant professional recognition, whether in teacher education or pastoral counseling.
The institution also maintains a broad and forward-thinking perspective, consistently monitoring developments beyond its walls. In all its efforts, Trinity remains steadfast in its mission to prepare leaders who are not only academically excellent but spiritually fervent, ready to make a difference in their communities.
