The History of KCU

Kentucky Christian University was established in Grayson, Kentucky, on December 1, 1919, as “Christian Normal Institute.” The co-founders were J. W. Lusby, an outstanding educator, Church leader, teacher, and journalist of eastern Kentucky; and J. O. Snodgrass, a minister of the Gospel from Iowa. Associated with them was R. B. Neal, an evangelist of eastern Kentucky.

In her earlier days, Christian Normal Institute included both high school and junior college programs, as well as emphasizing the preparation of public school teachers, as indicated in the word “Normal.” This area of education was phased out during the early 1920s, at which time the education of young people for Christian ministries became the central purpose. The name was changed to “Kentucky Christian College” in 1944.

In September 2004, the institution changed its name from Kentucky Christian College to “Kentucky Christian University.” This name change represents a profound rebirth for the then-85-year-old institution. The move to university status brings with it a new seal, a new website, new signs, and many other surface changes. However, these changes are only significant because they represent the many new and exciting opportunities the University has to advance the Lord’s Kingdom through educational ministry. While the school’s name has changed Kentucky Christian University remains unwaveringly committed to its mission of educating students for Christian leadership and service throughout the world.

Through the years, under the leadership of J. W. Lusby (1919-1937), and his successors in the presidency, Dr. J. Lowell Lusby (1937-1977), Dr. L. Palmer Young (1977-1987), Dr. Keith P. Keeran (1987-2009), Dr. Jeff Metcalf (2009-2019), and Dr. Terry Allcorn (2019-Present), Kentucky Christian University has educated some of the most outstanding Christian leaders, both in the church and in other professions throughout the world.

Kentucky Christian University remains committed to providing a strong biblical foundation for each of her students. This foundation, then, becomes a source of beliefs, which will influence the way students conduct themselves within a chosen vocation. The belief that a Bible core and vocational preparation should coexist is distinctive at Kentucky Christian University. Her sixth president, Dr. Terry Allcorn, is committed to the task of seeing that this purpose remains central as the University’s programs expand to prepare Christian workers in several carefully chosen fields.