About ECUA

History of ECUA

Evangel Christian University of America began as the International School of Ministry in 1976. The school of ministry was originally organized and chartered by Henry A. Harbuck, Ph.D., President, and Rev. Andrew E. Starks, Dean. The school served to meet the educational need of local pastors and lay ministers in Monroe, Louisiana.

In 1988, the founders reorganized Evangel into a Christian university. The school’s philosophy, objectives and programs were refocused to meet the needs of the twenty-first century adult learner. That same year Dr. Milton O. Peacock, a long-time educator, became president.

In 1996, the university moved from leased facilities in downtown Monroe, moving into its own spacious facility north of town. The extra breathing room led to much growth in ECUA’s educational opportunities. New programs were offered, and existing programs were retooled to meet the ever-changing needs of the body of Christ.

With a new century came new leadership. In 2000, Dr. Timothy G. Nance stepped up to the helm as ECUA’s new president. Dr. Nance had previously been ECUA’s academic dean for five years. Dr. Nance served ECUA well bringing much to the table until he went Home to be with the Lord on September 28, 2002. The Board re-established Dr. Henry A. Harbuck as president at that time. When Dr. Harbuck made the decision to retire in 2025, Dr. David Copeland was appointed President/Chancellor of Evangel. Having worked for years as the liaison between several foreign countries and Evangel, he carries the torch internationally forward continuing with our well-established educational values and programs.

What We Believe

We believe that:

  • The Bible is our sole guide for truth and is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
  • Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings in the original manuscripts and is therefore without error.
  • All scriptures were designed for practical instruction in our everyday living.

We believe in the:

  • Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and that all scriptures center on Him. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, vicarious atonement on the cross, bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
  • New birth of the believer, in the salvation of lost and sinful people through personal repentance, and in regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
  • Present ministry of the Holy Spirit by who’s indwelling the believer is enabled to live a godly life.
  • Resurrection of both the saved and lost, of them that are saved unto the resurrection of life, of them that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • Spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, that all are united to the risen and ascended Son of God and are members of the church which is the body and bride of Christ, which began at Pentecost. Its members are constituted as such regardless of membership or non-membership in the organized churches of the earth.

Accreditation

Evangel Christian University of America is accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission Int’l (TAC).

TAC is a professional nonprofit educational organization that accredits traditional and nontraditional schools, colleges, and theological seminaries. The philosophy of TAC is to demonstrate accountability to the consuming public for education obtained in traditional and nontraditional evangelical educational institutions. This accountability is demonstrated by institutions that are accredited by TAC having documented evidence of compliance with TAC standards of structure and governance, material resources, policies, faculty and curriculum. Further information concerning TAC may be obtained by contacting them directly:

Transworld Accrediting Commission Int’l (TAC)
1355 E. Alessandro Blvd, Ste. 201
Riverside, CA 92508
Office: 951-656-3590
Fax: 951-344-8236

ECUA is not nationally or regionally accredited. Although we are confident in our accountability through TAC accreditation, ECUA has not sought to become regionally accredited. We most likely will not in the future.

Notice Regarding National/Regional Non-Governmental Accreditation

National/Regional accreditation would involve coming under governmental regulations that may not be in harmony with our view of biblical ethics and principles. To come under such control, which is not required by law or necessary to remain accountable, we feel would impede our ability to follow the specific calling of our Lord to equip leaders in His church.

It is important for the potential student to know that some education institutions require that any credits transferred into their institution come from a regionally accredited school. Also, many state agencies require a degree from a regionally accredited school to receive certification.

ECUA has no control over what other institutions or agencies accept. The potential student is strongly encouraged to discuss with the ECUA staff how you plan to use your degree from ECUA.