After nearly 75 years, the name of Springfield’s Baptist Bible College has changed.
The private Christian campus at Summit Avenue and Kearney Street made public its new identity Thursday morning: Mission University.
The rebranding, a significant milestone in the institution’s history, is a respectful nod to the founding purpose of the institution to train Christian pastors and missionaries.
“We have overcome in the last few years some of the most difficult things a college can experience. But today, it pleases all of us to say that we are healthier than we have been in a long, long time,” said President Mark Milioni at the event Thursday. “Today is a new day. We have been reinvented, reinvigorated and revived.”
Milioni, in his 12th year, said the new name — quietly in place since Jan. 2 — is reflective of the expanded offerings now available.
“We are thankful for our historic past,” Milioni said. “And we are very excited about the future as we unveil our new name, brand and architectural plans.”