by Norm Miller
CLEVELAND, Ga. (TMCNews)—Officials at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga., announced its intent to offer Master’s degrees following approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Dec. 10.
“The hand of God we attempt to follow has in turn blessed us in this expansion of our academic training and spiritual influence. We are elated to announce the launch of our graduate degree program for fall 2014,” said Truett-McConnell’s president, Dr. Emir Caner.
“This addition to our academic offerings is a response to the near-miraculous growth of the college,” Caner said. Since 2008, the school has grown from about 450 students to more than 1,600.
Dr. Brad Reynolds, TM’s vice president for academic affairs, said, “With this advancement in academic status, another phase of Dr. Caner’s on-going vision for Truett-McConnell College has come to fruition.
“In honor of the God who continues to bless our efforts, we will inaugurate this new level change by offering a Master of Arts in Theology next fall,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds told TMNews the approval by SACS means graduate degrees reflective of professional careers paths also can be offered in the future.
“Eventually, we will offer any number of graduate degree programs,” Reynolds said.
To assist Reynolds in the burgeoning academic program, Dr. Joe Wiegand joined TM’s administrative staff Nov. 15 as associate vice president for academic services.
Formerly employed at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va., Wiegand holds several degrees, including: LL.M., University of London – King’s College; J.D., Regent University School of Law; M.A., Regent University School of Government; and a B.A., Michigan State University.
Wiegand’s other duties will include oversight of TM’s growing online program, and he will be integrally involved in any future curricular changes.
“We are elated that God has sent Dr. Wiegand to us. His world class credentials carry significant weight in helping us move the college forward,” Reynolds said. “However, it is not only the mind of this man we respect so much, but his heart we also admire because of Dr. Weigand’s commitment to God and to the mission of Truett-McConnell College.”
Truett-McConnell College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Truett-McConnell College.
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