Carson-Newman University president Charles A. Fowler, left, and Phillip Dunn, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet, exchange football helmets in a celebratory show of partnership during a ceremony held at the church on Sept. 5. Carson-Newman and Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, a ministry of FBC, launched the Nashville Education Center to offer dual enrollment, undergraduate and graduate program opportunities in Middle Tennessee.
JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City and Mount Juliet Christian Academy in Mount Juliet have announced a new initiative that paves the way for the university to offer educational opportunities for those in the Nashville area this fall.
The announcement was made Sept. 5 during a special celebration held on the campus of First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet, where the academy is located.
“We are excited to be able to expand Carson-Newman’s reach in Tennessee,” said C-N president Charles Fowler. “Partnering with Mount Juliet Christian Academy and First Baptist Church to advance Christ-centered education is an opportunity for which we are truly grateful.
“We look forward to this partnership and know that it is going to be beneficial to all involved, but it will be transformative for the students who are served,” he said.
Fowler described First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet, as “an anchor church in this region.”
“We are grateful for their vision for Christian education, and we are particularly grateful God is allowing us to work together to deliver Christ-centered education to this area of Middle Tennessee,” he added.
Carson-Newman’s new Nashville Education Center will initially offer three programs: Job-embedded master of education, bachelor of business administration and bachelor of science in accounting. Carson-Newman also will be offering dual enrollment opportunities.
“The identity and mission of Carson-Newman expresses well our heart to train servant leaders for Christ at First Baptist Church,” said Phillip Dunn, senior pastor of the Mount Juliet congregation.
“It is a joy to partner with Carson- Newman as a Nashville Education Center as they extend their reach to Middle Tennessee. Carson-Newman offers a first-class education with a commitment to Christian convictions,” Dunn said. “Our community now has an opportunity to pursue higher education in our own backyard. These are exciting days for both Mount Juliet Christian Academy and Carson-Newman.”
Overseen by Carson-Newman’s College of Professional Studies, classes are offered two nights a week.
The Nashville Education Center, located at 735 N. Mount Juliet Road in Mount Juliet, joins Carson-Newman’s Knoxville Education Center, which opened in 2019, as another location option for those seeking a Carson-Newman degree. B&R
