Colorado Christian University
Established as a private faith-based institution, Colorado Christian University (CCU) is nestled in the city of Lakewood, Colorado. The origins of CCU are deeply rooted in its early establishment in 1914 as the Denver Bible Institute by Clifton Fowler.
main quad
CCU’s journey commenced with the Denver Bible Institute’s creation in 1914. Within five years, its burgeoning community led to acquiring a permanent site, courtesy of Denver’s business leaders. In 1945, a significant milestone was achieved when the institute received a state charter and transformed into Denver Bible College, a four-year Bible college. It marked the beginning of expansion, which saw the emergence of the college of liberal arts, the theological school, and the Bible institute. 1949 saw the institution adopting the name Rockmont College.
U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Cadet Kelsey Berger, a guard on the women?s basketball team, drives to the basket during a game against Colorado Christian at Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 30, 2010. USAFA defeated Colorado Christian 68-58. (DoD photo by Megan Davis, U.S. Air Force/Released)
By 1981, Rockmont College was recognized with accreditation from the North Central Association. The year 1985 marked a merger with Western Bible College, previously Western Bible Institute in the 1970s, resulting in the formation of Colorado Christian College. Further evolution occurred in 1989 when Colorado Christian College combined forces with Colorado Baptist University, leading to the establishment of today’s Colorado Christian University.
Additionally, CCU is known for hosting the Western Conservative Summit, organized with its think tank, The Centennial Institute.
The primary grounds of Colorado Christian University are set against the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Lakewood, a Denver suburb. This campus is a hub for undergraduate studies and provides residential options for married and graduate students. CCU extends its reach across Colorado with regional centers in various locations for its college of adult and graduate studies.
The institution embarked on a quest for a new campus near Ken Caryl, Colorado, in 2002 after plans to develop their Morrison-based Foothills Campus fell through. Despite holding classes on a 53-acre site for over four decades, shared with a Christian radio station, the university eventually vacated and razed the property due to zoning challenges.
Town of Morrison with Red Rocks Amphitheatre in background
CCU is in the midst of a substantial overhaul of its Lakewood campus, anticipated to span 7 to 9 years and cost in excess of $120 million. This initiative was driven forward in 2012 by CCU’s then-President William Armstrong. In memory of Armstrong’s contributions, the university initiated the Armstrong Legacy campaign, which aims to garner $30.2 million for the Armstrong Center, complemented by $19.2 million for a second academic building, and an ambitious $50 million for new student scholarships.
Leprino Hall, a 43,000-square-foot academic building, represents the first phase of CCU’s renovations, finalized in the summer of 2014.
August 2015 welcomed the inauguration of Yetter Hall, a residential complex named in honor of Archie Yetter, Rockmont College’s president from 1954 to 1963. The hall accommodates approximately 300 students.
The Anschutz Student Center, unveiled in 2017, is positioned at the heart of the campus, featuring dining options, administrative offices, and recreational facilities. Following in 2019, Rockmont Hall emerged as a second residence building, a nod to one of CCU’s predecessor institutions.
Efforts are ongoing to raise funds for the Armstrong Center, envisioned as an academic hub that will host the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics, the Clifford Fowler Library, and the institution’s inaugural chapel.
CCU comprises a college of undergraduate studies and a college for adult and graduate learners!
Thus, offering an extensive array of degree, licensure, and certification programs. With accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and memberships in esteemed educational bodies, CCU ensures a robust academic environment. Undergraduate offerings span 30 majors and 37 minors, including off-campus study through global education programs.
The college for working professionals provides undergraduate degree completion, educator licensing, and master’s programs, available at multiple centers and online.
Admission policies at CCU embrace open enrollment!
Yet they require applicants to submit a spiritual recommendation reflective of their Christian beliefs and growth.
In rankings, CCU was placed 68th in the Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report in 2020, showcasing its educational quality.
Student life at CCU is defined by a “Lifestyle Covenant,” a pledge that intertwines faith with academic pursuit and community living. Compliance with this covenant, which necessitates church and chapel attendance and adherence to legal standards, is mandatory for enrollment. Chapel credits and community service are integral to the CCU student experience, as is participation in global outreach through mission trips sponsored by CCU2theWorld.
The athletic spirit thrives within the CCU Cougars, who engage in NCAA Division II and NCCAA sports, representing the university in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Notably, the women’s soccer team achieved success in both the RMAC and NCCAA tournaments.