The History of Friends University
First Graduate Programs Added
North Central notified President Felix on June 20, 1986 that they had approved the first graduate programs at Friends, one..Read More
Alumni Auditorium Restored
The launch of a $10 Million IMPACT campaign helped restore Alumni Auditorium to its former glory after it had been..Read More
Casado Campus Center Dedicated
The Casado Campus Center is dedicated on April 1989 named after Cuban immigrant Luis and his wife Vera Casado. Luis..Read More
President Felix Resigns
President Felix resigns as president to assume a presidency at Azusa Pacific University in California, putting George Robert (Bob) Dove..Read More
First Full Time Chaplain
Dr. James Bryan Smith, a 1984 graduate, becomes the first full-time campus chaplain. He established small study and prayer groups..Read More
Biff Green Inaugurated as 12th President
On October 18, Dr. Biff Green is inaugurated as the 12th president of Friends University, coming from the University of..Read More
First Lady’s Beautification Efforts Transform Campus
First Lady Binnie Green and Vice President for University Advancement, Hervey Wright II established the Landscape Committee to improve the..Read More
Davis Building Gets a Facelift
With the Davis Building was showing its age, President Green and the Board of Trustees decided to restore the building..Read More
Circle Drive Replaced
Circle Drive was removed to create the Rose Window Plaza, a replica of the stained glass rose window in Alumni..Read More
Campus Expansion
Carl and Dixie Sebits gave the university $3 million to expand the science, jazz and ballet programs. A one-story addition..Read More
Centennial Celebration
Friends University celebrated it’s 100 anniversary! The Singing Quakers performed at the Centennial Kick-Off event on September 21, 1998. The..Read More
Terrorist Attack in New York Shocks the World
The terrorist attack in New York and Virgnia on September 11, 2001 shook the world and closed down international travel...Read More
Dr. Riney Retires and is Replaced by Dr. Mark Bartel
Dr. Cecil Riney announced his retirement after 45 years as a faculty member at Friends University. Dr. Mark Bartel assumed..Read More
Apprentice Institute Opens
In August 2009, Dr. James Bryan Smith developed the Apprentice Institute. The institute provides spiritually transforming educational experiences for churches..Read More
President Green Retires
Biff Green announced his retirement from his role as president.
Debut Apprentice Gathering
The first Apprentice Gathering was hosted in Alumni Auditorium. The three-day conference connected notable authors and speakers with attendees from..Read More
T.J. Arant Inaugurated as 13th President
T.J. Arant is inaugurated as the 13th president of Friends University.
Amy Bragg Carey Inaugurated as the Fourteenth President
On October 16, 2015, Dr. Amy Bragg Carey was inaugurated as the 14th President of Friends University. Dr. Carey came..Read More
Revitalization and Growth Plan
Dr. Carey establishes a Revitalization and Growth Plan. Within a year that plan made way for: a reaffirmed Christian mission;..Read More
Jerry Smartt Develops Latino Leadership Program
Dr. Jerry Smartt and President Carey collaborated on a mentorship and leadership program for students with an interest in Hispanic..Read More
Dallas Willard Endowed Chair Established
The university established the Dallas Willard Endowed Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation named in recognition of the significant role Dallas..Read More
Italy and Austria Tour
The ensemble took their music abroad to Italy and Austria, performing in churches and cathedrals with an orchestra. During their..Read More
Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore Announced as New Singing Quakers Director
Southern California native, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore assumed the role of Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quaker Conductor in..Read More
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Athletic Department establishes a partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, hiring an FCA staff member to mentor students...Read More
Global Pandemic Cancels Classes
As the world navigated a global pandemic due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, the university followed national mandates to close the..Read More
Big Announcement
On February 9, 2021, Dr. Carey releases a “big announcement” highlighting a new RISE Up Capital Campaign that sought to..Read More
Fine Arts Performances Resume
A year after the pandemic’s surge, the university hosted in-person music and theatrical performances once again.
Classes Resume With Health Regulations
In the fall, the campus returns to in-person learning with hybrid options and enhanced health and safety measures on campus..Read More
Renovated Garvey P.E. Center Dedicated
October 22, 2021, the Garvey P.E. Center was dedicated after months of construction. The updated facility now features larger weight..Read More