Past Presidents

Dr. Alva J. McClain
1937-1962

  • July 28, 1937
    Grace Theological Seminary established; Dr. Alva J. McClain appointed first president

  • September 1, 1937
    First classes in Akron, OH
  • June 3, 1938
    First graduation

  • April 29, 1940
    Incorporated into the State of Indiana

  • September 1940
    Campus relocated to Winona Lake, Indiana

  • September 7, 1948
    Grace College founded, four majors offered: English, History, Greek and Bible

  • August 30, 1951

    Dedication of McClain Hall

  • August 20, 1958
    Dedication of Philathea Hall and Lancer Gym

Dr. Herman A. Hoyt
1962-1976

  • April 24, 1962
    Dr. Herman A. Hoyt appointed second president of Grace Theological Seminary and Grace College

  • August 20, 1964
    Dedication of Alpha Hall, first residence hall and dining commons

  • 1966

    Dedication of Beta Hall, first men’s residence hall

  • August 23, 1968
    Assume operation of Winona Lake Christian Assembly

  • May 2, 1969
    Betty Zimmer Morgan Library dedicated

  • August 23, 1969
    Grace Theological Seminary and Grace College incorporated as Grace Schools in the State of Indiana

Dr. Homer A. Kent, Jr
1976-1986

  • February 24, 1976
    Dr. Homer A. Kent, Jr. appointed third president of Grace Schools

  • 1977
    New graduate programs in Missions

  • March 14, 1978
    Dedication of the Chester E. Cooley Science Center

  • 1978
    Nursing Program began

  • 1979
    Six tennis courts constructed

  • 1980
    New graduate programs in Biblical Counseling

  • 1981
    Dining Hall enlarged; Grace rejoins the Mid-Central Conference

  • 1982
    Regional accreditation achieved for the seminary

Dr. John J. Davis
1986-1993

  • February 24, 1986
    Dr. John J. Davis appointed fourth president of Grace Schools

  • September 29, 1988
    Grace Schools and Winona Lake Christian Assembly merge

  • 1988
    Byers Music Hall remodeled

  • 1990
    Admitted to the membership of Independent Colleges of Indiana Foundation; Doctor of Ministry added; McClain Auditorium, Dining Commons, Little Theater, and Morgan Library renovated; Seminary adds new master’s programs

  • 1992
    Lancer Gym renovated; NAIA Men’s Basketball National Title