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History


Clearwater Christian College began with a burden in the hearts of the founders concerning the trends in evangelical colleges away from biblical standards of morality and from the historic Biblical fundamentals. The founders perceived a growing casual attitude toward doctrine and lack of emphasis on personal soul-winning. They were burdened about the tendency of Christian colleges to drift toward the ecumenical movement, new evangelicalism, and ecumenical evangelism.


Dr. Steele and Clearwater Mayor Turner at groundbreaking
The possibility of establishing a Christian college on the west coast of Florida became a reality in January 1966 when Clearwater Christian College was officially incorporated in Pinellas County, Florida. The College acquired 50 waterfront acres at the eastern entrance to the city of Clearwater and began construction on campus buildings in early April.

On September 17, 1966, fifteen students enrolled as the first class of Clearwater Christian College. The Lord providentially supplied funds, friends, faculty, facilities, and a promising student body. The great enthusiasm and sense of expectancy during that first year has continued.


Construction of Emmons Hall
The College board, administration, and faculty were persuaded to align with the possibility of regional accreditation. After much prayer and preparation, Clearwater Christian College received full accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) in December 1984 and in 1999 gained reaffirmation for SACS-COC accreditation. This recognition by a secular, non-governmental agency signified the college's commitment to basic educational standards as compared with other accredited colleges and universities without compromising its historic position on doctrinal issues or its high standards of personal conduct. In 1994, the college received approval for its teacher education programs thereby making education graduates eligible for state certification. In 2008, the Florida Department of Education granted full approval for Elementary Education graduates to be certified with a reading endorsement. The College has been listed in US News & World Report's America's Best Colleges for over a decade.


Steele Hall Under Construction
In January, 1987, the Board of Directors named Dr. George D. Youstra to succeed Dr. Steele as president. Dr. Youstra brought an extensive record of accomplishments in Christian education and government to this leadership role at the college. Since 1987, the college enrollment has more than tripled, new buildings have been added, 88 additional acres have been acquired, and new programs offered.


Four Presidents (left to right: Dr. Stratton, Dr. Youstra, Dr. Cohen, and Dr. Steele)
In May 2002, Dr. Richard A. Stratton assumed the presidency. In addition to his heart's desire to preach, Dr. Stratton brings to his position a wealth of experience in education and business. One of the major accomplishments during Dr. Stratton's presidency has been the establishment of the CCC Graduate Studies program. In December 2007, CCC received approval from the Florida Department of Education and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

Through the years, the college "family" has seen the Lord provide miraculously for the continuance of the ministry. This provision is due to the position the College has taken against doctrinal extremes, apostasy, and error, and its commitment to the fundamentals of the historic Christian faith. Clearwater Christian College began in the will of the Lord through much prayer and will continue to operate seeking His guidance, protection, and provision.

CCC Timeline


January 18, 1966 - College is officially incorporated in Pinellas County, Florida

February 5, 1966 - Thirty-five acres purchased in Clearwater on Courtney Campbell Causeway

April 2, 1966 - Ground-breaking ceremony. Construction begins on main campus

September 17, 1966 - Undergraduate classes open at Clearwater Bible Church with 17 students

December 5, 1966 - Classes first held on new campus

May 30, 1969 - First college graduation with class with five graduates

January 15, 1987 - Inauguration of Dr. Arthur E. Steele as first president and dedication of Dambach Hall/student residence facility.

April 5, 1970 - Dedication of the College Library

October 1974 - Dedication of men’s residence hall and gymnasium

Summer 1980 - Dr. Gary G. Cohen named second president

Summer 1981 - Dr. Arthur E. Steele returns as president

September 16, 1983 - Cathcart Hall dedication

December 11, 1984 - College receives initial regional accreditation from SACS

February 13, 1987 - Inauguration of Dr. George D. Youstra as third president

October 19, 1989 - Dedication of Easter Library and Margaret M. Murray Collection after expansion of building and collection through purchase of Yankton College library

November 16, 1989 - Dedication of Paden Hall-new women’s residence facility

October 31, 1990 - Dedication of Gospel Center Memorial Chapel after expansion/renovation of Dambach Hall

July 1, 1993 - College receives state approval of its teacher education programs

January 24, 1994 - Dedication of Merritts Hall-new men’s residence facility

February 1, 1997 - Dedication of the Paden Hall addition

May 1997 - Expansion of gymnasium facility to include music wing, student café, bookstore

January 30, 1998 - Eighty-nine acres purchased adjacent to existing campus

September 15, 1999 - Dedication of Steele Hall-additional classroom space and men’s residence facility

September 15, 2002 - Inauguration of Dr. Richard A. Stratton as fourth president

December 10, 2007 - College approved to offer graduate studies

June 9, 2008 - Graduate classes open on campus with three students