MOBERLY, MO - After a season of expansion, evaluation, and planning, Central Christian College of the Bible will update its name to Central Bible University, effective June 1, 2026. At the announcement in chapel services on March 3, President David Fincher said, “The updated name of Central Bible University will solidify our unique identity, emphasize our biblical mission, and better represent our work now and in the future.”
Central was established in 1957 to “recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.” The name Central was originally chosen to reflect its central Missouri location in Moberly and its central location within the United States. Central Bible University will continue to be synonymous with the legacy of ministry education for the Christian church.
From the beginning, Central has faithfully focused on teaching the Bible, promoting conservative biblical doctrine while preparing students for the ministry, the marketplace, and the mission field. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) since 1982, Central has always offered a quality education at an affordable price. However, “College of the Bible” is not always understood by modern students. In addition, the name’s length has made it difficult to find, remember, or abbreviate. Central Bible University concisely expresses its mission: educating biblical servants for a faithful life of kingdom ministry.
The University name will represent four educational components. Residential Undergraduate Education on the Moberly campus will continue in modernized buildings, as each one has been renovated since 2017. Athletic teams will continue to compete at the NCCAA Division II level in basketball, volleyball, and soccer using the Saints mascot.
Central multiplied its impact in 2020 with graduate education through the Russell School of Ministry, with courses taught in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and online. Graduate Dean Dr. Don Sanders said, “The MA in Ministry Leadership degree has concentrations in organizational health, co-vocational ministry, and preaching, all of which develop better ministers for the church.”
Making ministry education available to church members and leaders in their own congregations is a major focus of Central’s national strategy. Extended education at regional sites in Cincinnati and St. Louis offers Bible courses through unique partnership agreements with local churches. Central also offers innovative leadership education through the Center for Church Leadership, founded by Cincinnati Christian University in 2016 and sustained by major grants to strengthen Christian church leaders and congregations across the country. Multiple educational opportunities are available from Central Bible University.
With the pursuit of knowledge and service driven by the unifying truth of Scripture, Central Bible University will begin its 70th year of service in the summer of 2026. This updated name and brand identity will be implemented over the next few months and used exclusively starting June 1, 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why does "Central Christian College of the Bible" need an updated name at this time?
The original name has always been challenging for potential students and those unfamiliar with Central to use and remember due to its complex word order, difficulty keeping the abbreviation straight, and unfamiliarity regarding what a “College of the Bible” is. While it was somewhat common in the early 1900s, Central is now the only accredited institution in America with “College of the Bible” in its name. As Central has expanded into new areas for different audiences, the current name does not adequately capture the various levels and locations of ministry education.
2. Why was Central Bible University chosen over other possible names?
The Board determined that it was vital to maintain Central for recognition and continuity, keep Bible for its mission and clarity, and use University to represent the scope of levels, locations, and audiences. CBU was chosen to honor the past and represent the future of the institution’s mission, vision, and core values.
3. Does the word university accurately describe the kind of institution that Central is?
Yes, because the word “university” can refer to many different types of institutions of higher education. Whether it is a comprehensive public institution (e.g. University of Missouri) to a smaller, mission-limited institution (e.g. University of Health Sciences), university is used for institutions of higher learning with various branches of learning, levels, or locations. Among other ABHE institutions, over 30% use the word University, including 35% of the newer institutions. Central is similar to other mission-driven universities accredited by ABHE.
4. Who were key stakeholders involved in this process?
As early as the 1980s, the Board considered changing the name. Following collaborations with Cincinnati Christian University and St. Louis Christian College, it has been seriously reviewed by the leadership teams. Starting in 2023, various options were considered. Consultations with an educational marketing expert confirmed the value of an updated name. As part of the most recent institutional planning cycle, the updated name was evaluated by the planning team, endorsed by major donors and partners, proposed to faculty and staff in Summer 2025, and considered by the Board in October 2025 with final approval in January 2026.
5. How will Central's mission be affected by the updated name?
Central’s mission of “Educating Biblical Servants for a Faithful Life of Kingdom Ministry” will remain the same with an updated name to reflect its historic roots and institutional purpose.
6. How does the updated name reflect Central’s vision for the future?
Central’s vision statement is “Innovative Ministry Education in Multiple Locations for the Christian Church”. The name reflects a need for ministry education to be offered in multiple locations, at multiple levels, and in multiple methods. Central Bible University reflects the unity brought by the Bible to the diversity of students, places, and programs.
7. When will the name change officially take effect?
The official academic identity will change on Monday, June 1, 2026. Starting that day, all transcripts, degrees, and official documents will use the name Central Bible University. Our marketing team has already developed a brand identity and style guide to be used across all realms that represent Central to potential students and stakeholders. This will be used starting immediately as existing materials and content are replaced.
8. How will Central’s web address be affected by this change?
Central successfully registered CentralBible.edu in 2025, and it is already directing to the current website. On June 1, a new website will go live with the updated name and branding. Before June 1, all employees, returning students, and new students will be given an email address ending in @centralbible.edu, which will also work with @cccb.edu. Central will also maintain cccb.edu, so earlier email addresses and services should continue to work.
9. How much will it cost Central to implement this updated name?
Based on spending by similar schools, expenses for materials, publicity, signage, legal fees, and more are estimated at approximately $250,000. Donor funds were given for this project so that no borrowing, budget cuts, or cost increases will be needed to implement the change.
10. How will the updated name affect accreditation or partnership with other institutions?
Central’s ABHE accreditation through 2033 will remain after they are notified, as will its participation in federal financial aid, state authorization, and NC-SARA membership. Agreements with educational partners like Indiana Wesleyan University, Columbia College, and Moberly Area Community College will continue and expand.
11. How will this change impact current students, faculty, and staff?
Central's team will produce and install updated materials and items by the start of the Fall 2026 semester. After the implementation is complete, there should be no other major changes.
12. How will this change impact alumni who received their degree before June 1, 2026?
All conferred degrees remain valid and in effect. Diplomas will reflect the name of the institution at the time of graduation. Any transcripts or diplomas issued after June 1, 2026 will reflect the new name, Central Bible University. Instructions and policies for alumni to request a new or replacement diploma will be made available by May 1, 2026.
13. How will the name change affect prospective students and their application process?
We expect that CBU will clarify the values and identity of the educational product being considered by prospective students. For instance, international students often use the word “college” as an equivalent to American high school. Otherwise, prospective students will receive the same educational mission, programs, and financial aid they have come to expect.
For questions about the transition from CCCB to CBU contact Dr. David Fincher (president@CentralBible.edu).