Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.
In support of its mission, Jarvis Christian University has adopted these Guiding Principles:
Scholarship and Life-Long Learning: To advocate life-long learning by challenging and supporting students and staff to pursue intellectual, personal and professional development.
Service: To intentionally provide a quality experience for students, colleagues, surrounding communities and the nation through community service and civic engagement, as service is the core of our profession.
Integrity: To exhibit ethical behavior in and beyond the academic setting, and be good stewards of our financial resources, acting as persons of high character guided by a commitment to transparency, fairness and honesty.
Respect: To embrace the doctrines of Faith, Family and Community, which ensure inclusiveness and diversity, understanding that every individual should be treated with professionalism, courtesy and kindness.
Responsibility: To be responsible and accountable for our actions in every situation, as it relates to the College, the community and the nation.
Christian Ethics: To emphasize that the Christian spiritual path provides an ethical code that, when followed, will make for a better person, a better College, a better community, and a better world.
History of Jarvis Christian University
Founded in 1912, Jarvis Christian University has a rich legacy rooted in a commitment to education, leadership, and service. Located in Hawkins, Texas, the university was established by the Christian Women’s Board of Missions in partnership with the Negro Disciples of Christ to provide educational opportunities to African Americans in the rural South.
The university’s namesake, Major James J. Jarvis, and his wife, Ida Van Zandt Jarvis, donated the land for the institution, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of higher education for generations of students. Originally focused on providing high school-level education, Jarvis evolved into a junior college by 1927 and a four-year institution in 1939, offering its first bachelor’s degrees.
Throughout its history, Jarvis Christian University has remained true to its founding principles of academic excellence, faith-based values, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. Today, the university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for leadership roles in a global society.
As an institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Jarvis continues to uphold its mission of empowering students through a transformative, Christ-centered education that fosters leadership, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.
Administrative Divisions of the University
Office of the President
Welcome to the Office of the President. At Jarvis Christian University, our rich history, commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success converge to create a transformative educational experience. As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing our university’s mission and enhancing the educational experience for all our students. We continue to invest in innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities that prepare our graduates to excel in an ever-changing world.
Division of Academic Affairs
Here at Jarvis Christian University, we are dedicated to making sure that your academic experience is one that will prepare you to not only survive in the global community but to thrive. We ascribe to the thought that in Academic Affairs we are not only responsible for your intellectual growth, but we are responsible for making sure that you mature spiritually, socially, and culturally.
Division of Enrollment Management and Retention
The Division of Enrollment Management and Retention is dedicated to attracting, enrolling, and supporting a diverse and talented student body. Our mission is to guide students through their educational journey—from the moment they express interest in our university to the day they graduate—ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.
Division of Institutional Advancement & Development
Welcome to Jarvis Christian University! The Office of Institutional Advancement and Development develops resources for university operations, programs, student support, capital development, and endowments.
Division of Student Affairs
Your academic and personal journey at Jarvis stretches far beyond the classroom. In the Division of Student Affairs, our students are our purpose. Whether it's finding your place and space on campus, connecting with other students who share and challenge your perspectives, our goal is to cultivate a student-centered culture that encourages positive and constructive communication among peers, faculty, and staff because we are here for you.
Division of Finance and Administration
The Division of Enrollment Management and Retention is dedicated to attracting, enrolling, and supporting a diverse and talented student body. Our mission is to guide students through their educational journey—from the moment they express interest in our university to the day they graduate—ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.
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