Austin Graduate School of Theology announces plans to relocate.

Austin Grad, a seminary associated with Churches of Christ and in conversation with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord, signed a contract on August 1, 2007 to purchase an existing building at 7640 Guadalupe St. in Austin. The 26,000 sq. ft. facility is two and one-half times larger than the current facility located at 1909 University Ave. The new facility will be completed and ready for students as they begin classes in January 2008.

President Reid and Board of Trustee Member Fred Strietelmeier sign closing documents.

This site has easy access to Hwy 183 and IH-35. It is adjacent to a church, school, and residential neighborhood. Both a Capital Metro Rail Station and a Transit Center are located within a half mile of the site which also has 91 parking spaces.

Since its inception in 1917 as a Bible Chair to the University of Texas, Austin Grad has continued to grow into an independent institution. Following is a timeline covering highlights of Austin Graduate School of Theology's development.

      1917 - University Avenue Church of Christ establishes a Bible Chair serving students at the
                University of Texas, Austin.
      1975 - Program expands to offer a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University (ACU).
                It becomes the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS).
      1987 - ICS receives accreditation to offer its own undergraduate degrees.
      1992 - ICS offers Master’s degrees through ACU.
      2001 - ICS becomes Austin Graduate School of Theology launching its own accredited
                graduate degree.

There are two reasons for the move. First, Austin Grad’s student body continues to increase. Over the last several years, the number of students has grown by 30%. This increase in students facilitates a need for larger student spaces, more classroom space, and student parking (of which Austin Grad currently has none).

Second, the School plans to expand its programs. Austin Grad is working on plans to add the Master of Divinity degree. For this degree the School will need more faculty and staff, offices for the additional personnel, and a larger library.

The new location will also provide room for Austin Grad to host several seminars and workshops on its campus. Currently, it must use other institution’s facilities for these events.

In conjunction with the move, Austin Graduate School of Theology is launching a three year, $3.5 million capital campaign. This campaign will provide for the purchase and remodeling of the new facility. To learn more about the campaign click here. 

The architect for the project is Studio 8, 611 W 15th St, Austin, Texas (512) 473-8989. The contractor is Structura Inc., 3445 Executive Center Dr., Suite 150, Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 495-9702.

For more information, or to give to the Building the Dream Campaign click here, or contact Kirk Eason at (512) 476-2772 or keason@austingrad.edu.

Building the Dream - Step by Step

Click here to see progress photos and a remodeling timeline.