Inauguration, 80th Anniversary, and Mortgage Burning
A joyful celebration of God’s faithfulness as Kingswood becomes debt-free and welcomes its 13th president, Rev. Dr. Ricky A. Christman.
Kingswood University celebrated a milestone evening in the Saunders Irving Chapel on Friday, commemorating three significant moments in one service: the inauguration of Rev. Dr. Ricky A. Christman as Kingswood’s 13th president, the 80th anniversary of the university’s founding, and the burning of the campus mortgage.
In his inaugural remarks, Dr. Christman said, “I am filled with immense gratitude and a deep sense of calling as I step into the role of President of Kingswood University. It is truly a new day on our campus.” He added, “Our task is clear: Embracing the Past while relentlessly Engaging the Future.’”
Founded in 1945 as Holiness Bible Institute (later Bethany Bible College, now Kingswood University), the school has equipped thousands of students for ministry and marketplace leadership. The evening’s program reflected that heritage, with an alumni choir representing multiple decades of graduates and a congregation including alumni, donors, trustees, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the university.
Reflecting on Kingswood’s identity, Dr. Christman affirmed, “Kingswood’s purpose has always been singular and sacred: to serve Jesus Christ by strengthening the local and global church through forming Christ-like servant leaders in a community that creatively blends academic excellence and practical ministry experience with intentional spiritual formation.” He continued, “We are a university rooted in the holiness tradition, dedicated to deep biblical knowledge and genuine spiritual formation. That commitment will never waver.”
A highlight of the service was the mortgage-burning ceremony, symbolizing that, for the first time in three decades, Kingswood is debt-free. Leaders celebrated the generosity and perseverance of donors and alumni whose prayerful support made the milestone possible.
Looking ahead, Dr. Christman emphasized purposeful innovation anchored in conviction: “While our mission remains fixed, the world we are preparing our students to enter does not. Engaging the future means recognizing the monumental challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary Church and society. It requires innovation without abandoning our firmly held beliefs.” He noted the focus for this era: “We are focused on two key pillars for this new era: Stewardship and Relevance.”
He concluded with a charge to the community: “This is our covenant with the Kingswood community and the Church at large: we will relentlessly pursue excellence, champion our faith unapologetically, and dedicate ourselves to raising up the next generation of Christian leadership. A new day has dawned.”
“Our task is clear: Embracing the Past while relentlessly Engaging the Future.’”