William A. Griffin is an American preacher associated with the Restoration Movement of Christianity. He was the second President of Mid-Atlantic Christian University (known as Roanoke Bible College until 2009), serving from 1986 to 2006. Griffin was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2010.

Early life and education

Griffin was raised in the Christian churches and churches of Christ in Hyde County, North Carolina. He was significantly influenced by the impact that Mid-Atlantic Christian University had on eastern North Carolina, greatly increasing the number of preachers in the region. Griffin graduated from Mid-Atlantic Christian University in 1962 and later returned as an instructor. He became dean of students in 1975. He also completed degrees at

East Carolina University East Carolina University (ECU) is a public university, public research university in Greenville, North Carolina. It is the fourth largest university in North Carolina. Founded on March 8, 1907, as a Normal school, teacher training school, East ...

, Cincinnati Christian University, and The College of William and Mary.

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Griffin became the President of Mid-Atlantic Christian University in 1986, following the retirement of

George W. BonDurant George William BonDurant (9 August 1915 – 11 July 2017) was an American preacher influential in the Restoration Movement of Christianity during the 20th century. He was the founder and first President of both Atlanta Christian College and Mid ...

. His term was marked by significant expansions in campus facilities and Academic programs offered. Under Griffin's leadership, Mid-Atlantic Christian University received its first regional accreditation from the

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an educational accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This agency accredits over 13,000 public and priv ...

in 1999. Griffin was also successful in increasing fund raising. Griffin resigned in 2006, but continued to serve as a professor and advisor for the university. He supported the university's name change in 2009. Griffin was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on March 18, 2010, by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue for his work at Mid-Atlantic Christian University and his contributions to the state.

Other activities

Continuing his passion for preaching, Griffin still organizes preaching for churches without preachers in North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Griffin and his wife have operated an embroidery business since 2007.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Griffin, William A. Living people Heads of universities and colleges in the United States Cincinnati Christian University alumni College of William & Mary alumni East Carolina University alumni Mid-Atlantic Christian University alumni Members of the Christian churches and churches of Christ People from Hyde County, North Carolina Year of birth missing (living people)