North Central University

North Central University (NCU) is a private Christian university associated with the Assemblies of God and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts of the upper Midwest. NCU was founded in 1930 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is one of 17 Assemblies of God institutions of higher education in the United States.

Academics

Academic and spiritual requirements

All of North Central University's bachelor's programs contain a General Education Core, a Christian Studies Core, and a Major Core, most of which can be earned by completing 124 credits. The Christian Studies Core is a required portion of all bachelor's degrees. Students are also required to attend a daily chapel service and can voluntarily attend other methods of spiritual formation, both faculty- and student-led.

Student lifestyle

Students must agree to a student code of conduct common to many Christian universities. They are prohibited from activities such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use and must adhere to curfew restrictions and other policies designed to help them develop character and maintain a Christian lifestyle. As the school has grown the rules have fluctuated. Debate as to the viability of certain rules continues among both students and employees.

The university has a partial exception to Title IX which allows it to legally discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons. Homosexual relationships are forbidden by policy. Several students have been forced to leave the school because they were vocal about LGBT identity or for having gay relationships, even nonsexual.

Ministry focus

While transitioning into a Christian liberal arts university, NCU has retained its ministry focus and Bible college roots. Each major has a Christian Studies core as part of the curriculum. Each major is focused on providing professional competency while equipping students to live out their Christian faith in both secular and church roles. It blends academic rigor with Pentecostal spirituality. Daily chapel services are a key component of campus life. Many students are involved in local churches or provide ministry leadership for campus groups and organizations.

Deaf Studies

Established in 1974 by Rev. J. David Fleck, the Deaf Studies program offered degrees to deaf students preparing for vocational ministry positions. The program was one of first in the country. A unique aspect of the program was that it allowed students to practice their ASL skills in daily chapel services or local churches. The program has since been terminated and replaced most closely by the ASL Interpreting program.

On-campus housing

NCU has six different living areas. One of the reserved buildings is the 1500 building. It is right outside the cafeteria and reserved for married couples enrolled at North Central. The 901 building is open to NCU staff. Another exclusive building on campus is the Orfield Apartments. These are right across from the sanctuary and reserved for upperclassmen. And there are three dorms, Phillips Hall, Miller Hall, and Carlson Hall. Phillips is a co-ed suite-style dorm with same-sex floors. Miller is for female residents and houses 200 students. Carlson is for men and also houses 200.

Colleges, schools, and departments

College of Arts and Sciences

* School of Education
* School of Social & Behavioral Sciences & Communication Arts
** Department of Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting
** Department of English and Communication Arts

College of Business and Technology

* School of Business
* School of Technology

College of Fine Arts

* School of Music and Theater
* School of Worship Arts

College of Church Leadership

* School of Biblical and Theological Studies
* School of Global Studies
* School of Pastoral Studies

College of Graduate and Professional Education

Athletics

The Rams are members of the NCAA Division III intercollegiate teams for men—baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and track and field; for women— basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. A variety of club and intramural sports are available. The Clark-Danielson College Life Center Gymnasium is the home court for the basketball and volleyball teams. The CLC center was refurbished in late 2016. Partnering with the city of Minneapolis, a full-sized soccer field was completed in 2015. This field is home to the Men and Women's soccer teams and men's lacrosse team. Prior to 1998, the school's nickname had been the "Flames" with black and red the school colors.

During 2012, North Central became an associate member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) in all varsity sports. NCU became a full member of the UMAC in 2013. In 2018, the men's soccer team claimed the DII National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship crown, their overall record was 13-7-2.

Radio station

In 2007, FM radio station KNOF, which broadcast a Full Gospel schedule of programs and southern gospel music, was donated to the University. A partnership was formed between Praise Broadcasting and the University to offer a variety of worship music throughout the day.
At the start of the Fall 2008 semester, it was announced that the radio station would be moved to the former Comm Arts building right behind the Trask Worship Center.

In 2014, the University sold KNOF to Praise Bradcasting for $5 million. Praise soon sold the signal to the Pohlad family for $8 million. The Pohlads converted the station into KZGO ''95.3 Go'', a mix of modern and old-school rap and hip-hop. By July 2021, Praise had repurchased the station and reinstated the KNOF call letters and religious format.

Presidents

*The Rev. F. J Lindquist 1930-1961
*Dr. G. Raymond Carlson 1961-1969
*The Rev. Cyril E. Homer 1970-1971
*The Rev. D.H. Mapson (Interim) 1971
*Dr. E. M. Clark 1971-1979
*Dr. Don Argue 1979-1995
*Dr. Gordon Anderson 1995-June 2017
*Dr. Scott Hagan June 2017-

Notable alumni

* Jim Bakker, Evangelist
* Tammy Faye Bakker, Evangelist
* Gary Dop, American poet
* Sara Groves, Musician
* Dallas Holm, Singer/songwriter
* Mike Kopp, Colorado State Senator
* Jeremy Messersmith, Musician
* Wes Modder, Military Chaplain
* Jonathan Thulin, Singer/songwriter
* Jerome Tang, head basketball coach for Kansas State

Notable faculty

* Jeff Deyo, Musician

See also

* List of colleges and universities in Minnesota

References

External links

*
Official athletics website

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Pentecostalism in Minnesota
Liberal arts colleges in Minnesota
Universities and colleges affiliated with the Assemblies of God
Educational institutions established in 1930
Universities and colleges in Minneapolis
1930 establishments in Minnesota
Private universities and colleges in Minnesota
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities