Our History
We Started in a Log Cabin
Over a generation ago, men and women of God were deeply concerned with the lack of vitality and the shrinking numbers of Christian Churches/Churches of Christ in Michigan. Their concern led to plans for founding Great Lakes Bible College, which came into being in 1949 at Rock Lake, near Vestaburg, Michigan. Twelve students were enrolled during the first year and their classes convened in the log cabin of Ralph R. Woodard, the first President of the College.
In 1951, the young College purchased a nearby eighty-acre farm and converted it into the first campus. Recognizing the advantages of a more urban location, the Trustees decided to move to the capital city, Lansing, in 1958. The College occupied the Dodge Mansion for fourteen years.
In 1970, the College purchased a forty-acre site on the west edge of Lansing, and the first buildings were constructed for use in 1972. Additional land was later added, and facilities have been constructed as needed.
In 1992, the College name was changed to Great Lakes Christian College.
In 2003, the College received accreditation with The Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Reaffirmation took place in 2007.
In 2017-2018, the College successfully completed assurance argument evaluations for re-accreditation with The Higher Learning Commission.
New Facilities On-Campus
In 2007, the Doty Center was built. This facility is designed to accommodate large events and athletic contests. This multi-purpose gymnasium is named after the late Dr. Brant Lee Doty, who was a professor, dean, and chancellor of Great Lakes Christian College. This building will continue his legacy of service to students and constituents in the Lansing area and beyond.
The newest construction is the Knowles Learning Center. The two phases of this project included the faculty office suite, library upgrades, and podcast studios. The Knowles Learning Center is a facility that provides opportunity for the College to expand the capacity of learning for past, current, and future students. The impact of GLCC is felt far and wide.