most beautiful christian college and university campuses in the world

Guy D. Newman served in the role of Howard Payne University s president from 1955 to 1973 and oversaw the development of the most awe inspiring edifice on the school s verdant 80 acre campus. The building that would become the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom was constructed in 1890 and was originally part of Daniel Baker College until the college amalgamated with Howard Payne University in 1953. The Brownwood, Texas based university moved to renovate the historic building in the 1960s, and the stunning sandstone, spire topped facility was dedicated in 1969. As well as housing a library, classrooms and some of the school s academic departments, the Academy of Freedom is graced by a gleaming glass frontage and all told it arguably looks like something from a fairy tale. Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is a Baptist General Convention of Texas affiliated institution that currently educates over 1,000 students.

In 2010 Kenyon College appeared on Forbes list of the world s most beautiful college grounds, as chosen by a select group of architects and campus designers. Established back in 1824, the Episcopal Church affiliated liberal arts college sits on a rural 1,000 acre campus in Gambier, Ohio. The site showcases a distinctive mix of modern architecture and the more antique Collegiate Gothic style for which it is known. The American Gothic type current dormitory Old Kenyon was designed by pioneering U.S. architect Charles Bulfinch, the Reverend Norman Nash, and the college s founder and original president Bishop Philander Chase. Opened in 1829, it exhibits an impressive central spire. The site s older structures lie in stark contrast to the contemporary, minimalist Horvitz Hall Studio Arts Building, which was completed in 2012. Another of Kenyon s most appealing elements is its tree lined Middle Path, an attractive walkway that acts as a central link on the campus.

The beauty of Houston Baptist University s 100 acre campus is largely down to its impressive architecture. The Baptist General Convention of Texas affiliated university s first president, William H. Hinton, oversaw the considerable growth of the institution s faculty, student body and building developments during his 25 years in charge. What s more, the striking Hinton Center with its distinctive, shiny dome is named after him. Another of the school s highlights is its Belin Chapel, which was formally opened in 2007 and is adorned with columns and a huge cross to a design by the Houston and Vietnam based Studio RED Architects. Inside, the chapel is even more breathtaking thanks to its ethereal reflector ring, painted metal panels and intricate stained glass. Houston Baptist University was established in 1960 and is now home to just over 2,500 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The Campbell University campus occupies a bucolic rural setting along the Cape Fear River in the Sandhills Region of North Carolina. Nestled in the quaint village of Buies Creek, the scenic 1300 acre campus is equidistant from Raleigh and Fayetteville. The site has been home to the co educational Baptist university since it was founded more than 125 years ago. Academic Circle is a grass covered plaza with brick walkways encompassed by magnolia trees, residence halls, Butler Chapel and academic buildings, such as Kivett Hall, which anchors the campus. Built in 1903, the hall is the oldest building on campus and serves as the iconic symbol of the university. Its beloved bell chimes every quarter hour. North of Academic Circle is Fellowship Commons, an open space that serves as a gathering place for students. Beyond the commons, the North Campus is home to the contemporary, 3,000 seat, multi purpose John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

The primary residential campus of Nyack College rests on 102 beautiful acres of land in Nyack, New York. The college, which is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, was established at its current location in 1897, and many of the buildings on campus reflect the beautiful and imaginative Victorian architecture of the late 1800s. Some of the buildings, including the dormitories, are recent additions, but the newer buildings and renovations are designed to blend in with the existing structures. Simpson Hall, the oldest residential building, was originally constructed in 1896. The hall was rebuilt in 1981, but the structure still features a towering Victorian exterior. Some of the other eye catching buildings, including Moseley Hall dormitories, were acquired from a sprawling country club. The college is also surrounded by natural beauty, and the Nyack campus sits on the edge of Blauvelt State Park and Schuyler Town Park.

Even without its attractive campus, the evangelical Christian Biola University s location makes it a major draw. Why? Because it is situated in the city of La Mirada, which was included on Money magazine s 2007

Greenville College is located in the quaint hamlet of Greenville, IL. The school s 50 acre campus provides students with a serene and picturesque location for learning. When students become overwhelmed with studying, they can hike down the campus s nature trail to view the area s native beauty and regroup. The Bock Museum, which presents the Richard W. Bock Sculpture collection, is housed in the historic Almira College House. History majors will appreciate the structure s past as John Brown White once owned it. Mr. White is famous for his attempts to conquer slavery. Greenville s campus includes many residence buildings such as Joy Hall, Janssen Hall and Holtwick Hall. When students want to venture out of town to enjoy eclectic dining or shop, St. Louis is just 45 miles away from the quiet Greenville campus.

Located 10 minutes west of Denver, Colorado Christian University offers a main campus that is both scenic and modern. With a clear view of the Rocky Mountains, students at this university can enjoy an expansive main campus that is expansive, yet conducive to an active and fulfilling student lifestyle. The Lakewood main campus houses the College of Undergraduate Studies building for undergraduate students, as well as the College of Adults and Graduate Studies for post graduate and non traditional learners. While all of the buildings on main campus offer modern amenities like computer labs and comfortable classrooms, CCU is currently undergoing a renovation process to add new buildings to campus to meet the demands of the growing student body. As with existing buildings already on campus, the new buildings will be made out of attractive and sturdy materials like brick, limestone, and concrete. The university recently met its fundraising goal for the ongoing construction.

Known for its close proximity to four city parks, Waynesburg University makes it easy for students to enjoy nature in the southwestern Pennsylvania foothills. A total of about 15 acres of parkland serve as a great complement to the total 30 acre campus, so students are never too far from tree lined sidewalks and promenades. Founded in 1849, Waynesburg University is dominated by classic American architecture; the iconic Hanna Hall and Miller Hall each enjoy spots on the National Register of Historic Places. Interestingly, the bricks used in Miller Hall were actually formed by university students over a century ago. The university has managed to balance its exemplary historical edifices and unspoiled rural surroundings with modern facilities as well; renovations to Thayer and Stewart halls commenced in fall 2012 and new dorms are planned.

John Brown University is home to a beautiful 200 acre campus in Siloam Springs, Ark., less than a five minute walk from the Oklahoma border. The scenic Dogwood Springs Trail nearly encircles the school, and gorgeous dogwood trees are situated throughout campus. JBU s standout building is the Cathedral of the Ozarks. Built in 1957, this building is home to a beautiful 1,200 seat chapel, music studios, offices and classrooms. The main quad is next to the Cathedral of the Ozarks; students study, play sports and watch evening concerts and movies here. The Walker Student Center is adjacent to the main quad as well. It opened in 2002 and is home to the JBU bookstore, post office and eateries. The Windgate Visual Arts East and West buildings completed a $3 million renovation in 2012. They are home to some of the region s top traditional and digital art facilities.