ABOUT
It’s an exciting time at Spring Arbor University. The 150th academic year at SAU begins fall 2022 and we can't wait to celebrate this monumental milestone with you!
Founded in 1873, Spring Arbor University is a Christ-centered liberal arts university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Built upon the idea that a high-quality education should always be accessible to any person seeking knowledge regardless of economic resources, ethnicity, gender, race, or religious beliefs. We have proudly continued that tradition for the past 150 years.
THE CONCEPT
Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.
Beginning as Spring Arbor Seminary (elementary school) in 1873, the school has evolved and expanded over it’s rich 150-year history. Committed to providing access to a high-quality Christ-centered education, Spring Arbor Seminary expanded into a junior college in 1928 and then into a four-year college in 1960.
In 1961, Dr. David McKenna became president of Spring Arbor College. Created during Dr. McKenna’s presidency, a statement of purpose articulated the spiritual, intellectual, personal, and social growth objectives of the college. The statement of purpose evolved into The Concept in 1966.
Spring Arbor College officially moved to university status on April 30, 2001. The change from college to university changed the logo, but not the passion for the school’s historic mission encapsulated in The Concept.
Crucial to the Spring Arbor community, The Concept captures the mission and vision of the university. It’s at the core of everything Spring Arbor has been and will be.
THEN & NOW
Slide the arrows on each photo to see the historical image!