Pursuing Our Mission from the Start

Founded in 1882, Alliance University is rooted in its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. Established as an educational institution of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), Alliance University has been training men and women for global impact since its inception. What started as one man’s burning desire to see the gospel taken to all nations has become an institution with 35,000 graduates faithfully serving in 90 countries around the globe.

OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Dr. A.B. Simpson, the founder of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) and
Alliance University.

The Legacy of Dr. A.B. Simpson

Over one hundred and thirty years ago, God ignited an overwhelming love for people of every race and tongue in the heart of a Canadian named Dr. A.B. Simpson. At the time, Simpson was the pastor of a large and affluent church in Manhattan. In response to what God was doing in his own life, Simpson urged his congregants to welcome the immigrants who were pouring into the city. Many in the church resisted this compassionate call and rejected Simpson’s vision for the church.

One Sunday morning in 1882, Simpson declared from the pulpit, “I am not interested in being a respectable Christian.” He resigned from the pastorate and established the Missionary Training Institute, where people would be trained to take the good news of God’s love wherever it needed to be heard.

That school today is known as Alliance University.

Since its inception on the back of a Broadway stage, Alliance University has grown to become an institution of over 2,000 students pursuing a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. At the heart of it all is the commitment to share the love of Christ in the communities of our nation and abroad.

Dr. A.B. Simpson described this commitment as taking “the whole Gospel to the whole world.” Today, Alliance University is known as the most diverse Christian school in higher education–the fulfillment of A.B. Simpson’s vision for a community from all walks of life united in a common purpose.

1882

Our Story Begins

A.B. Simpson, recognized as one of the foremost figures in the American missionary movement, establishes a training school for missionaries in New York City, called the Missionary Training Institute – the first Bible college in North America. As the forerunner of Alliance University, this revolutionary institution is dedicated to providing Christian education as preparation for service to others.

1897

Relocating to South Nyack

The Missionary Training Institute purchases 28 acres on a picturesque hillside in the village of South Nyack, New York. The school moves its campus 30 miles outside of NYC to Rockland County and establishes its new home in the Hudson Valley.

1946

A New Identity

A charter is granted by the New York State Board of Regents to offer bachelor’s degrees in theology, religious education and sacred music. In 1956, the Missionary Training Institute becomes Nyack Missionary College – an identity that stands firm for the following 16 years.

1960

Growing Our School

The Jaffray School of Missions is established as a graduate program of Nyack Missionary College offering interdisciplinary studies in theology and the social sciences.

1972

Introducing Nyack College

Following the Middle States accreditation, as a liberal arts college and graduate school, the school is renamed Nyack College. A name proudly represented by students, alumni, faculty, and donors for the following 50 years.

1974-1979

Alliance Theological Seminary

In 1974, the Jaffray program is redesigned to include the preparation of students for North American and international ministries. The name of the school is subsequently changed to the Alliance School of Theology and Missions. In September of 1979, the Alliance School of Theology and Missions becomes Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS). Expanded course offerings and additional faculty soon enhance the seminary’s commitment to the worldwide evangelistic task of the Church.

1995-1997

Establishing a Satellite Campus

Returning to its roots, in 1995 a satellite program is established in Lower Manhattan. By 1997, Alliance Theological Seminary classes are offered in the city as well. The New York City campus makes studies accessible to those who work in the city and provides a thoroughly urban context for theological education.

2001

Championing Prison Education

Starting in 2001, the first cohort of 17 men complete the adult degree program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, NY. Today students at the Fishkill Correctional Facility on the AU Beacon campus can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences or a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. Our prison education program holds a remarkable distinction. While New York State has a 43% recidivism rate, AU has 0%. None of our released graduates have returned to prison. All have taken their second chances and made a fresh and productive start. This is the power of a transformative and restorative Alliance University education anchored in Christian values.

2019

The Pilgrimage Home

Nyack College consolidates its two New York campuses to one location – returning to the city where Dr. A.B. Simpson was inspired to establish a school dedicated to serving others.

2022-Today

Becoming Alliance University

In August of 2022, the 140-year institution becomes Alliance University. Recognized for its dedication to Christian higher education and commitment to global service, the school embraces a new identity in the city where it first began.

Alliance University is a story still being written. Will you be a part of our next chapter?

APPLY GIVE

Where We Are Today

Now more than ever, the world needs leaders who are grounded in faith and integrity, who are innovative and entrepreneurial, and who are devoted to making a difference. Alliance University is committed to developing such leaders.

We look ahead focused on four foundational areas we believe best prepare our graduates to be difference-makers: Students, Academics, Values, and Economics (SAVE).

1. Students

Through a community focused on the student’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, our University is best situated to graduate students who are not only prepared to succeed in a competitive market but will impact the world no matter their chosen profession.

2. Academics

We believe in learning both inside and outside the classroom, powered by a gifted body of professors. We recruit the best faculty in the metropolitan area with over 82% holding doctorate degrees. Our professors are not only active professionals in their fields but are committed to Christian higher education. Academics are not just about classrooms but impactful experiences through paid internships, study abroad and unique NYC-based opportunities.

3. Values

Alliance University graduates students who are empowered in a unique Christian environment. Located in the heart of NYC, our University integrates the opportunities of the city with the multi-faceted needs of our students and their individual learning paths. We offer a breadth of city opportunities while not losing sight of our mission to serve others and our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Economics

We are committed to welcoming all students to our community. A leading private institution, Alliance University maintains a competitive tuition rate and offers scholarships, grants, work-study, paid internships and financial aid. We proudly assist 97% of students with financial assistance to make an AU education possible.

Rajan S. Mathews leads the way as Alliance University’s
13th President.

“Alliance University is the university of first choice for all students seeking a transforming Christian education so that they become change agents for global transformation through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

President Rajan S. Mathews

2021-Present

Be a Part of AU’s Journey

Alliance University is supported by an international community of alumni, supporters and friends faithfully investing in the advancement of our founding mission to take the whole gospel to the whole world. From institutional projects to student scholarships, there are many ways to be involved in the future of Alliance University. We invite you to prayerfully consider how God might use you to invest in the next generation of leaders at Alliance University.

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