God’s faithfulness framed the CCCU’s 50th anniversary celebration at the 2026 International Forum, offering a grateful look back at five decades of God’s work through Christian higher education. Robin Baker, president of George Fox University, traced that history and hosted a conversation with presidents emeriti Bob Andringa and Shirley Hoogstra. Their plenary session was a chance to reflect and reminisce on the organization’s journey through very distinct eras within higher education. It was also an opportunity to appreciate its endurance in endeavoring always to be—as Jesus taught his disciples—”a house built upon a rock.”

In 1976, the Christian College Consortium recognized the need to make more “space at the table” in national discourse and higher education policymaking for institutions that shared a common vision of integrating Christian faith into the learning and living experience on their campuses. The simple premise underlying this bold move was that more Christian colleges and universities working together would amplify their collective voice to the world. With that sustainable outcome in mind, the broader association that is known today as the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities was formed to bring a stronger voice to advocate for the value and needs of Christian higher education—a shared faith and combined strength.

From that founding moment, the CCCU has existed to serve its member institutions. Each season has brought new challenges and strategic initiatives to anticipate and adapt to the issues and opportunities of its member schools and partners. Yet from its inception, several enduring pillars have undergirded the CCCU’s work and continue to provide value in a changing landscape: coalition-building, shared resources, and a common kingdom vision.

Most importantly, CCCU members continue to share a bedrock foundation for an excellent educational experience that is distinctly Christ-centered and dedicated to forming students through rigorous scholarship and spiritual development. Across varied contexts, member colleges and universities remain committed to lives transformed in and beyond the classroom. Together, they form a network of faithful believers spurring one another on to pursue a common mission in diverse ways. This shared vision has defined the CCCU since its founding and continues to guide its work five decades later and beyond.

View a timeline of the last 50 years of the CCCU.