For the first time in its almost 50-year history, Criswell College broke ground August 14 on an on-campus residence hall that will house over 100 undergraduate students beginning fall 2020. Donors and trustees joined Criswell College President Barry Creamer to commemorate the beginning of construction on the $11.6 million project.

Last summer an anonymous donor committed a lead gift of $5 million, securing naming rights for the building. In July of this year, a Criswell alum committed $1 million to the project.

“The difference this residence hall will make for the college is profound,” Creamer said. “It will be a home on campus for young students, translating to better integration into campus life and more focused engagement both here and in the community.”

Lead architects JHP Architecture worked with design architect Larry Boerder on the design of the building, and the college partnered with local Dallas firm Spring Valley Construction Company for construction.

Criswell College is located in old East Dallas, a vibrant and growing community adjacent to downtown. Thirty-eight percent of the diverse student body is composed of African-American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino and Native Americans.

Criswell undergraduate students choose from various degree programs. Students interested in a general education grounded in a strong biblical and theological foundation may pursue an associate of arts. Students at the baccalaureate level may pursue a bachelor of arts in biblical studies, Christian ministry, psychology, or philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and a bachelor of science in education.

Graduate students may choose a master of arts program in ministry, counseling, or biblical and theological studies. The master of divinity is also available for those pursuing ordained ministry or for those who desire a more comprehensive ministerial education.