In May 1950, a group of Baptist ministers assembled in the Texas Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas, to consider plans for an aggressive world-wide missionary program for their churches. Meeting under what they now know to have been providential circumstances, they established a Christian institution, which would be free from all forms of ecclesiastical control. The institution was to be thoroughly Baptist in doctrine, faith, practice and totally committed to the training of men and women for the Gospel ministry.

During the summer of 1950, property was purchased on the corner of Summit and Kearney in Springfield, Missouri. The five-acre tract had formerly been a city park. The first structure was a dormitory which was ready for the opening on September 5, 1950. During the first few weeks of the 1950 fall semester, the school utilized the Sunday school facilities of High Street Baptist Church. In the early fall, four army-type barracks were bought and refurbished to serve as the necessary facilities for the 107 students.

G. B. Vick, pastor of the Temple Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan, served as the president of the College until his death in 1975. Under his leadership, the College engaged in twelve building projects and experienced a steady increase in enrollment.

The second president of the College was W. E. Dowell, Sr. He was serving as Executive Vice President at the death of G. B. Vick and had an active role in the College from its inception. It was because of the scope of his ministry at High Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri, that the Fellowship leaders located the College in Springfield. The largest enrollment in the College’s history was reached during his administration.

The next president was A. V. Henderson who served from 1983 to 1986. During his tenure, the Graduate School was founded in the fall of 1985.

From 1986 until 2002, Leland R. Kennedy served as president. Under his leadership capital debtwas eliminated, the distance education program was started, the campus was renovated, a new fine arts building was constructed, the College achieved candidate status for regional accreditation and the College experienced growth.

From 2002 until 2008, Michael A. Randall served as president. Under his leadership the trustee board was expanded to fifteen members. The College received initial regional accreditation (2005), the undergraduate elementary education and music education programs received state certification (2005) and the Graduate School received initial national accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (2007). Numerous upgrades and construction projects were undertaken for the aging campus.