A.B. Barret, founder of the school and its first president, dreamed of establishing a Christian college in West Texas and saw his dream come true.

He was born July 15, 1879, on a farm in Covington, Tenn. Both he and his parents were concerned that he get a sound education. He attended West Tennessee Christian College in Henderson and Nashville Bible School in Nashville.

In 1903, he brought his bride of two years, the former Exie Carroll, with him to the plains of Oklahoma and Texas where he held gospel meetings. Soon he was teaching at Southwestern Christian College in Denton and making plans to establish a Christian college in West Texas.

When the school opened in September of 1906, Barret served as its first president.  He and his wife even sold their farm and used the proceeds to help the school.

In the spring of 1908, Barret was offered the presidency of Southwestern Christian. He resigned to take the job, and the rest of the administration also resigned to go with him to Southwestern.

Related Links

1900s History Timeline