History

The vision of local pastor Dr. Bill Owens resulted in the Cape Fear School of Theology in 1973. The expressed purpose was to equip Christians, regardless of denomination, for effective service.

In 1978, the ministry came under the direction of Dr. Ralph Richardson, another local pastor. Land and a building were purchased at 817 South McPherson Church Road, and classes began the fall of 1980 at this current site. It was then that the name was changed to Carolina Bible College. In 1983, a new administration and classroom building opened debt-free.

Rev. Rick Oglesby became Dean in 1996 and was installed as President in June, 1997. Dr. Richardson became Chancellor at that time. Shortly after this the Board initiated a three-year growth strategy that included a $2,000,000 endowment goal.

Rev. Phil Stamm became Dean in 1997. Under Rev. Oglesby the school sought and received approval for our Associate’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree programs from the Veteran’s Administration.

Upon the resignation of Rev. Oglesby in July of 2000, Phil Stamm became the President. Dr. Michael Arnette joined the staff as Academic Dean shortly after. Accrediting Commission International accredited CBC in January, 2001. In March, 2001, CBC instituted a correspondence program and hired Rev. Michael Fuller as the Director. The next step in distance education took place in March, 2002, when our online programs began.

Phil Stamm resigned as president in November, 2002. Bill Korver became interim President and in April, 2004, he became CBC’s fourth President.