Blue Mountain College

Blue Mountain College was founded in 1873 by Brigadier General Mark Perrin Lowrey. The 140+ year old co-educational institution has a stellar history of educating young women and men.

The distinctive atmosphere of Blue Mountain College is attributable to a blending of several factors: the college's sense of its mission as a Christian and specifically a Baptist institution, the traditions created by a distinguished founding family and Christian educators, a careful balancing of liberal arts and vocational studies, a special kind of student life with a system of student government and honor uniquely available in a small Christian liberal arts college, and a family-like environment where students, faculty, and administrators genuinely believe in the worth of the individual.

Blue Mountain College has over the years sought to prepare students for meaningful lives. Emphasis has been given to the development of strength of character and the ability to live creatively. Through small classes, a close faculty-student relationship, and a focus on the importance of the individual, the College has endeavored to produce graduates who are well-prepared academically and spiritually to accept places of leadership in their professions, in their communities, and in the work of the denomination.

The Blue Mountain College Office of Financial aid serves students, families, and the community by providing financial aid information and resources to assist students in achieving their educational goals. We are committed to providing quality financial aid services to our constituents while maintaining equality and accountability in the administration of public, institutional, and private financial aid funds.Students may apply for Title IV federal student aid, as well as a wide range of institutional and state aid.

The Blue Mountain College Admissions and Academic Standards Committee admits students based on the applicant=s high school or college record and ACT or SAT scores. The Committee seeks to select students who are committed to scholarship, servant leadership, and service in church and community and who would contribute to the life of a Christian college community. As a private educational institution, however, Blue Mountain College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose academic preparation, character, or personal conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the College. The purpose of the admission process is to identify applicants who are likely to succeed academically at Blue Mountain College and at the same time contribute positively to the campus community.

We would like to tell you about Blue Mountain College (BMC) and how you can apply to our college. Regardless of age or nationality, the individual student is of utmost importance to BMC. Faculty and staff believe in the ability of each student to participate constructively in his/her educational development. In a family-like atmosphere, classes of 10-20 are common so that students can develop confidence that enables them to meaningfully engage in campus life.The purpose of Blue Mountain College is to prepare students for graduate school, the job market and a more fulfilled life.

Blue Mountain College was independently owned and administered until 1920, when control was turned over to the Mississippi Baptist Convention. From 1873 to 2005, the school operated as a traditional liberal arts college for women. In 1956 at the request of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, the College opened its doors to men preparing for church-related vocations.On October 4, 2005, the Board of Trustees of Blue Mountain College unanimously voted to make all programs offered by the College available to male students, thus making BMC fully co-educational.

As a village preacher before the war, General Lowrey was a man of vision who saw the importance of providing a thorough education for women. The General felt that the South's recovery would be enhanced by the educating of its young women. He and his two oldest daughters, Modena and Margaret, comprised the first faculty at what was then Blue Mountain Female Institute. Fifty students were enrolled for the first session.

Miss Modena Lowrey Berry, affectionately known as "Mother Berry" in later years, served as "Lady Principal" and then as vice president from 1873 to 1934, a tenure perhaps unequaled by a woman as a major college official. She was the second woman in Mississippi's history to be named to the Mississippi Hall of Fame.

Between 1873 and 1960 three generations of the Lowrey family including the General's sons, Dr. W. T. Lowrey and Dr. B. G. Lowrey, and his grandson, Dr. Lawrence T. Lowrey, presided over the college. In 1960 Dr. Wilfred C. Tyler, long-time professor of Bible at the school, accepted the presidency and served until his death in 1965. Dr. E. Harold Fisher served the college as president from July 1, 1965, until his retirement June 30, 2001. Dr. Bettye Rogers Coward served the college as president from July 1, 2001, until her retirement June 30, 2012. Dr. Janice I. Nicholson served as interim President during the month of July, 2012. Dr. Barbara Childers McMillin assumed responsibilities as the eighth president of Blue Mountain College on August 1, 2012.

Blue Mountain College was independently owned and administered until 1920, when control was turned over to the Mississippi Baptist Convention. From 1873 to 2005, the school operated as a traditional liberal arts college for women. In 1956 at the request of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, the College opened its doors to men preparing for church-related vocations.

On October 4, 2005, the Board of Trustees of Blue Mountain College unanimously voted to make all programs offered by the College available to male students, thus making BMC fully co-educational.