Dallas Baptist University (Decatur Baptist College)

Closely linked to Northwest Baptist College, which operated from 1891 to 1897, Decatur Baptist College opened its doors in 1898. The college was the result of an effort by Texas Baptist leaders to consolidate all Texas Baptist Schools under the direction of Baylor University and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The college, which initially served primary and secondary school students in addition to the junior college program, had an enrollment of 105 in the fall of 1898. J. L. Ward, president of the college from 1900 to 1907 and 1914 to 1950, was most influential in the development and expansion of the college. By 1959 the school offered courses in religion, fine arts, business, languages, and vocational training. Increasing financial challenges and decreasing enrollment led the college to accept an invitation to move to Dallas. The school's name was changed to Dallas Baptist College in February 1965; its first classes were held that fall, with an enrollment of 941. The college became a four-year institution in 1968. Renamed Dallas Baptist University in 1985, the school began awarding graduate degrees in religion, education, and business administration. The school grew steadily under the leadership of a new president beginning in 1988 and paid its outstanding financial debts. By the 1990s, the population of the college community exceeded 3,500 as the school affirmed in its mission statement its commitment "to provide Christ-centered quality higher education." (1998)

Dallas Baptist University (Decatur Baptist College) is a historical marker in Dallas, Dallas County, dedicated in 1998. It is one of 352 historical markers documented in Dallas County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 574 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7080, -96.9481 near Dallas. The nearest cataloged historic site is Dallas Baptist University (college & university), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Everard Sharrock, Jr. Farmstead, and Antioch Life Park Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5113011821. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.