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Trinity International University
Trinity International University
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Trinity International University (TIU) is a private Christian university headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois, United States.[3] It comprises Trinity College, a theological seminary (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), and a law school (Trinity Law School which is located in Santa Ana, California).[4] The university also maintains campuses in North Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami, Florida. TIU is the only university affiliated with Evangelical Free Church of America in the United States and enrolls 1,242 students. On February 17, 2023, TIU announced it was moving the undergraduate program to online modalities only and closed the residential campus at the end of the Spring 2023 semester.[5][6] The online undergraduate program closed at the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

Key Information

In April 2025, it was announced that the divinity school would merge with Trinity Western University and cease operations at the Bannockburn campus, while the rest of the university would continue to operate independently.[7][8] After this change, the law school and an undergraduate program jointly operated with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections will remain the main operations of TIU.[9]

History

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Tracing its roots to 1897, TIU formed in the late 1940s as the result of a merger of two schools:

  • A school run by the Swedish Evangelical Free Church, founded in 1897 in Chicago, and incorporated as the Swedish Bible Institute of Chicago, then affiliated with Moody Bible Institute as the Swedish Department until 1925 when it became the Swedish Evangelical Free Church Bible Institute and Seminary.
  • A three-year Bible school, the Norwegian-Danish Bible Institute and Academy, founded in 1910 by the Norwegian-Danish Free Church, established in Rushford, Minnesota, and later moving to Minneapolis and becoming Trinity Seminary and Bible Institute.

By 1949, the Minneapolis-based school moved to Chicago and the unified schools became known as Trinity Seminary and Bible College. In 1961, the school moved to a new campus in Bannockburn, Illinois, and a year later was renamed Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and Trinity College. The school grew from an enrollment of 51 in 1961 to 1,400 in 1990. In 1995, TEDS became part of Trinity International University, along with Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois, and Trinity College in Miami, (formerly Miami Christian College which was obtained through a merger of the two institutions). In 1997, Trinity Law School, located in Santa Ana, California, was incorporated into Trinity International University, and the Trinity Graduate School was founded.

In 2014, David S. Dockery was elected unanimously as the 15th president of Trinity. He was inaugurated in October of that year.[10] Nicholas Perrin was elected as the 16th president in June 2019.[11] Kevin Kompelien succeeded Perrin as president on April 1, 2024.[12] On July 1, 2025, David W. Pao was named interim president to serve for a year of transition.[13]

Trinity Graduate School closed in 2024, along with the academic programs at TIU-Florida. Trinity College Online closed in May 2025. The undergraduate program for prisoners in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, remains open. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Trinity Law School are operational.

Approvals, accreditations and memberships

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Trinity International University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.[14][15] The divinity school is also programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).[16]

TIU's law school, located in Santa Ana, California, is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the State Bar of California (CALBAR).[17] The normative nationwide USDE- and CHEA-approved accreditor of law schools is the American Bar Association (ABA). Within the state of California, though, law schools are also accredited by CALBAR CBE, which is neither USDE- or CHEA-approved. Graduates of non-ABA accredited programs are not recognized outside of the state of California.[18] TIU's Trinity Law School (Santa Ana campus only) is also included as part of TIU's regional accreditation by the USDE- and CHEA-approved NCA-HLC.[14]

Trinity International University is exempt[19] from the need to be approved to operate in Illinois by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), which lists it as a "private NFP (not-for-profit) institution".[20] Its educational programs for K-12 teachers are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)[21] so that TIU's graduates from said programs may obtain state-issued teaching credentials. TIU is, further, approved by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) (formerly the Illinois State Scholarship Commission (ISSC))[22] Monetary Award Program (MAP) so that TIU's students may receive Illinois educational grants and scholarships.[23]

Prior to 2003, TIU's athletic trainer program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); however in 2003 the accreditation of such programs was taken over by the Joint Review Committee on Athletic Training (JRC-AT); and in 2006 JRC-AT became the Committee for Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). TIU's undergraduate athletic training educational program[24] claims CAATE accreditation on its website.

TIU is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU),[25] the Christian College Consortium (CCC), and the Christian Adult Higher Education Association (CAHEA).[26]

Athletics

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The Trinity International athletic teams were called the Trojans.[27] Prior to the move to an all-online undergraduate academic format in 2023, the university was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) for most of its sports from 1996–97 until its move after 2022–23; while its football program competed in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA).[27] They were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the North Central Region of the Division I level.

Trinity International competed in nine intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports included baseball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Women's sports included basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.[28]

In 2022, women's volleyball claimed the NCCAA D1 National Championship, making the title a program first and last.

Notable faculty

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Notable alumni

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trinity International University

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Trinity International University (TIU) is a private evangelical Christian university founded in 1897 by Scandinavian immigrants seeking to provide collegiate and theological education, and it is affiliated with the . The institution emphasizes integrating faith and learning to educate students to engage in God's redemptive work in the world, offering undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and professional programs such as law through its four schools: Trinity College, Trinity Graduate School, , and (TEDS). In 2023, TIU transitioned its undergraduate programs to online-only, ending in-person instruction at its former campus. Its physical campuses were historically in ; ; and North Lauderdale and , , but the Florida sites closed at the end of the 2024 spring semester. TIU serves a diverse student body from various cultures and church traditions. As of November 2025, TIU is in the midst of a major restructuring announced on April 8, 2025, to enhance financial stewardship and global impact on the church. This includes the planned closure of its flagship Bannockburn campus by the end of the 2026 academic year, with TEDS ownership transferring to Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, effective December 31, 2025; TEDS operations will continue at Bannockburn through the 2025–2026 academic year before relocating, welcoming its first class at the new site in fall 2026. Undergraduate programs continue online, the law school operates in Santa Ana, California, and other graduate programs are available online to support ongoing students. Total enrollment stands at approximately 850 students across its programs as of fall 2024, reflecting a focus on Christ-centered, church-connected education amid these transitions.

Overview

Location and Enrollment

Trinity International University's main campus is situated in , on a 111-acre suburban site that currently serves as the hub for its operations, though it is scheduled to close by the end of the 2026 academic year as part of a major announced on April 8, 2025. The university also maintains a campus for in , focused on . Extension programs previously operated in North Lauderdale and Miami, , but these sites were phased out by the end of the Spring 2024 semester due to enrollment and financial pressures. Under the 2025 , undergraduate programs have shifted to online delivery, while other graduate programs will consolidate primarily online with limited in-person options at the California site; (TEDS) will transfer to in Langley, , , effective December 31, 2025, continuing operations at through the 2025–2026 academic year before fully relocating for fall 2026. As of the 2025–2026 academic year, the university enrolls more than 1,200 students across its programs. Earlier figures for 2023–2024 showed a total of 852 students, comprising 140 undergraduates and 712 graduate students. Of these, 312 were full-time students and 540 were part-time, reflecting a significant portion of non-traditional and distance learners. For TEDS specifically, enrollment in the 2024–2025 academic year was 813 students, with 402 full-time. These transitions toward online delivery and campus consolidation, initiated post-2023 for undergraduates and expanded in 2025, aim to address financial sustainability amid declining traditional enrollment.

Mission and Christian Identity

Trinity International University is an evangelical Christian institution committed to the inerrancy of Scripture as the foundational authority for faith, life, and learning. Established within the tradition of the (EFCA), the university holds to the EFCA's statement of faith, which affirms that the , in its original writings, is verbally inspired by and without error, serving as the complete revelation of His will for and the ultimate standard for all human knowledge and conduct. This doctrinal commitment underscores the university's emphasis on theological , ensuring that all academic pursuits are grounded in biblical truth and aimed at fostering a Christ-centered . The core mission of Trinity International University is to educate men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness, and selfless service. This purpose integrates faith with learning across disciplines, preparing students for effective ministry, leadership, and service in diverse contexts. Through its affiliation with the EFCA, the university maintains strong ties to the broader evangelical church, prioritizing the equipping of individuals to think, live, and serve faithfully in contemporary society while upholding the gospel's centrality. Distinctives of the university's include a focus on global outreach and cultural engagement, reflecting its core values of being church-connected and culturally engaged. It seeks to serve the global church, particularly the EFCA, by addressing educational needs and promoting justice, mercy, and reconciliation in a pluralistic . This approach emphasizes building bridges across cultures through biblically rooted scholarship and practical service, enabling graduates to contribute to God's kingdom work worldwide.

History

Founding and Early Development

Trinity International University originated in 1897 when Swedish Evangelical Free churches in launched a 10-week course to equip leaders within the growing Swedish immigrant community. This initiative, advertised in the Chicago Bladet on September 7, addressed the need for biblically grounded education amid rapid immigration and church expansion among Swedish-Americans. The course quickly grew, leading to the formal incorporation of the Swedish Bible Institute of Chicago in 1901, with Rev. Peter Johan Elmquist serving as its founding president; Elmquist, a Swedish immigrant and missions superintendent, emphasized practical theological training tailored to immigrant needs. Under this early structure, the institute prioritized study, preaching preparation, and cultural adaptation for Swedish-American students, operating initially from modest facilities in 's urban setting. Key early leadership transitioned in 1903 when J.G. Princell, a prominent Swedish Mission Friends leader and co-founder of the , assumed the role of president and instructor, guiding the through its formative years with a focus on evangelical doctrine and community outreach. Princell, alongside his wife Josephine, who contributed to women's ministries, helped expand the curriculum while maintaining its immigrant-oriented mission; by 1910, the institute had affiliated more closely with the , solidifying its role in training pastors and lay leaders. In parallel, the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church established the Norwegian-Danish Institute and Academy in 1910 in Rushford, , to provide similar training and for Norwegian and Danish immigrants, reflecting the broader Scandinavian evangelical movement's emphasis on accessible theological education. This school, initially led by church-appointed administrators, relocated to in 1916 to better serve urban populations and was renamed Seminary & Institute in 1941, signaling its maturing academic scope. The institutions' trajectories converged through a 1949 merger between the Swedish Bible Institute in and the & Institute in , prompted by shared evangelical goals and resource efficiencies within the ; the Norwegian-Danish entity relocated to , broadening the combined school's offerings to encompass , , and academy-level secondary education. This union, finalized after discussions beginning in 1946, marked a pivotal expansion in scope while preserving the founding commitment to immigrant-rooted, biblically focused training, with C. Raymond Ludwigson later assuming leadership as the first president of the newly formed and College.

Expansion, Mergers, and Name Changes

In the post-World War II era, Trinity Seminary and , having consolidated operations in by 1949 under President C. Raymond Ludwigson, began pursuing significant growth to accommodate expanding enrollment and broaden its academic offerings beyond its origins as a Bible institute. Under the of President H. Wilbert Norton from 1957 to 1964, the institution focused on relocation and programmatic diversification, renaming the seminary to in 1963 to emphasize its evangelical commitments and adding initial graduate-level courses in and missions. This period marked a shift toward a more comprehensive Christian higher education model, including the introduction of liberal arts curricula at the undergraduate level. A pivotal expansion occurred in 1961 when the relocated to a newly purchased 115-acre estate in , providing space for future development away from urban constraints; the undergraduate division, renamed Trinity College in 1960, followed in 1965, unifying operations on the new campus. These moves, supported by the , enabled the addition of diverse graduate programs in areas such as counseling and Christian education by the late , transforming the institution into a multifaceted evangelical center. Further growth in the under President Kenneth M. Meyer, who served from 1984, included the 1992 acquisition of Miami Christian College, which expanded undergraduate offerings in and reinforced the school's national footprint. During this time, facilities like the James E. Rolfing Library (1974) and Arnold T. Olson Chapel (1979) were added to support the growing academic community. By the mid-1990s, as the undergraduate and graduate divisions had evolved significantly, the institution unified under a single banner to reflect its comprehensive scope. In 1995, Trinity College and merged to form , a that highlighted its international outreach and broad academic portfolio, including new graduate and professional programs launched in 1997. This rebranding, overseen by leadership transitions including President Kenneth S. Kantzer from 1982 to 1984, solidified the university's identity as an integrated evangelical institution committed to and ministry training.

Recent Transitions and Closures

In the 21st century, Trinity International University (TIU) has undergone significant leadership changes amid broader institutional challenges. David S. Dockery served as the 15th president from 2014 to 2019, focusing on academic enhancement and Christian worldview integration. He was succeeded by Nicholas Perrin, the 16th president, who led from July 2019 until his resignation on February 29, 2024. Kevin Kompelien, formerly president of the , became the 17th president on April 1, 2024, and served until his retirement on June 30, 2025. As of July 1, 2025, David W. Pao, dean of (TEDS), was appointed interim president to oversee ongoing restructuring while continuing in his deanship role. A pivotal shift occurred in 2023 when TIU transitioned its undergraduate programs to an exclusively format, closing the residential at the end of the spring semester on May 13, 2023. This decision ended in-person , including sports programs, as the institution responded to declining demand for traditional residential degrees and rising operational costs. The move marked one of the first such closures among Christian colleges in the U.S., preserving TEDS's operations but redirecting resources toward digital accessibility for global audiences. Further closures followed in 2024 as part of cost-cutting measures. In March 2024, TIU announced the shutdown of Trinity College Online effective at the end of the spring semester, alongside the closure of Trinity Graduate School and the phasing out of TIU-Florida's undergraduate and graduate programs by the end of that academic year. These actions involved staff reductions and program consolidations to address immediate budget shortfalls. In April 2025, TIU revealed plans for the transfer of TEDS to (TWU) in , announced on April 8, with ownership transferring effective December 31, 2025, and TEDS operations continuing at through the 2025–2026 academic year before fully relocating, welcoming its first class at the new site in fall 2026. Under this acquisition, TWU will integrate TEDS's faculty, curriculum, and students, closing the campus while expanding seminary offerings at TWU's Langley site; TIU will retain its separately. The arrangement aims to sustain TEDS's evangelical theological legacy amid U.S.-based constraints. These transitions stem from persistent financial pressures, including enrollment declines—exacerbated by national trends in higher education and post-COVID economic impacts—and the need for strategic reimagining to ensure long-term viability. TIU's leadership has emphasized adapting to a digital-first educational landscape while upholding its mission.

Campuses and Facilities

Main Campus in Bannockburn

The main campus of Trinity International University is located on a 111-acre site in , at 2065 Half Day Road, approximately 25 miles north of and six miles west of . This suburban setting has served as the university's headquarters since its establishment, providing space for administrative functions, academic facilities, and open areas including a 39-acre . The campus infrastructure includes several key buildings that support its operations. Academic facilities encompass the Peterson Academic Building, which houses faculty offices and the 130-seat Kantzer Faculty Center lecture hall; the H. G. Rodine Global Ministry Building with seminar halls, conference rooms, and a fitness center; and the Arnold T. Olson Chapel, a 500-seat auditorium featuring a Casavant pipe organ. The James E. Rolfing Memorial Library holds over 240,000 volumes, 150,000 microform items, and more than 1,200 periodical subscriptions, serving as a central resource for research. Administrative structures include the Mansion Administrative Building for the president's office, admissions, and advancement; the Norton Welcome Center for business and financial aid services; and the Lee International Center for student life offices. The Gregory L. Waybright Center provides dining, lounge areas, and student amenities. Dormitories, previously used for undergraduate housing, have seen limited utilization since the discontinuation of residential undergraduate programs at the end of the spring 2023 semester. Historically, the site was purchased in 1960 as the former Sunset Estate, with Theological Seminary holding its first classes there in 1961, marking the initial relocation from prior locations in and elsewhere. The college division followed in 1965, establishing the campus as the long-term home for both divinity and undergraduate programs under the . This relocation solidified Bannockburn's role in fostering the university's growth through the late . As of 2025, the campus operates with reduced scope, emphasizing graduate and programs alongside administrative functions through the 2025–2026 . On-campus has transitioned to month-to-month leases to facilitate transitions, reflecting ongoing preparations for the campus's closure by 2026 following the merger of the divinity school with in .

Extension Sites and Programs

Trinity International University's extension sites have historically provided specialized educational access beyond its main campus, focusing on regional, distance, and targeted outreach programs. The Regional Center in Santa Ana serves as the primary ongoing extension location, housing and offering on-campus and online with a integration. In , TIU maintained extension campuses in North Lauderdale and to deliver undergraduate and graduate programs, enabling regional students to pursue Christ-centered degrees without relocating to the Midwest. These sites, including facilities adjacent to in North Lauderdale and in Miami-Dade County's Kendall area, supported flexible learning formats to accommodate working professionals and local communities prior to their phase-out. Operations at both locations concluded at the end of the Spring 2024 semester, with remaining students transitioned to distance learning options for degree completion. Additionally, TIU partners with the and the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association to offer a in through prison-based programs, promoting educational rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. Established in 2017 at , the initiative relocated to Fox Lake Correctional Facility in 2023 to expand access in a medium-security setting, with graduates earning degrees via structured, faith-integrated coursework delivered on-site.

Academic Structure and Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Trinity International University's undergraduate programs, offered through Trinity College, encompassed a range of bachelor's degrees emphasizing a integrated with liberal arts, professional, and ministry-oriented studies. Prior to their restructuring, the university provided over 35 undergraduate degrees across 25 majors in fields such as , English and , liberal arts and humanities, recreation and fitness studies, and religious vocations, visual and , , biological sciences, , communications, , foreign languages, , interdisciplinary studies, , , physical sciences, and social sciences. Representative examples included majors in , elementary , , , kinesiology, and , with popular programs drawing significant enrollment in business/commerce, , and . These programs were designed to foster intellectual, spiritual, and vocational development, often incorporating requirements across the curriculum. Admissions for undergraduate students prior to the 2023 transition were relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate of approximately 93 percent, attracting applicants who aligned with the university's evangelical . The application process typically required high school transcripts, scores (though test-optional policies were in place by 2022), recommendations, and a faith statement. Tuition for the 2021-2022 was set at $33,898 for full-time students, with additional costs for room and board averaging $10,840, books and supplies at $1,326, and other expenses around $2,695, though financial aid through scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities covered a substantial portion for eligible students—averaging over 90 percent of undergraduates receiving aid. Student support services included , , chapel attendance for , and access to on-campus resources like the library and fitness facilities, all aimed at holistic development. In February 2023, Trinity International University announced the cessation of residential undergraduate programs, transitioning all offerings to an online-only format effective at the end of the Spring 2023 semester, as part of broader financial efforts. This shift closed the physical for undergraduates, eliminated on-campus and , and focused on digital delivery through Trinity College Online, which continued programs in areas like and ministry, , , and during the 2023-2024 year. However, the online undergraduate operations were fully discontinued at the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester, marking the end of traditional offerings at the institution. Currently, the university maintains limited undergraduate programming through a with the and the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association, offering bachelor's degrees in and psychology exclusively to inmates at . This initiative provides incarcerated individuals with opportunities for higher education in ministry-related fields, reflecting the university's ongoing commitment to accessible Christian education in specialized contexts.

Graduate and Divinity Programs

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), the primary graduate and divinity division of Trinity International University, offers a range of post-baccalaureate programs emphasizing theological education, ministerial preparation, and advanced scholarship. The flagship (MDiv) program provides comprehensive training for and academia, including coursework in , , and practical ministry skills, typically completed in three years of full-time study. Other master's offerings include the (ThM) for advanced theological research and the (DMin) for experienced leaders seeking to enhance ministerial effectiveness through praxis-oriented study. Additionally, TEDS provides the Master of Arts in Counseling, integrating psychological principles with to prepare counselors for faith-based practice. Prior to its closure in 2024, the Trinity Graduate School supplemented these with non-theological graduate programs, such as the Master of Arts in Leadership, which focused on organizational and ethical leadership in Christian contexts, and the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, designed to equip students for cross-cultural ministry and global engagement. These programs emphasized practical application and were offered in flexible formats to accommodate working professionals. In April 2025, TEDS entered into an agreement for acquisition by (TWU) in Langley, , , with the transfer of assets, faculty, and students planned to complete by the end of 2025; this move aims to sustain TEDS's operations amid financial challenges at TIU, with the first student intake at TWU scheduled for September 2026. Following TIU's shift to online undergraduate programs in 2023, TEDS expanded hybrid and fully online options for its graduate degrees, including an asynchronous MDiv and eight-week course modules starting in fall 2024, to broaden accessibility. As of the 2024-2025 , TEDS enrollment stood at 813 students, with 402 full-time equivalents, reflecting a decline from prior years but sustained demand for its specialized programs.

Law School

Trinity Law School, located in , is the professional law program of Trinity International University, offering a (JD) degree accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the . The program emphasizes a , integrating faith-based principles into to prepare students for ethical practice in diverse legal settings. It provides flexible delivery options, including online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, allowing students to complete the 90-unit degree in three years full-time or four years part-time. The curriculum combines standard legal coursework with a distinctive focus on ethics, constitutional law, and faith-informed practice, fostering a holistic approach to law that aligns professional responsibilities with Christian values. Required courses cover core subjects such as contracts, torts, property, criminal law, and constitutional law, while electives and specialized offerings explore negotiation strategies grounded in Christian ethics and human rights from a faith perspective. This integration aims to equip graduates to address moral and ethical challenges in legal careers, including advocacy for religious liberty and social justice. Students gain practical experience through several legal clinics that provide pro bono services to underserved communities while offering supervised hands-on training. The Law Clinic, in partnership with the Orange County Rescue Mission, assists homeless individuals with , criminal, and debt matters. Additional opportunities include the Mobile for low-income clients, the Clinic addressing asylum and status issues, the Religious Liberty Clinic collaborating with the Pacific Justice Institute, and the Mediation Clinic with the Orange County . These programs require students to complete at least 50 hours per unit of credit, emphasizing client interviewing, case analysis, , and ethical decision-making. Recent bar passage rates for Trinity Law School graduates reflect variability due to small cohort sizes, with first-time takers achieving 66.7% passage on the February 2025 California Bar Exam (8 of 12 passers) and 63% on the July 2023 exam (11 of 17 estimated passers). Alumni outcomes demonstrate solid employment prospects, with 88% of the classes of 2016 and 2017 securing positions or further education within 10 months of graduation, including roles in bar-required practice (38%), JD-advantaged fields (38%), and other professional areas. The school's operations in Santa Ana have remained independent and active amid broader university transitions, such as the shift to online undergraduate programs in 2023 and the closure of certain graduate offerings in 2024.

Accreditations and Affiliations

Regional Accreditation

Trinity International University holds regional accreditation from the (HLC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the , overseeing the institution's overall operations including Trinity College, (TEDS), and Trinity Graduate School prior to the 2025 restructuring. The university underwent a comprehensive reaffirmation of accreditation in 2020–2021, affirming compliance with HLC's Criteria for Accreditation, which encompass areas such as mission, , and learning, resources, and institutional effectiveness; this process occurs on a 10-year cycle under HLC's Open Pathway, with the next full evaluation scheduled for 2030–2031. An interim Assurance in November 2024 further confirmed adherence to these standards, resulting in continued accreditation without sanctions. This regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, enabling access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities for eligible students across the university's programs. As of 2025, the accreditation remains in good standing despite recent program closures and transitions, supporting the institution's ongoing and operations.

Program-Specific Accreditations and Memberships

Trinity International University's divinity programs, offered through , are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and , ensuring that degrees such as the , in various specializations, , and PhD programs meet rigorous theological and educational standards. This accreditation covers core programs and select extensions at sites including Milwaukee, Wisconsin; ; and locations in and . The M.A. in Counseling through is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, the university participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), facilitating across state lines. The university's law school receives accreditation from the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of , authorizing its program to prepare students for the bar examination and legal practice within the state. Undergraduate education programs focused on K-12 teacher preparation, including elementary education and related endorsements, are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), enabling graduates to pursue professional educator licensure in . The athletic training program previously held accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) prior to 2003, after which it lost this status; subsequent efforts under the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) resulted in probation in 2019 before the program's discontinuation amid broader institutional transitions. In terms of memberships, Trinity International University is affiliated with the , aligning its doctrinal commitments with the denomination's statement of faith and historical roots. It is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), facilitating collaboration on evangelical higher education initiatives, faculty development, and shared resources among peer institutions.

Athletics

Teams and Conferences

Trinity International University's athletic teams were known as the Trojans and competed at the (NAIA) level, with primary affiliation in the (CCAC). The program also held membership in the (NCCAA), allowing participation in both secular and faith-based competitions. The Trojans fielded men's teams in , , football, soccer, and . Women's teams included , soccer, , and . These sports emphasized student-athlete development within a Christian framework, aligning with the university's evangelical mission. In February 2023, Trinity International University announced the discontinuation of its athletic programs as part of a broader transition to exclusively online undergraduate education, effective at the end of the spring semester on May 13, 2023. This shift eliminated the residential campus infrastructure necessary for intercollegiate athletics.

Key Accomplishments

One of the standout achievements in Trinity International University's athletic history was the women's team's victory in the NCCAA Division I in , marking the program's first national title in that division after defeating in a five-set final. This success was bolstered by multiple individual honors, including three first-team All-CCAC selections and the conference Player of the Year award, highlighting the team's depth and talent. In soccer, the women's team secured the CCAC Tournament Championship in 2015 as the No. 4 seed, advancing to the NAIA national tournament. The program also claimed NCCAA national titles in 1998 and 2004, contributing to a legacy of competitive excellence.[]https://tiutrojans.com/sports/2021/1/5/football-program-history.aspx) The men's soccer team earned an all-conference nod for player Jacob Garside in 2022 following a strong season.[]https://tiutrojans.com/news/2022/11/15/mens-soccer-garside-grabs-all-conference-nod-after-terrific-season.aspx) Earlier, the men's program won the NCCAA in 1974.[]https://thenccaa.org/sports/2016/6/9/Trinity_International_University.aspx?id=525) The men's team captured the CCAC Division II Tournament Championship in 2007, earning a berth in the NAIA national tournament.[]https://www.naia.org/sports/mbkb2/2006-07/releases/200702288dlxj) In 2022, player Brandon McQueen was named to the Second Team All-CCAC after leading the conference in steals and assists.[]https://tiutrojans.com/news/2022/3/1/mcqueen-brown-thomas-receive-ccac-mens-basketball-postseason-honors.aspx) Prior to 2023, TIU played a vital role in campus life by fostering wholehearted excellence through intercollegiate competition, integrating , academic rigor, and character development to enrich the educational experience of student-athletes.[]https://tiutrojans.com/news/2020/4/24/general-pursuing-excellence-a-reflection-of-the-trojan-mission-and-values.aspx) These programs, spanning teams like , soccer, and , built community and instilled values of teamwork and perseverance among participants and the broader student body.

Notable People

Faculty and Administration

Trinity International University's has undergone several transitions in recent years, reflecting efforts to adapt to financial and structural challenges while upholding its evangelical mission. David S. Dockery served as the 15th president from 2014 to 2019, emphasizing a of higher education that integrated academic rigor with Christian formation. During his tenure, Dockery advanced reforms to strengthen interdisciplinary programs and faculty development, drawing on his prior experience at to foster a culture of scholarly excellence aligned with biblical principles. Nicholas Perrin succeeded Dockery as the 16th president in 2019 and led until his resignation on February 29, 2024, navigating a period of significant institutional change, including the shift of undergraduate programs to online delivery in 2023 amid enrollment declines. Perrin's administration focused on stabilizing operations and maintaining academic quality during these transitions, which included cost-saving measures and strategic realignments to preserve the university's commitment to gospel-centered education. Kevin Kompelien, formerly president of the , was appointed as the 17th president on April 1, 2024, serving until his retirement on June 30, 2025. His brief leadership emphasized unity between the university and its denominational affiliates, guiding TIU through ongoing fiscal adjustments while prioritizing the divinity school's role in theological training. As of July 1, 2025, David W. Pao has served as interim president, concurrently holding the position of dean of (TEDS), where he oversees the school's alignment with following its transfer in 2025. Pao's scholarly background in studies, including commentaries on Acts and Colossians, informs his administrative focus on missional theology and global partnerships. The faculty at Trinity International University includes prominent scholars in and , particularly within TEDS, who contribute to evangelical scholarship through research and mentorship. , emeritus professor of , is a leading figure in , having authored over 60 books on topics such as the gospel and Scripture's reliability, and co-founding to promote reformed . His work has shaped contemporary evangelical thought, emphasizing and doctrinal fidelity during his decades at TIU. Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of , explores the intersection of and doctrine, with influential publications like The Drama of Doctrine (2005) that frame as participatory drama in God's narrative. Vanhoozer's contributions advance postliberal , aiding students in applying Scripture to cultural engagement. Other notable faculty include Craig L. Blomberg, distinguished professor of emeritus, known for his defenses of the in works like The Historical Reliability of the Gospels (1987), which have impacted and . TIU's administrative structure centers on a Board of Regents, comprising 17 members from diverse professional backgrounds, including business leaders and clergy affiliated with the , responsible for governance, financial oversight, and strategic vision. Following the planned 2025 transfer of TEDS to , the structure will adapt to emphasize collaborative leadership between remaining programs like the and online initiatives, with a senior team including and Michael Peterson handling operational efficiency and Dean Eric Halvorson leading the . This framework ensures continuity in mission-driven administration amid the university's transition to a primarily online and affiliated model by 2026.

Alumni

Trinity International University alumni have made significant contributions across various fields, particularly in ministry, academia, public service, and beyond, reflecting the institution's emphasis on Christian leadership and intellectual rigor. Graduates from its undergraduate and divinity programs often pursue roles that advance evangelical scholarship, church leadership, and societal impact. In ministry and apologetics, notable alumni include William Lane Craig, who earned two M.A. degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in 1974 and 1975 and is recognized as a leading Christian philosopher and apologist, founding Reasonable Faith and authoring numerous books on theology and philosophy. Mark Batterson, holder of two master's degrees from TEDS, serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and is a New York Times bestselling author of works like The Circle Maker, influencing contemporary church practices and prayer movements. Paul Copan, with an M.Div. and M.A. in philosophy of religion from TEDS, is the Pledger Family Chair in Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, authoring over 40 books on Christian apologetics and ethics that have shaped evangelical thought. In academia and religious studies, Randall Balmer, who received his B.A. in history from Trinity College (now part of TIU) in the 1970s, holds the John Phillips Chair in Religion at Dartmouth College and is an Emmy-nominated author of books such as Bad Faith: How the Religious Right—and the White Press—Shaped American Politics, examining the intersection of religion and U.S. politics. Alumni in demonstrate the university's influence on and . Lazarus Chakwera, who earned a from TEDS in 2000, is the , having transitioned from pastoring the in to national leadership, where he advocates for democratic reforms and . Brian Hagedorn, a B.A. in graduate from TIU in 2000, serves as a on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, previously clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice and contributing to conservative legal scholarship. John Crane, holder of an M.A. in communication and culture from TIU, was an from 2017 to 2024, focusing on and local as a Republican leader. In entertainment, , a B.A. in history alumnus who graduated magna cum laude, is a Bahamian-American and voice artist known for roles in films like Spartan (2004) and voicing characters in the Transformers franchise, alongside narrating over 450 audiobooks. The TIU Alumni Association supports a of over 20,000 graduates through services, regional gatherings, online newsletters, and opportunities, sustaining community ties despite recent program transitions and campus relocations at TEDS.

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