Judson College in Alabama | Judson College
The board of trustees at Judson College in Alabama, which claims to be the only evangelical womenâs college in the United States, has voted to close down the 183-year-old institution after failing to resolve its multi-million dollar financial deficit.Â
âWe know this was the right decision, but there is not a person here whose heart isnât broken over this,â Judson College President W. Mark Tew said in a statement. âI share the heartbreak of this decision that is felt by generations of Judson students, faculty, and friends.â
Judson College, an all-womenâs Christian college in Marion, Alabama, affiliated with Alabama Baptist Convention, was founded in 1838 when it was rare for women to receive formal education.Â
Judson College in Alabama | Judson College
The board of trustees at Judson College in Alabama, which claims to be the only evangelical women’s college in the United States, has voted to close down the 183-year-old institution after failing to resolve its multi-million dollar financial deficit.
“We know this was the right decision, but there is not a person here whose heart isn’t broken over this,” Judson College President W. Mark Tew said in a statement. “I share the heartbreak of this decision that is felt by generations of Judson students, faculty, and friends.”
Judson College, an all-women’s Christian college in Marion, Alabama, affiliated with Alabama Baptist Convention, was founded in 1838 when it was rare for women to receive formal education.
Alabama News
From the West Alabama Newsroom–
News that Judson College will be closing after 183 years of education young women has left people in Marion stunned.
After battling financial problems one of the oldest women’s colleges in the country is closing it’s doors.
Judson College President Dr. W. Mark Tew says a steady decrease in student enrollment and debt were two main factors in the decision.
“I want to be very clear that no single lending institution has in any way created this situation for us. We have very good relationships with Marion Bank and Trust, West Alabama Bank, First Cahaba Bank and with Trustmark Bank,” said Tew.
Marion community reacts to closing of Judson College
Reaction to Judson College closure By Courtney Chandler | May 7, 2021 at 10:50 PM CDT - Updated May 9 at 6:51 PM
MARION, Ala. (WSFA) - Many of the residents of Marion were shocked and saddened to hear that Judson College will close its doors permanently this summer.
The decision was made by the school’s board of trustees Thursday and comes after efforts with donors and the community to keep the school open long term failed.
Residents say the college benefited the city economy and the students impacted the community.
“Judson has been a pillar of the community for so many years,” Lottie’s restaurant owner, Byron Turner, said. “When we first opened, my first waitress I hired were from Judson College.”
Alabama News
Updated:
It was also home to the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame.
In a statement posted online, college officials say:
“The news is a somewhat unexpected end to the five-month emotional roller coaster for the Judson community following the hopeful report from the Board on April 2. But after several multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts since December 2020 and the exploration of potential mergers and other options, new developments during the first few days of May forced school officials to prepare the board for the reality of Judson’s financial situation.”
The board had approved a budget for the 2021-2022 school year, with the hope that new donors would help close Judson’s operating deficit. But the money never came in.