Pensacola Christian College

I attended graduate school at PCC in the 80's. I was attracted to the summer graduate program because it was accessable for a person who could not move to Forida as a resident student. I was challenged as a graduate student by the gifted and world-class faculty that were brought in for the summer classes. These men and women were trained at institutions that are recognized as the best (Eastman, Manhattan School of Music, Juliard, et.al.). Not only were they well trained, but they proved their worth in their respecive fields outside of PCC. This was invaluable to me as a student. Several of these faculty members became my mentors and good friends from whom I have on many occasions recieved advise and additional "education" since I was graduated.

Later, I had the opportunity to be a part of the faulty at PCC. It was in many ways a very positive experience as a musician. During the 90's the college was able to stage excellent musical productions. The pressures, however, from the adminstration are immense and many times tend to stiffle the faculty and students alike. This has led to frustration and the resignation of several excellent, well-seasoned faculty, leaving a younger and largely inexperienced faculty to carry the load. While the College should have been able to field excellent performance groups on campus (symphonic bands, chorales, and orchestras),they have fallen short of what they could be. PCC was THE place for training singers, pianists, and conductors in the 90's and early 2000's, but, in the opinion of this alumnus, they are on the way down. The trickle down effect will be seen in the fine arts programs in Christian schools and churches in years to come.

I have supported the College by recommending many students to attend there and sending my own children as well. Having been close to this school I give the following advice:

1. You get out of college what you put into it; meaning, if you want to get a good education at PCC you can get it in most areas. They have tried to invest in their faculty and, by in large, they have good credientals.

2. If you are a well-adjusted young person (spiritually, emotionally, and academically) you will probably do well at PCC. The rules are tough, and at times you will have to swallow hard when faced with the sometimes insensitive tendencies of the Student Life Office. They are not there to help; they are there to enforce the rules (no matter how pedantic some of them are).

3. As a student, you will have to evaluate if institutional accrediation is important to you or not. Even though there are accredition orginazations available that do not violate the mission and stand of PCC they have firmly stated that they are not and will not become accredited. This can make furthering your education, obtaining grants, or teaching in a public school a challenge.

4. PCC has taken a firm position on the Biblical text issue. Their position is so strong that they believe that any person/institution not embracing their "TR" and "doctrine of preservation" view of the Bible is either liberal or well on the way to being liberal (in the true theological sense). While there are many churches (both inside and outside of fundamentalist camps) still using the KJV, the adminstration of PCC has made the translation issue a separation issue amoung good, conservative, theologically sound preachers and institutions. If you embrace this position, you will feel comfortable as a Bible student. If you do not, you will be frustrated and face constant critisism.

5. The staff and faculty at PCC are friendly. It is a safe place for young people. The facility is second to none. It is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful.6. While PCC is a good choice for many students,it is not for everyone. Do your research, ask many questions, visit the campus (not during College Days), and make an informed decision.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000