Why Legacy?

Humble Beginnings

In the spring of 1849, the story is told of five men gathered under an oak tree after a day of haying. Over time, history and legend fondly refers to them as “The Oak Tree Five.” This gathering was a uniting of hearts, vision and desire of seeing an institution of higher learning formed in the region to educate and prepare those called into the ministry.

Joining like-minded individuals comprising The East Tennessee Baptist Education Society momentum continued with applying for a charter in 1850. Afforded the use of a local church building, Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary opened to students in the fall of 1851. The Tennessee Legislature granted the school’s charter in December of that year.

The predecessor to the New York Times was established, President Fillmore was in the White House, a new book called “Moby Dick” began appearing on bookshelves, and a new era of Christ-centered education was born on the banks of Mossy Creek.

As noted in historical documents, the founders possessed a twofold intent: “to promote education in general, and among the ministry in particular.”

The institution produced its first graduate in 1855, who manifested the ideal of “education in general,” and went on to become a physician. The following year, the second graduating class reaffirmed the school’s mission by producing a lawyer and a minister,
in that order. The seeds of a vision began taking root.

Moving Forward

The merger of men’s and women’s institutions in 1889 formed Carson and Newman College. It made the school an early coeducation entrant in the region.

As decades passed, institutional names changed, and campus locations shifted, Carson-Newman’s mission and vision remained unwavering. It’s reach and reputation prospered. Such growth was not without severe hardships, as the institution’s history is peppered with events that could have easily ushered the University’s existence into history books. Fires, financial struggles, epidemics, pandemics, wars, both domestic and abroad, all challenged the fortitude of the Oak Tree Five’s vision. A long-time, former C-N history professor was once asked about the historical storms weathered by the University.

Well,” he smiled, “I think Carson-Newman has survived, and sometimes it has been just a shoestring survival, because God himself wanted it to.”

In pursuing God’s preferred future, roots of the founding vision took hold, and it was the body of servant-leaders who nurtured the institution with big aspirations, and an even greater faith. The University found invaluable support from Baptists across the state and its affiliation with the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

While academic programs have grown, and student-athletes continue to represent the University with excellence, Carson-Newman remains dedicated to instilling a deep commitment to Christian service in  its students. The idea of not only only educating young minds, but the transformation of the person in preparing servant-leaders, remains its mission.

Today, Carson-Newman alumni fill schoolrooms and boardrooms. They serve in courthouses and minister in hospitals. They proclaim the gospel from pulpits and share the love of Christ on mission fields. They are found in all 50 states and 61 countries – each reflecting the motto of their alma mater: Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

In honoring the vision and legacy of its founders, Carson-Newman celebrates and holds onto its storied past, while also forging its future – a future committed to advancing Christ-centered education for generations looking to make a difference in the world.