Truett McConnell Now University

Truett McConnell College is now Truett McConnell University.

The change became official on the school’s commencement day this past Saturday and comes after approval from the school’s board of trustees last October.

It also coincides with the school’s 70th anniversary and first master’s degree graduate.

The 2016 graduating class of 134 students was the first to receive their diplomas from the new Truett McConnell University, including the first master’s graduate, Ben Garrison.

School officials said the university’s strategic plan includes additional undergraduate programs, as well as new graduate programs, adding to current Master of Arts in Theology.

The additional graduate degree programs will include Master of Science in Biology, Master in Business Administration, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Missions, and Master of Arts in Education, all of which Truett McConnell officials say need approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.