The College of Biblical Studies–Houston (CBS), formerly Houston Bible Institute (HBI), began as a burden in the heart of the late Rev. Ernest L. Mays, the founder of HBI. He sensed that large segments of the local Christian community were functioning without trained leaders.
This was especially true within the inner-city minority groups. Out of this concern, Houston Bible & Vocational Institute was incorporated in 1976. Mr. William Thomas, Jr. and Rev. Joe Wall assisted in the development of a multi-racial, interdenominational board, which began working to make the school a reality. Within a short time, a decision was made to focus on biblical and theological training because they felt that there were already adequate resources for vocational training in the area.
During its 40-plus years of history, CBS has grown in its academic curriculum from offering a few credit and non-credit courses to today’s offerings of a Bible Certificate in English or Spanish language, an Associate of Biblical Studies degree in English and Spanish, and Bachelor of Science degree programs with majors in Biblical Studies, Biblical Counseling, Organizational Leadership and Christian Leadership. (We need to confirm these are correct and nothing else has been added.)
CBS initially offered classes at the KHCB radio facilities located off the Southwest Freeway at Kirby. In 1994, a 2-acre campus (18,000 sq. ft. in three buildings) located near Hillcroft and the Southwest Freeway was purchased. Today, CBS serves students online and in three locations – Houston, Indianapolis, and Ft. Wayne.
In the fall of 1979, the first classes of Houston Bible Institute were offered. Rev. Rodney L. Cooper was the school’s first Executive Director. From its inception, the school used the facilities of KHCB-FM, a Houston-based Christian radio network, for its classrooms, and leased administrative space nearby.
In 1983, Rev. Rod Cooper resigned to pursue a Ph.D., and the Board promoted Rev. Jack Arrington, then Vice President, to President. President Arrington continued the difficult task of building the foundation and establishing credibility in the minority community.
In 1991, God called Rev. Arrington to the pastorate and Dr. William Boyd to fill his vacancy. Dr. Boyd began the process of building the superstructure on the vision of Mays and the foundation of Cooper and Arrington. He implemented a scholarship program that resulted in significant growth of the College.
Under Dr. Boyd’s leadership, in 1996 the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board certified the school as a college and the name was changed from Houston Bible Institute to College of Biblical Studies–Houston. In 1999, CBS achieved national accreditation through the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (now the Association for Biblical Higher Education).
In July 2007, God called Dr. Jay A. Quine to the presidency and Dr. Boyd became the Chancellor. Dr. Quine provided leadership for the creation of the 2008-2013 Strategic Plan that focuses on the addition of a traditional bachelor’s program, a Center for Continuing Studies, and pursuit of regional accreditation.
In June 2012, the College of Biblical Studies-Houston was granted Candidacy status for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Certificates and Associate and Baccalaureate degrees.
In July 2012, God called Dr. William Blocker to the presidency to provide leadership to the College in the pursuit of furthering its impact on families, churches and communities. In 2013, CBS was granted membership into the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and was reaffirmed in its national accreditation with Association of Biblical Higher Education. With Dr. Blocker’s leadership, CBS continues to expand our educational offerings, including:
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