Institutional History

Eastern University’s story began on March 19, 1925, when six Baptist ministers gathered at 1701 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia to pursue a shared vision of a Christ-centered academic institution. With a $26 donation laid at the center of the table and a spirit of bold conviction, they established Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (EBTS), an institution committed to theological education that was both “conservative, yet progressive.”

The seminary grew rapidly, adding faculty and facilities, and in 1940 moved to Wynnewood, PA. As EBTS expanded, it also recognized a need for broader academic preparation. In 1952, Eastern Baptist College (EBC) was established as a separate institution to provide a four-year liberal arts education grounded in faith. The college moved to the former Walton estate in St. Davids, PA, offering students a holistic experience of academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community life.

In 1972, the college was renamed Eastern College, reflecting its broadened identity while maintaining its Baptist heritage. A growing demand for advanced education led to the launch of graduate programs in the 1980s, including its first MBA program. With this momentum, Eastern achieved university status in December 2001. In 2003, the university re-integrated with its founding seminary, which was renamed Palmer Theological Seminary in 2005 in honor of Dr. Gordon Palmer, a transformative leader and president in the seminary’s history.

Today, Eastern University encompasses multiple schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business and Leadership, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, Templeton Honors College, Esperanza College, and Palmer Theological Seminary. Through over a century of growth and change, Eastern has remained steadfast in its mission: to prepare graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice.