San Diego Christian College

Private evangelical college in Santee, California

San Diego Christian College

Former names

| Christian Heritage College (1970–2005)
Type| Private university
Established| 1970

Religious affiliation

| Non-denominational Christian

Academic affiliations

| Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
President| Kevin Corsini
Students| 681[1]
Location|

Santee, California

U.S.

32°50′33″N 116°58′42″W﻿ / ﻿32.84250°N 116.97833°W﻿ / 32.84250; -116.97833
Campus| Suburban
Colors| Navy Blue, Sky Blue & Gold

Nickname| Hawks

Sporting affiliations

| NAIA – GSAC
Mascot| Moe Hawk
Website| www.sdcc.edu

San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is a private evangelical university in Santee, California. Founded in 1970, SDCC offers traditional, non-traditional, and graduate programs.

## History

[edit]

In January 1970, Tim F. LaHaye, pastor of the former Scott Memorial Baptist Church of San Diego and co-author of the fictional Left Behind series of books, Art Peters and Henry M. Morris discussed the need for a Christian college on the West Coast where studies could be developed within the framework of creationism based on the Genesis creation narrative. That year, classes began at Christian Heritage College, supported by Scott Memorial Baptist Church.[2] The first degrees were awarded in 1973.

In 1984, it was first accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In 2005, the college changed its name to San Diego Christian College. In 2015, it moved to its new location in Santee, California.

## Campus

[edit]

In 2005, Christian Heritage College became San Diego Christian College and in 2014, SDCC moved to its new campus in Santee. The new campus consists of five buildings, with an athletic annex office and residential apartments which are located 1.8 miles off campus.

Its five buildings include smart classrooms, laboratories, chapel auditorium, cafeteria, counseling rooms, a library and faculty and staff offices. The library has a growing collection of over 450,000 items. Aviators train at Gillespie Field in El Cajon.

SDCC's fountain displays the institution's core values of truth, purpose, and impact.

## Academics

[edit]

The institution offers Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science degrees as well as Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees, and teacher's credentials.

San Diego Christian College has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1984.[3] On June 23, 2006, WASC reviewed San Diego Christian College and placed its accreditation on probation.[4] This was because the institution was unable to demonstrate its "autonomy."[5] The commission on February 2, 2007, found the institution had taken a "number of significant and positive steps" in addressing its concerns, but still found it to be in "noncompliance," so another visit was scheduled for the Spring of 2008.[6] In June 2008, San Diego Christian College received a reaffirmation of accreditation.[3]

In its 2024 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked San Diego Christian College as #98 in its "Regional Universities West" category.[1]

## Athletics

[edit]

The San Diego Christian College (SDCC) athletic teams were called the Hawks. The institution was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) from 1999–2000 to 2022–23. The Hawks were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the West Region of the Division I level.

SDCC competed in 14 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

### Tennis

[edit]

In just their first year of a program in 2015, the SDCC men's tennis team went to the NAIA National Tournament held in Mobile, Ala. The Hawks lost in the Quarterfinal round against eventual winner and No. 1 team Georgia Gwinnett. The Hawks were ranked as high as No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll during the season.

### Baseball

[edit]

In 2014, the SDCC baseball team was a finalist in the NAIA World Series after a record breaking year. The Hawks finished with a 42-20 overall record that included a GSAC Regular Season Championship as well as being ranked fifth in the NAIA Top 25 Poll.

### Men's basketball

[edit]

Competing at that time in the NCCAA, the Hawks won the NCCAA men's basketball championship in 1990, 1997, 1998 and 2004. They were second in 2000, losing to Bethel by a score of 83–82. They finished third in 1996 and 2003. They also went to the 2001 NAIA final four in Men's Basketball.[7]

### Women's basketball

[edit]

The Hawks won the NCCAA women's basketball championship in 2003.[8] The women's Volleyball team won the first National titles for the school in volleyball 1998, 2000 and took second in 1996 and 1999.

## Notable people

[edit]

### Students and alumni

[edit]

Name | Known for | Relationship to school

|
|

Matt Krause | Member of the Texas House of Representatives since 2013; lawyer from Fort Worth, Texas | Hawks basketball player, 1998-2002[9]
Shannon Taylor | Film producer, musician and actress  | Studied communications in 2009[10]
Jeremiah Trueman | New Zealand basketball player | [citation needed]
Liam Simmons | Collegiate basketball head coach | Graduated in 2007, played guard for three years[11]

### Faculty and employees

[edit]

Name | Known for | Relationship to school

|
|

Duane Gish | Speaker on creationism | Researcher when the Institute for Creation Research was part of the college in the 1970s.
Swen Nater | Former NBA basketball player | Coached SDCC's basketball team from 1985 to 1995[12]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b U.S. News & World Report: San Diego Christian College. Accessed March 15, 2019.
2. ^ History of SDCC Archived 2008-04-23 at the Wayback Machine
3. ^ a b "San Diego Christian College Profile". Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 2009. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
4. ^ Fulbright, Leslie (July 31, 2007). "Progressive New College in academic, fiscal mess". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
5. ^ Lauren Morgan, "Accreditation team visits PLNU this week," The Point Weekly, October 1, 2007. Archived January 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
6. ^ "Public Statement" (PDF). Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2009. [dead link‍]
7. ^ "Men's Basketball D1 History" (PDF). The NCCAA. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
8. ^ "Women's Basketball D1 History" (PDF). The NCCAA. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
9. ^ "State Rep. Matt Krause District 93 (R-Fort Worth)". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
10. ^ Pfingsten, Tom (January 24, 2009). "FALLBROOK: Young band completes fifth trip to Russia; no signs of slowing down". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on January 2, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
11. ^ "Liam Simmons Hired As Men's Basketball Head Coach". Colorado Christian University Athletics. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
12. ^ Broussard, Chris (January 11, 2004). "THEN AND NOW -- Swen Nater; Big Man Loved the Game, Then Learned to Play It". New York Times. Retrieved July 8, 2009.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Official athletics website

* v
* t
* e

Members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

Governing Members|

* Abilene Christian
* Ambrose
* Anderson (Indiana)
* Anderson (South Carolina)
* Asbury
* Azusa Pacific
* Belhaven
* Bethel (Indiana)
* Bethel (Minnesota)
* Bethany
* Biola
* Bluefield
* Bushnell
* California Baptist
* Calvin
* Campbellsville
* Central Baptist
* Central Christian
* Charleston Southern
* Colorado Christian
* Concordia-Ann Arbor
* Concordia–Chicago
* Concordia–Irvine
* Concordia–Nebraska
* Concordia-Wisconsin
* Corban
* Cornerstone
* Covenant
* Crown
* Dallas Baptist
* Dordt
* East Texas Baptist
* Eastern Nazarene
* Emmanuel
* Erskine
* Evangel
* Faulkner
* Fresno Pacific
* Geneva
* George Fox
* Gordon
* Grace
* Greenville
* Hannibal–LaGrange
* Hardin–Simmons
* Harding
* Hope International
* Houghton
* Houston Christian
* Howard Payne
* Huntington
* Indiana Wesleyan
* Jessup
* John Brown
* Judson (Illinois)
* Kentucky Christian
* King
* Lee
* LeTourneau
* Lipscomb
* Malone
* Messiah
* Mid-America Christian
* MidAmerica Nazarene
* Milligan
* Mississippi
* Missouri Baptist
* Montreat
* Mount Vernon Nazarene
* Multnomah
* North Central
* North Park
* Northwest Nazarene
* Northwest
* Northwestern (Iowa)
* Oklahoma Baptist
* Oklahoma Christian
* Olivet Nazarene
* Oral Roberts
* Ouachita
* Palm Beach Atlantic
* Point
* Point Loma Nazarene
* Redeemer
* Regent
* Roberts Wesleyan
* San Diego Christian
* Simpson
* Southeastern
* Southern Adventist
* Southern Nazarene
* Southern Wesleyan
* Southwest Baptist
* Spring Arbor
* Sterling
* Tabor
* Taylor
* Toccoa Falls
* Trevecca Nazarene
* Trinity Christian
* Trinity International
* Trinity Western
* Mary Hardin–Baylor
* Northwestern – St. Paul (UNWSP)
* Southwest
* Vanguard
* Walla Walla
* Warner
* Wayland Baptist
* Westmont
* Wheaton
* Wisconsin Lutheran
* York (Nebraska)

Associate Members|

* Arizona Christian
* Asbury Theological Seminary
* Briercrest
* Cairn
* Columbia International
* Crandall
* Dallas Theological Seminary
* Denver Seminary
* Fuller Theological Seminary
* Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
* Johnson
* Kuyper
* Life Pacific
* Lincoln Christian
* Martin Luther
* McMaster Divinity
* Mid-Atlantic Christian
* Moody
* Ohio Christian
* Ozark Christian
* Prairie
* Providence
* Southwestern Christian
* King's (New York)
* King's (Texas)
* Tyndale
* Valley Forge

* v
* t
* e

Great Southwest Athletic Conference

Full members|

* Arizona Christian
* Benedictine–Mesa
* Embry–Riddle at Prescott
* Hope International
* Life Pacific
* The Master's
* Ottawa (Arizona)
* Park–Gilbert

* v
* t
* e

Sports in the San Diego metropolitan area

Australian football|

USAFL
San Diego Lions

Baseball|

MLB
San Diego Padres

Basketball|

NBA G League
San Diego Clippers

Cricket|

MiLC
San Diego Surf Riders

Football|

IFL
San Diego Strike Force
WNFC
San Diego Rebellion

Ice hockey|

AHL
San Diego Gulls
USPHL
San Diego Sabers

Lacrosse|

NLL
San Diego Seals
PLL
California Redwoods

Roller derby|

WFTDA
SoCal Derby
RDCL
San Diego Derby Dolls

Rugby union|

MLR
San Diego Legion
WPL
San Diego Surfers

Soccer|

MLS
San Diego FC
NISA
Albion San Diego
NWSL
San Diego Wave FC
MASL
San Diego Sockers
MASL 2
San Diego Sockers 2

Ultimate|

UFA
San Diego Growlers
WUL
San Diego Super Bloom

Volleyball|

NVA
San Diego Wild
PVF
San Diego Mojo

College athletics|

| NCAA Division I|

* San Diego State Aztecs
* San Diego Toreros
* UC San Diego Tritons

|

NCAA Division II|

* Cal State San Marcos Cougars
* Point Loma Sea Lions

Venues|

Current

* Aztec Aquaplex
* Balboa Stadium
* Canyonview Aquatic Center
* Del Mar Arena
* Del Mar Racetrack
* Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
* Fowler Park
* Frontwave Arena
* Golden Hall
* Jenny Craig Pavilion
* LionTree Arena
* Morley Field Sports Complex
* Omni La Costa Court
* Petco Park
* Peterson Gymnasium
* Pechanga Arena
* San Diego Velodrome
* Snapdragon Stadium
* Tony Gwynn Stadium
* Torero Stadium
* Torrey Pines Golf Course
* Triton Ballpark
* Viejas Arena

Former

* Aztec Bowl
* Cajon Speedway
* Glacier Gardens
* Hourglass Field
* Lane Field
* San Diego Stadium
* Westgate Park

Related|

* San Diego Chicken

* v
* t
* e

College sports teams based in California

NCAA Division I|

| FBS|

California
Fresno State
San Diego State
San Jose State
Stanford
UCLA
USC

|

FCS|

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Sacramento State
San Diego
UC Davis

Non-football|

Bakersfield
Cal Baptist
CSU Fullerton
CSUN
Long Beach State
Loyola Marymount
Pacific
Pepperdine
Saint Mary's
San Francisco
Santa Clara
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara

NCAA Division II|

Academy of Art
Azusa Pacific
Biola
Cal Poly Humboldt
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal State Dominguez Hills
Cal State East Bay
Cal State Los Angeles
Cal State Monterey Bay
Cal State San Bernardino
Cal State San Marcos
Chico State
Concordia
Dominican
Holy Names
Fresno Pacific
Jessup
Menlo
Point Loma Nazarene
San Francisco State
Sonoma State
Stanislaus State
Vanguard
Westmont

NCAA Division III|

Cal Lutheran
Caltech
Chapman
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
La Verne
Occidental
Pomona-Pitzer
Redlands
UC Santa Cruz
Whittier

NAIA|

Maritime
Hope
La Sierra
Life Pacific
Master's
Pacific Union
Providence Christian
UC Merced (NCAA Division II in 2025)
Westcliff

CCCAA|

Alameda
Allan Hancock
American River
Antelope Valley
Bakersfield
Barstow

NCCAA Divisions I and II|

Bethesda
Providence Christian
West Coast Baptist
Westmont

USCAA|

Bristol

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

National|

* United States

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