Building authentic faith and training Christian leaders around the world through affordable, accessible higher education utilizing distance learning.
To offer academic programs that provide students with opportunities for personal, spiritual, and professional development
To portray biblical scripture in a positive manner
To offer programs of academic excellence at a post-secondary level of instruction
To build and maintain educational programs and services that are global in scope and suitable for global instruction
To offer an open system for seekers without barriers to exploration
To operate in keeping with the values found in the gospel of Jesus Christ
To protect the students’ security
To provide programs that students can afford
To provide accessible programs for students
To encourage student progress through a supportive system of individual contacts by caring and dedicated staff and volunteers
To conduct the business of the institution in the most efficient means
NationsUniversity® offers degrees in biblical and related studies only. In recognizing the value of a broad liberal arts education by featuring a liberal arts core, the institution reflects a disposition that humans also need spiritual nourishment. Consequently, it focuses on religious themes. And as surely as the study of religious themes encompasses a wide range of belief systems that are impacted by anthropological, social, economic, political, psychological, scientific, and philosophical thought, the principles of the institution have chosen to give primary attention to the biblical text. Supplemental studies such as cultural backgrounds, church history, and comparative religions are included, but only in consideration of the canonical Hebrew and Greek scriptures.
The institution is set for leading students to consider the merits and vitality of the Christian way of life. It fosters the belief that a fair and critical investigation of scripture within its historical context and in view of human knowledge will lead to a wholesome worldview and lifestyle. At least, the institution wishes to offer its students this possibility.
The institution is committed to fulfill its mission through quality distance education programs. The mission calls for a solid educational foundation. Building faith is not an emotional experience; it is an educational endeavor, built upon knowledge and understanding. Developing Christian leaders is likewise a calculated enterprise, constructed on knowledge and sound principles. For a proper foundation to be laid, a serious, high level, and objective presentation of the Christian faith and its rationale is essential. Therefore, the institution is committed to engage each student in a rigorous confrontation with the biblical text, hermeneutical techniques, alternative worldviews, historic interpretations, and spirituality.
NationsUniversity strives for fairness in its treatment of religious topics and honesty in presentation. Although coming from a Christian perspective, it does not knowingly misrepresent other orientations. The Bible is treated as an authoritative work, bearing the marks of inspiration rather than myth. Its message is taken seriously and interpreted contextually. Historical interpretations are of interest, but they do not govern the interpretive process.
The Bible is understood to reveal the intent of God relative to human redemption. God’s activity focused on a promise to Abraham, the witness of Israel, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In the process of establishing his spiritual kingdom, God sent his Son, born of a virgin, to teach, die on a cross, be resurrected, and ascend into heaven. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide the apostles in proclaiming redemption and to assist believers in their spiritual journey. In Christ, God unites all believers into one body, the church. The members of that body become his instruments to proclaim the gospel and live in a manner that declares the glory of God. At the conclusion of the human journey, all will be judged and assigned to a proper habitat according to the just will of the Creator.
NationsUniversity grew out of a vision to provide educational opportunities for people for whom religious studies were inaccessible and unaffordable. The target audience included persons from developing countries, countries that are closed to overt Christian teaching, and the incarcerated. The founders of the institution were determined to find a way to make a difference in the lives of these people and set out to create a means to deliver quality education in these settings.
The concept that evolved into NationsUniversity had its beginning on July 4, 1995, with Richard Ady and Mac Lynn. Ady had spent his adult years in local and foreign church work. Out of these experiences he had developed the World English Institute and had been involved in teaching in several countries. Lynn had spent nearly 30 years in higher education in both teaching and administration. More recently, he had become interested in taking educational opportunities he had enjoyed to those who had been less privileged. As these two college classmates, co-workers, and longtime friends reflected on their interests in worldwide religious education, a simple plan was conceived. The plan was to enlist volunteers who would travel throughout the world at their own expense to conduct seminars and short courses in religious studies.
During the next several months, short courses were indeed conducted in a few international locations. Eventually nearly two hundred volunteers were recruited to lend assistance in a variety of tasks. As an increasing number of people became aware of the activity, the request for degree programs began to be heard.
The institution was incorporated in Louisiana with a board of three (Ady, Lynn, and Darrell Frazier) and approved to grant degrees in religious studies by the Board of Regents of Louisiana in 1996. The name was registered with the U.S. government in 1998, and subsequently renewed through July 7, 2018. The institution was also granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization in the same year. NU’s corporate address is 3201 N. 7th St., West Monroe, LA 71291. All business is conducted through an office located at 650 Poydras St., Suite 1400, PMB 133, New Orleans, LA 70130.
As NationsUniversity grew in students and in academic strength, the governing board made the decision to move toward accreditation with a national commission approved by the U.S. Department of Education. In an effort to bring the school into line with accreditation standards, the degree offerings were streamlined, additional general education courses were added, stricter admissions standards were put into place, courses were upgraded, new student services were initiated, and foreign language courses were moved to a non-credit value.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) at its meeting held on June 26, 2015 awarded NationsUniversity an initial grant of accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation of the institution and its programs. Accreditation was renewed in June 2019.
In September 2023, DEAC and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved authorization for NationsUniversity to operate educational and administrative facilities in Brentwood, Tennessee.
NU makes use of rolling admissions and enrollment. As of December 1, 2026, active enrollments stood at 1,194 students in 86 countries. Of the total enrollments, 231 were enrolled in Certificate in Biblical Studies, 222 in the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies, 136 in the Bachelor of Religious Studies, 107 in the Master of Theological Studies, and 38 in the Master of Divinity. The remaining students are in a pre-admission track or non-degree seeking.
For the 2024-2025 Academic Year, we awarded the following: CBS: 27 awards, CCM: 5 awards, BRS: 8 awards, GCBS: 40 awards, MTS: 33 awards, M.Div.: 1 award
Office of the Board of Regents
650 Poydras St., Suite 1400-PMB 133
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (866) 617-6446
Business Administration Office
7003 Chadwick Dr., Ste. 351
Brentwood, TN 37027
NationsUniversity® Website: nationsu.edu
| Admissions/Registrar: | registrar@nationsu.edu |
| President & C.E.O. | johnb@nationsu.edu |
| Chancellor: | macl@nationsu.edu |
| Academic Affairs/Compliance: | davids@nationsu.edu |
| Finances: | NU_Financials@nationsu.edu |
| Prison Services: | prison.services@nationsu.edu |
| Student Advising: | hollye@nationsu.edu |
| IT Functionality: | glennb@nationsu.edu |
| Public Relations: | jonroy@nationsu.edu |
The University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
NationsUniversity® is authorized by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana, U.S.A. to grant degrees in religious studies.
NationsUniversty® is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to operate educational and administrative facilities in the State of Tennessee.
The school is a member of NC-SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) and is legally entitled to offer distance education to residents in most states of the U.S. In addition, NU is allowed to offer degrees in California through specific state exemptions. Membership in NC-SARA can be verified at www.nc-sara.org.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130 | Boulder, Colorado 80301
303.848.3275 | nc-sara.org |info@nc-sara.org
NationsUniversity provides religious courses to individuals around the globe. Students learn through internet-based courses and interact with their personal student advisor, and faculty via email, telephone, and the Moodle instructional technology platform.
The University provides instruction asynchronously, has rolling admissions, and does not operate within any semester, quarter, or other term systems. However, enrollment within any given course expires after a twelve-month period from enrollment if the course is incomplete. The University does not have a physical campus and operates as a distance education University.
Degrees and certificates awarded by NationsUniversity may or may not qualify recipients for licensure or certification in the United States or its territories. Students wishing to apply for licensure or certification in any state are responsible for contacting the appropriate federal or state agency to determine if the accredited academic award from NationsUniversity meets the educational requirements.
The institution is a member of
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Christian Higher Education Foundation, Inc. (CHEF)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officer (SACRAO)
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
NationsUniversity functions as a distance learning institution. The school maintains no physical campus for students to attend classes and/or reside. Personnel may be reached at any time by email. The business phone sends an email when no one is available to answer.
NationsUniversity is governed by an independent Board of Regents. The current Regents are listed below.
Executive Council
John Baxter, President & C.E.O., Ed.D., Vanderbilt University
Mac Lynn, Chancellor, STD, San Francisco Theological Seminary
Herman Alexander, Vice Chancellor, D.Min., Harding School of Theology
David Srygley, Chief Academic Officer, D.Ed.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Major Division Administrators
Mac Lynn, Chancellor, STD, San Francisco Theological Seminary; D.Admin. (hon.), The International University
David Srygley, Chief Academic Officer, D.Ed.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Holly Emery, Director of Student Services, B.A., B.S., Texas A&M University
Mike Bush, IT Director, B.S., Middle Tennessee State University; B.S.M.E., University of Tennessee
Randi Baxter, Director of Prison Services, M.A.S., Johns Hopkins University
Academic Program Directors
David Srygley, Chief Academic Officer, D.Ed.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bert Alexander, Dean of Faculty, D.Min. Abilene Christian University
Myles Calvin, Director of the Certificate Program, D.Min., American Christian College and Seminary
Molly Swindell, Director of the General Education Program, Ph.D., Tennessee State University
Herman Alexander, Director of the Master of Divinity Program, D.Min., Harding School of Theology
Administrative Directors & Staff
Allison Jones, Registrar & Admissions Director, M.A., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lindsey Sullivan, Registrar Assistant and Student Advisor, B.A., Abilene Christian University
David Srygley, Chief Academic Officer, D.Ed.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bert Alexander, Dean of Faculty, D.Min., Abilene Christian University
Holly Emery, Director of Studen Services, B.A., B.S., Texas A&M University
Chris Jones, Start-up Advisor, M.A., Heritage Christian University
Glenn Beville, IT Administrator, B.A., Bible, Lipscomb University
Meta McGuire, Administrator, B.A., Business Marketing, University of Arkansas
Bryan Riley, Chaplain, M.S. Leadership & Management, Western Governors University
Jon-Roy Sloan, Chief Communications Officer, Marketing, Development & Public Relations, M.A., University of Memphis
An advisor is assigned to each student to provide guidance and encouragement and answer student inquiries. A student advisor is trained to work appropriately with students from a myriad of cultural backgrounds and experiences. Visit the University’s website homepage to contact your advisor. This can be found under the Students Tab at the top of the homepage.
Faculty routinely interact with students at the point of assignment uploads. Otherwise, e-mail addresses are made available to students on a need basis by their advisors to insure proper referral and prompt response. Persons designated “faculty” at NU may be assigned to a variety of activities.
Herman Alexander, B.A. (Bible and Speech), Harding University; M.A. (Bible), Harding School of Theology; M.Div. (Divinity), Melbourne College of Divinity; D.Min. (Ministry), Harding School of Theology
L. Bert Alexander, B.A. (Communications), Freed-Hardeman University, M.S. (Biblical and Related Studies), M.Div. (Lipscomb University), D.Min. (Abilene Christian University)
Robert A. Baker, B.S. & M.S. (Electrical Engineering) Mississippi State University, M.Div. (Theology) Asbury Theological Seminary
John Baxter, B.A., (Psychology) David Lipscomb University; M.A.R., (Pastoral Counseling) Harding Graduate School of Religion; Ed.D., (Human Development Counseling) George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
Randi Baxter, B.A., (Communications) Freed-Hardeman University; M.A.S., (Business) Johns Hopkins University
Michael Beck, M.B.M, (Marketing and Business Management) Damelin College, S.T, (Systematic Theology), United Church and Bible College, B.Th., (Theology), South African Theological Seminary, M.B.S, (Biblical Studies) Trinity School of Apologetics and Theology, M.T.S. (Theology) NationsUniversity, Ph.D. candidate at the South African Theological Seminary
Michael R. Bugos, B.S., (Bible and Theology, Lee University School of Religion), Certificate in Biblical Counseling Southeastern Baptist Theological, M.A., (Biblical & Theological Studies) Belhaven University, M.A. (Theology University of Chester, UK), D.Min. (Biblical Counseling) Southern Baptist Theological
Michael Blythe, B.R.S., M.T.S., NationsUniversity, additional study at Africa Nazarene University
Gary Burke, B.A., (Bible), Oklahoma Christian College, M.A., (Biblical and Patristic Greek), Abilene Christian University, Ph.D., Religion (Christian Origins), University of Iowa
Myles Calvin, B.A. (Sociology), University of Saskatchewan; M.A. (Counseling), Webster University; M.R.S. (Religious Studies), M.Div. (Divinity), NationsUniversity; D.Min. (Counseling), American Christian College and Seminary
Paul Cates, B.A. (Bible), M.A. (New Testament), Abilene Christian University; M.Ed. (Rehabilitation Counseling), Ed.D. (Counselor Education), Auburn University; Post-graduate (Marriage and Family Therapy), Auburn University L.P.C., L.M.F.T., A.A.M.F.T.
Paul Chimhungwe, B.A. & M.A. (Ministry and Religion) Abilene Christian University, M.A. (Christian Theology) McMaster Divinity College, Ph.D. (Christian Theology) McMaster Divinity College
Jonathan K. Corrado, B.S. (Mechanical Engineering), Virginia Military Institute, M.T.S. and M.Div. (Theology) NationsUniversity, M.T., Liberty University, PhD, Systems Engineering – Colorado State University
Gayle Crowe, B.A. (Bible), Abilene Christian University; M.A. (Old Testament), Wheaton Graduate School; S.T.B. (Sacred Theology), Harvard Divinity School; D.Min. (Ministry), Harding School of Theology
Peter Dubeć, RNDr. (Physics of Plasma), Comenius University; M.R.S., NationsUniversity
Ken Dye, B.A. (Bible and Psychology), Abilene Christian University; M.A. (Religion), Eastern New Mexico University; Ed.D. (Family Sciences), Oklahoma State University
Eric Kazenga, B.A. (Religion), York University; M.R.S., NationsUniversity
Garnet M. Kibombwe, B.A., (Christian Education), Global University, B.A., (Biblical Studies) African Bible University, Uganda, M.A., (Christian Leadership), African Bible College, Malawi
Jeffrey Kobman, B.A. (Elementary Education), Michigan State University, M.Ed. (School Administration), University of Virginia, Ph.D. (Curriculum and Instruction) Michigan State University. M.Div. (Theology) Nations University
Peter Taiti King’ori, B.R.S., M.R.S., NationsUniversity; M.A.R.S. Education,. Kenya Methodist University
Daniel Ki Nam Ko, B.A. (Bible), Beulah Heights Bible University, Th.B. (Theology, Point University), M.Div. (Divinity, J.C. Smith College) Th.M. (Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary) D.Min. (Ministry), San Francisco Theological Seminary, Ph.D. (Mission/Intercultural Studies in Ministry, Newburgh Theological Seminary)
LLK, B.B.A., Baylor University; M.A. (Biblical Studies), M.A. (Cross-Cultural Ministries), Dallas Theological Seminary; M.B.A., Southern Methodist University [Name concealed for security reasons]
Mac Lynn, A.A. (Bible), Florida College; A.B., (Economics and Sociology) Morehead State University; M.A. (Old Testament), M.R.E. (Religious Education), M.Th. (Theology), Harding School of Theology; STM (Science of Theology), STD (Science of Theology), San Francisco Theological Seminary; D.Admin. (honorary), The International University
Steven H. Matthews, B.A. (Theology) Florida Baptist Theological College, Diplomas (Squadron Officer School & Air Command and Staff College) Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base), D.Min. (Leadership Education) Forge Theological Seminary, Torrington, Connecticut, Ph.D. (Biblical and Religious Studies) University of Pretoria, South Africa, D.Min. (Applied Theology) Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, M.B.A. (Business Administration) Liberty University, M.Div. Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, M.A. (Philosophy) Trinity Theological Seminary
Stephen Muguro, A.A. (Computer science), University of the People, B.R.S., M.R.S., M.Div., (Theology), NationsUniversity, D.Min. (Ministry), Multnomah University
AcSmhour McClintock, BTh.OL., African Christian College, M.T.S., NationsUniversity, M.A.C.M., Abilene Christian University
Rushad Muhammad, B.S. (Music Business), M.S. (Entertainment Business), Full Sail University, Doctor of Intercultural Studies, Faith International University & Seminary
Robert Neinstadt, A.A. (Construction Drafting), San Joaquin Delta Junior College, B.S. (Professional Dev.) Amber University, Certificate, (Preaching Ministry), Preston Road School of Preaching, M.T.S. (Theology), NationsUniversity
Renan José de Oliveira, A.T. (Theology), São Caetano Assembly of God Theological Seminary, B.T. (Theology), International University Center, B.M.T. (Theology), Grande ABC Baptist Theological Seminary, M.M. Lucent University, M.T. Lucent University, M.Div. Lucent University
Clayton Parks, B.S. (Bible and Christian Ministry), Saint Louis Christian College, Master of Theology (Practical Theology), South African Theological Seminary, Ph.D. (Philosophy in Theology, Practical Theology), South African Theological Seminary
Bytha Regauld, B.R.S. (Religious Studies), M.T.S. (Theological Studies), NationsUniversity
Brian E. Riley, B.S. (Nursing) Hampton University; M.A. (Theology) Liberty University; M.S. (Leadership & Management) Western Governors University; Post Graduate (Systemic Counseling) Capella University; Certificate (Lifestyle Coaching) Temple University; Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) National Institutes of Health
Steven Rindahl, B.A. (History), Excelsior College, University State of NY, M.Div. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Th. (Anglican Studies) Cranmer Theological House, Houston, TX, M.Th. (Preaching), University of Wales (Cardiff) with Spurgeon’s College, D.Min., University of Chester with Spurgeon’s College, London, Clinical Pastoral Education, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Ft. Gordon, GA
Paul Robison, B.A. (Bible and English) Harding University, M.A.R. (New Testament) Harding School of Theology, M.A. (Missions) Harding School of Theology, D.Min. (Church Leadership), Bethel Theological Seminary
Bigda Oum Rufus, B.A. (Philosophy) University of Dschang, B.R.S. (Religious Studies), M.T.S. (Theological Studies), M.Div., NationsUniversity
Jon-Roy Sloan, B.A. (History) Lipscomb University; Diploma (Leadership Common Core), United States Army Command and General Staff College; M.A. (History), University of Memphis
Jerry Smith, A.A. (Instructor Technology), Community College of the Air Force; B.S., B.S. (Occupations Education) Wayland Baptist University; M.A.T. (English), De La Salle University
David Srygley, B.A. (Sociology), Texas A&M University, M.P.A. (Public Administration), Texas A&M University, M.S. (Biblical and Related Studies), Abilene Christian University, D.Ed.Min. (Evangelism and Church Growth), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Joshua Thibodaux, A.A.S., (Electronics), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, B.S., (Computer Science), University of Southern Mississippi, M.A., (Theological Studies), M.A., (Biblical Languages Liberty University
Russell W. Threet, B.S., (Marketing Management), Bellevue University, M.A.C.M., Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Div., Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, D.P.Th., Masters International University of Divinity
Michael T. Tune, B.S., (Business), Murray State University, M.A., (Religion), Harding Graduate School
Kristen Turner, B.A. (Spanish), Mexico University of Findlay, M.A. (Spanish and English), University of Central Arkansas, M.T.S. (Theological Studies), NationsUniversity
Bledar Valca, B.A., (Economics), University of Tirana, Albania, M.T.S., NationsUniversity, M.A., (Theology), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Richard Youngblood, B.A. (Bible), Lipscomb University, M.Div. (Ministry), D.Min. (Missiology and Church Growth), Harding School of Theology
NationsUniversity is indebted to a significant number of persons who have contributed their goodwill, counsel, and services over the years.
Policy
| Australia | Cyprus | Ireland | Malta | Slovenia |
| Austria | Denmark | Israel | Netherlands | South Korea |
| Bahrain | Estonia | Italy | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Belgium | Finland | Japan | Norway | Switzerland |
| Brunei | France | Kuwait | Qatar | United Arab Emirates |
| Canada | Germany | Lithuania | Saudi Arabia | United Kingdom |
| Czech Republic | Iceland | Luxembourg | Singapore | United States |
If at any time a student decides to cancel his enrollment in NationsUniversity, the notice may be conveyed in any written manner. All such communications should be recorded and kept on file to substantiate the writing of any refund checks. Amounts to be refunded shall be as calculated below and paid within 30 days of receiving the request. Requests for refund must be submitted in writing prior to the end of the academic quarter for which the refund is being requested.
| Student cancels during the | Tuition Refunded |
| 1st Week | 80% |
| 2nd Week | 70% |
| 3rd Week | 60% |
| 4th Week | 50% |
| 5th Week | 40% |
| 6th Week | 30% |
| 7th Week | 20% |
| 8th Week | 10% |
| 9th Week or later | 0% |
Course Enrollment Cancellation or Withdrawal Refund
Enrollment in a degree program may be canceled any time after the execution of an enrollment agreement through the first 5 days. For students enrolled in rolling enrollment programs, after the five-day cooling off period, if the student cancels after completing at least one lesson assignment but less than 50 percent of course assignments in at least one course, the institution may retain the nonrefundable fee (registration fee) plus a percentage of any tuition assessment, which shall not exceed the following:
| Student cancels during the | Tuition Refunded |
| 1st Week | 80% |
| 2nd Week | 70% |
| 3rd Week | 60% |
| 4th Week | 50% |
| 5th Week | 40% |
| 6th Week | 30% |
| 7th Week | 20% |
| 8th Week | 10% |
| 9th Week or later | 0% |
Refunds
All advance payments on the behalf of a student are refundable within the limits cited below. Refunds are payable by check only and will not be charged back to a credit card. All money due will be refunded within 30 days of the date of the request. Requests for refunds must be made in writing before the end of the academic quarter for which the refund is being requested.
A full refund will be given in the event that one of the following occurs:
Note: transcript fees are non-refundable.
Sample Calculations
Non-Discounted Students
Discounted Students
Requests for Hiatus from Studies
Tuition-paying students may request a hiatus at any time during their studies. When the written request for a hiatus is received prior to the first day of the student’s next academic quarter, no tuition shall be charged. If, however, the student fails to notify his or her advisor or the finance office prior to beginning the next academic quarter and continues to submit assignments, the student will accrue the tuition for the next quarter minus the amount of a refund had the student paid.
Sample Calculation:
A student’s next academic quarter begins on August 10th. On August 22nd, prior to paying the current quarter’s tuition, the student notifies the finance office that they wish to take a hiatus. If the student has completed one assignment between August 10th and August 22nd, he or she must pay 10% of the delinquent tuition prior to beginning a new quarter of study.
Student owed $450 in tuition for current quarter.
Refund percentage allowed based on 1 graded assignment is 90%, or $405.
Student owes the remaining $45 due to the university which must be paid prior to reinitiating studies.
Students Called to Active Military Service
A student of NationsUniversity who withdraws from the University as a result of being called to active duty in a military service of the United States or their State National Guard and is unable to continue his studies may, upon request, receive a full refund of tuition and fees paid.
If you have a question or you just want to know more about any of our studies, just complete the form and we’ll be in touch with you with the required information!