Barclay College

Barclay College is a private, coeducational Christian college located in the rural town of Haviland, Kansas. It is historically affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), though it welcomes students from all evangelical faith traditions. The central mission of the university is to prepare students in a Bible-centered environment for effective Christian life, service, and leadership, integrating biblical principles across all disciplines. It offers a variety of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, ranging from Pastoral Ministry and Missions to Business Administration and Elementary Education, all guided by a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation within a small, tight-knit community.

The college was founded in 1917 by evangelist Scott T. Clark as the Kansas Central Bible Training School on the site of the Friends Haviland Academy. Its initial focus was on training pastors and missionaries, reflecting the evangelical emphasis of its Quaker founders. The institution expanded its scope and changed its name to Friends Bible College in 1930. The emphasis shifted entirely to a four-year collegiate program by 1968, leading to its regional accreditation in the 1970s. The college adopted its current name in 1990 to honor Robert Barclay, the first theologian of the Quaker movement. This history underscores the university’s enduring commitment to its evangelical Quaker heritage while continuously adapting its curriculum to serve the modern church and professional world.

This college is a profoundly unique institution, standing out among Christian colleges due to its distinctive rural location, its enduring heritage with the Religious Society of Friends, and its powerful commitment to accessibility through the full-tuition scholarship model. By fostering a spiritually vibrant community and requiring a Biblical Studies emphasis alongside every major, the university successfully prepares a select group of students to be both competent professionals and dedicated Christian servants. It continues to fulfill its mission of equipping graduates to lead and serve, making a lasting impact in ministry, the marketplace, and beyond.