2/21/18

(Cleveland) – Truett McConnell University in Cleveland continues to expand its campus to include additional student housing and classroom space, which will accommodate the Peter and Gredel Walpot School of Education.   In  2016, TMU and the Cleveland Worship Center entered into a three-year lease/purchase agreement on two facilities, the church’s worship center, and fellowship hall.  A news release Tuesday from the university advised due to the recent  3.7- million dollar gift from the Mildred Ruth Brown estate, TMU was able to complete this purchase one year earlier than expected.

Additionally, TMU purchased two of the remaining Heritage Condominiums which are contiguous to TMU property. “This latest purchase brings the purchase of the Heritage Condominiums to completion,” stated Dr. Emir Caner, President of the University.

The Heritage Condominiums will now provide housing to 56 students, allowing for continued growth in both undergraduate and graduate student populations. 
“The remainder of the funds from the Ruth Brown Estate, more than $2 million, will be set aside as the lead gift for our new Brown Hall Academic Building,” Caner added.

Dr. Emir Caner signs contract to close on local properties in the presence of Vice President of Finance and Operations/General Council Dr. Joe Wiegand, Director of Financial Development Dr. Gary Jarnagin, Pastor of CWC Marc Turner, Trustee of CWC Stanley Weldon and Attorney Chad Knott.

Cleveland Worship Center  Senior Pastor Marc Turner said, “This lease/purchase agreement served as the catalyst we needed to get to our new facility on Helen Hwy. Without TMU, we would not have been able to build this new building. God’s hands have certainly blessed this entire process.”   “We will hold our first service in the new location on March 4th  and host a grand opening on March 11th  during the 11:00 a.m. Sunday service,” Turner continued.  He said,  “A Community Open Dedication Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. that same day.”

The expansion of TMU facilities is a continuation of the growth pattern that has occurred over the past ten years, including an increase from 461 students to over 2,600 undergraduate, graduate, online and dual enrollment students. In addition, the university now offers 30 bachelor degree programs and five graduate degrees in the areas of Biology, Counseling, Education, Business and Theology.