Introduction
Toccoa Falls College is a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Toccoa, Georgia. It was founded in 1907 by R.A. Forrest as a Bible college, and today, it offers over 30 majors and minors to its students. The campus sits on 1,100 acres and includes a 186-foot waterfall, which is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fun and interesting facts about Toccoa Falls College.
The History of Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls College has a rich history dating back over 100 years. It was originally founded as the Golden Valley Institute in 1907 by R.A. Forrest. The school was located in Golden Valley, North Carolina, and it served as a training ground for Christian workers. In 1911, the school moved to its current location in Toccoa, Georgia, and was renamed Toccoa Falls Institute. The school continued to grow and expand, and in 1975, it was renamed Toccoa Falls College.
One of the most tragic events in the history of Toccoa Falls College occurred on November 6, 1977. A dam that had been built on the campus lake gave way, resulting in a catastrophic flood that claimed the lives of 39 people, including students, faculty, and their families. The college community rallied together in the aftermath of the disaster, and the school was able to rebuild and continue its mission of providing a quality Christian education.
The campus and its natural beauty
Toccoa Falls College is situated on 1,100 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas. The campus features a wide variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. One of the highlights of the campus is the Toccoa Falls, a 186-foot waterfall that is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
In addition to the waterfall, the campus also features a number of other natural wonders, including a spring-fed lake and a network of hiking trails. The college has made a concerted effort to preserve the natural beauty of the campus, and students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
The academic programs at Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls College offers a wide variety of academic programs to its students. The school is divided into four distinct schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Christian Ministries, the School of Professional Studies, and the School of Nursing. Students can choose from over 30 majors and minors, including programs in business, education, music, psychology, and theology.
One of the unique aspects of the academic programs at Toccoa Falls College is the emphasis on Christian values and worldview. All students are required to take courses in Bible and theology, and the school places a strong emphasis on community service and outreach.
The extracurricular activities at Toccoa Falls College
In addition to its academic programs, Toccoa Falls College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities for its students. The school has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country. The college also has a number of intramural sports programs, giving students the opportunity to participate in friendly competition with their peers.
Toccoa Falls College is also home to a number of student organizations, including the Student Government Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the International Student Association. These organizations provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and connect with their peers.
The famous alumni of Toccoa
Toccoa Falls College has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields. Here are just a few of the most famous alumni:
Dr. Tony Evans: Dr. Tony Evans is a pastor, author, and radio host who graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1972. He is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and the founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a Christian media ministry.
Jordan Smith: Jordan Smith is a singer who won the ninth season of the reality singing competition “The Voice” in 2015. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 2014 with a degree in music.
Michael Catt: Michael Catt is a pastor and author who has written several books on Christian living and leadership. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1976 and is currently the senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
Dr. Joel C. Hunter: Dr. Joel C. Hunter is a pastor and author who graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1969. He served as the senior pastor of Northland Church in Longwood, Florida, for 32 years before retiring in 2017.
Dr. Howard Hendricks: Dr. Howard Hendricks was a professor and author who taught at Dallas Theological Seminary for over 60 years. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1945 and went on to earn his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Conclusion:
Toccoa Falls College is a unique and special place with a rich history, beautiful campus, and strong commitment to Christian values and worldview. The school offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, and its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in a variety of fields. Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, or an alum, there are many fun and interesting facts to discover about Toccoa Falls College.