Palm Beach Atlantic University: A Legacy ofEnlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), a private nondenominational Christian university located in West Palm Beach, Florida, has a rich history and a growing impact on its community. Founded in 1968, PBA has evolved from a small college born out of a local Baptist church into a comprehensive university with nine colleges focusing on the liberal arts and a select collection of professional studies. This article explores the university's history, campus, academics, and notable aspects, including its Workship program and athletic teams.
A Foundation Built on Vision and Faith
PBA's story began with Jess C. Moody, then the pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, who envisioned a university that would integrate faith and learning. Moody served as PBA's president until the first class graduated in 1972. Donald Warren and Riley Sims, laymen of the church, played crucial roles as trustees, providing unwavering support and guidance. Warren served as chairman of the trustees for an impressive 38 years, until 2007.
Following Moody's departure, Warner E. George Borders assumed the presidency in 1978, becoming the third president of PBA. His tenure was marked by popularity among students and the Florida Baptist Convention. Claude H. Rhea succeeded Borders after his resignation in 1981. Paul R. Corts, who previously served as president of Wingate College, became the fifth president of PBA, overseeing the addition of two graduate programs from 1991 to 2002. David W. Clark then took the helm in 2003, ushering in a period of significant growth. During his presidency, enrollment increased from 2,600 to 3,291. Five new buildings were completed, including the Warren Library and a mini PBA campus in Wellington. Additionally, 96 acres (390,000 m2) were acquired for a new athletic campus and PBA's budget grew from $43 million to $73 million. Clark retired in 2009, having awarded over 4,600 degrees, representing 40 percent of all degrees conferred by PBA. Lu Hardin briefly served as the seventh president, followed by William M. B. Fleming, Jr.
In 2020, Dr. Debra Schwinn was appointed as the ninth president, making history as PBA's first woman president. Schwinn assumed office on May 4, 2020.
Commitment to In-Person Learning and Community Health
Notably, PBA was among the few universities in the United States to maintain fully in-person operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Under Dr. Schwinn's leadership, Watson Hall, one of the PBA dorms, was partially repurposed for quarantine. A dedicated team of health alert nurses contacted COVID-positive students via text to ensure they stayed home and initiated contact tracing. While only a small number of PBA students needed to be quarantined, the university provided meal delivery and a buddy system to support them. Furthermore, PBA students had the opportunity to participate in a nightly Zoom meeting with Dr. Schwinn for 30 minutes.
Read also: PBAU Academic Programs
Campus and Expansion
PBA's main campus is located in West Palm Beach. The first building constructed specifically for PBA was the W.G. Lassiter Jr. Student Center, completed in 1982. Subsequently, Johnson Hall and Sachs Hall were added in 1989. In 2002, PBA established additional campuses in Orlando and Wellington.
Other classroom buildings at PBA include the Vera Lea Rinker Hall, the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Borbe Hall, MacArthur Hall, Rinker Hall, Oceanview Hall, The Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fern Street Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and Okeechobee Hall.
PBA launched its God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022, a capital plan focused on expanding academic programs and creating innovative spaces on the West Palm Beach campus. A significant component of this expansion is the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus, spanning 78 acres at 3401 Parker Avenue in West Palm Beach. This campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate, intramural, and club sport competitions.
The university broke ground on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall in January 2024, marking the first project under the God-Sized Dreams campaign. The university also plans to construct a world-class performing arts center, a welcome center, and a new health sciences complex.
Academic Standout
PBA offers a variety of academic programs through its nine colleges, emphasizing the liberal arts and professional studies.
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Growth and Economic Impact
PBA has experienced substantial growth in recent years. In 2024, PBA celebrated its third consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment. PBA now has over 4,100 students, with more than 80 countries represented. PBA contributed more than $435.6 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County in 2023-2024.
Controversy Surrounding Academic Freedom
In 2023, PBA faced controversy when English professor Samuel Joeckel was fired following allegations of "indoctrinating" students by including racial justice texts in a composition class. Joeckel, who had taught at PBA for 20 years, stated that he had incorporated a racial justice unit for the past 12 years, encouraging students to form their own opinions. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) investigated the situation, with Senior Program Officer Michael DeCesare writing to PBA president Debra Schwinn that Joeckel "was abruptly terminated prior to the end of (PBA's) term after complaints were made regarding his teaching a unit on racial justice." The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) also issued a faculty letter condemning PBA's decision and supporting Joeckel.
Spiritual Life and Service
Chapel attendance is mandatory for all full-time undergraduate students. PBA's "Workship" program is a distinctive community service initiative that aims to address human needs with Christ-like action both locally and globally. This program seeks to help students discover their vocation and cultivate a lifelong commitment to servant leadership. Since its inception in 1968, the Workship program has partnered with over 200 organizations in Palm Beach County. PBA also offers yearly mission trips for students to minister through evangelism, performing arts, street ministries, construction, medical outreach, and sports workshops in various countries.
Athletics
PBA's athletic teams are known as the Sailfish. The university's colors are navy blue and white. PBA is a member of the NCAA Division II, primarily competing in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) since 2015-2016. The men's and women's track & field teams compete as NCAA D-II Independents.
The Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus features facilities for beach volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, and running trails, as well as state-of-the-art weight and training rooms. The sailfish, a predatory billfish known for its prominent dorsal fin and remarkable speed (up to 68 mph), was chosen as the mascot due to its nautical association, reflecting the university's founding in 1968.
Read also: Comprehensive Learning in Palm Beach Gardens
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