The Story of Westgate Christian University: From Humble Beginnings to a Unique Vision for Higher Education
Westgate Christian University (WCU) is a relatively new institution with a unique approach to higher education that has quickly garnered attention, particularly within the realm of small college football. Founded in 2022 and located in Houston, Texas, WCU began offering classes in the spring. While still in its early stages, WCU has set ambitious goals for itself, aiming to provide a distinctive educational experience rooted in faith-based principles while also offering opportunities for aspiring college athletes.
The Genesis of Westgate Christian School
To understand the context of Westgate Christian University, it’s helpful to delve into the origins of Westgate Christian School (WCS). Westgate Christian School began its first year in the fall of 1988 as a ministry of Westgate Baptist Church-a fundamental, independent, Bible-believing church. The school began with Grades K5 through Grade 3, and an additional grade was added each year with K4 and Grade 6 added in 1991-92. Commencing with the 1992-93 school year, WCS added Grades 7 through 12.
The purpose of WCS is to assist parents in raising their children to prepare them for adult challenges and responsibilities in ministry, as well as in the secular realm. The primary aspects of the WCS mission include a Bible-based education, spiritual edification, and student evangelism in a Godly environment. WCS is a ministry of Westgate Baptist Church.
WCS is a member of the Northwest Association of Christian Schools (NWACS) and the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). WCS provides a challenging, instructional program for students in K4 through Grade 12 in a structured, loving environment. The lower grades utilize a strong phonics-based reading program. The secondary program is largely college preparatory. Classes are conducted in a conventional classroom setting.
Each year the IOWA Test of Basic Skills is given in Grades 1-11. Art is taught each year in K4 through Grade 6. Two levels of band are available beginning in Grade 5. Private piano and brass lessons are available. The school primarily uses the A Beka Book curriculum along with Bob Jones University Press and Positive Action for Christ. Teachers of K4 through Grade 6 use a system with negative and positive reinforcements. Good behavior awards are given out each month in chapel. Appearance has a great affect on attitude, and hence, learning. These guidelines are available for K5 through Grade 8. Students provide their own lunches and snacks, and healthy foods are encouraged. Parents take responsibility for transporting their children to and from school, and carpools are often efficient and economically desirable. Parents interested in carpooling may have an opportunity to meet others who may also be interested at Orientation.
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A Vision for a Different Kind of Higher Education
Westgate Christian University was established to address perceived shortcomings in the current higher education landscape. According to WCU’s 2024 handbook, the university's board of directors identified three major problems they sought to rectify:
- Lack of Insight into Educational Investment: The board felt that many universities prioritize recruitment and enrollment numbers over the quality of education provided to students and the return on investment for families.
- Limited Athletic Opportunities: The rise of the transfer portal and the extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced opportunities for aspiring college athletes coming out of high school.
- Academics in a Faith-Based Arena: WCU aims to provide an academic environment where students can gain knowledge and earn degrees in biblical studies, enhancing their faith lives without necessarily becoming ministers or missionaries.
Lalita Jenkins, a member of WCU’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of educators sharing a common vision and recognizing the need for both academic and athletic opportunities. She highlighted that WCU aims to offer something different by providing academic degree plans that cater to individuals who want to enhance their faith life through biblical studies, regardless of their career aspirations.
Launching a Football Program: A Bold Move
From its inception, athletics were an integral part of WCU's vision. The university launched its football program in its second semester, with plans to introduce track & field in the spring of 2025. This quick launch reflects the institution's commitment to offering a well-rounded experience that combines academic rigor with athletic pursuits.
Overcoming Recruiting Challenges
Recruiting for a brand-new football program is never easy, and WCU was no exception. Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Ed Ramirez acknowledged the challenges of building a team from scratch, especially when facilities were still under development. The coaching staff relied heavily on phone calls, text messages, and personal conversations to attract players.
One key selling point for WCU was the promise of playing time. Unlike established programs where freshmen might spend their first year on the sidelines, WCU offered recruits the opportunity to compete for a starting position immediately. This was a significant motivator for many young athletes seeking to make an immediate impact at the college level.
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Many of the student-athletes who joined WCU's football program were from the Houston area. They saw the university as a chance to continue playing the sport they loved while staying close to home. This local connection has been crucial in building the program's foundation.
A Unique and Challenging Schedule
Instead of easing into competition with junior varsity opponents, WCU opted for a challenging schedule that included several varsity teams. This decision reflected the university's ambition and its commitment to providing its players with a high level of competition from the outset. The Ravens face a number of varsity opponents, including games at Howard Payne, ETBU, and D2 Quincy University.
Ramirez noted that the WCU was well aware of the tough competition found in their ASC opponents.
Logistical Hurdles and Future Plans
One of the unique challenges WCU faces is the lack of on-campus housing. As a result, players commute from various parts of Houston to attend practices and meetings. This requires careful coordination to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the program.
Jenkins told True To The Cru that WCU’s football team is currently practicing at a rented space. “You have to take into consideration that, 1) You’re new, 2) You’re new to the community, 3) You have to make sure that your students are able to get back and forth, and 4) You have to make sure that your coaching staff is able to get there in time.
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“It’s kind of tough, but the future holds great things. We have some exciting things that are coming up that we really can’t talk about right now because we’re still trying to work out the kinks. All I can say is that God is working behind the scenes, He knows the desire of our hearts, and we will be happy with whatever He blesses us with.
Despite these logistical hurdles, WCU is committed to providing its student-athletes with a high-quality college experience. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of setting a strong culture and establishing high standards for the program.
Academic Innovation and Partnerships
WCU's academic structure is designed to be flexible and accessible. Students can choose to take classes fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person attendance. This approach caters to the diverse needs of students, including athletes with demanding training schedules.
There’s still deadlines because you’re talking about the combination of athletics and academics,” she said. “And within that world, you still have to have midterms, finals, and things of that nature. It’s still new to us, as well as everybody else, but I think with all of the history that the instructors, the administrator, and board of trustees have, we’ve come up with a unique program and hopefully as we grow and become more stable, people will see that Westgate will be the place to go.
WCU has also formed a bridge partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University. “Just like any other university, again that span is large, everybody has a partnership with someone,” Jenkins said. “In regards to any program or lack of program that one of those institutions is looking to pursue. Again, when you’re talking about the world of academia, everybody crosses each other’s path in some way or another. I’ve worked at two institutions where partnerships were very valid and it helped to strengthen the academics of all the universities involved. When this whole vision came about, that was one of the things we knew we needed to incorporate.
Early Challenges and a Focus on Growth
Given its recent establishment, WCU has faced its share of challenges. The football team did not have spring practice, which meant that the first few games of the season served as a crucial learning experience.
“These first two or three ballgames, we’re still working out all the kinks,” Ramirez said. “But to have them go out there, compete, and give their best regardless of what the outcome or the score was, we were very proud of them. We’re in the learning process. They understood that and they see the big picture. It was a learning process for us as coaches to work with these young men and then for these young men working together under the lights for the first time. A lot of true freshmen played, and it was an eye-opener for them. Overall, we were pleased. The effort was there. They realized that we have work to do. But they’re not afraid of it.
“I am proud of the coaching staff in regards to being totally transparent with these young men,” Jenkins added. “Helping them understand where they are in this juncture. How to act if certain things are to come about that’s part of the standards and expectations. That just helps to create a relationship where they trust the coaches and what they say.
Ramirez’s defense appears to be a strength for WCU heading into Saturday’s matchup in Belton. Against Texas College, Maurice Hubbard intercepted a TC pass in the red zone, and Darius Peters contributed with another interception. Xavier Martin tallied with a pair of sacks from his spot at linebacker. The offense, despite its struggles, is coming along as well, with several true freshmen seeing the majority of the snaps at various skill positions. According to Westgate’s two-deep depth chart, provided in UMHB’s Week 2 game notes, Dominick Martin is set to start at quarterback for the Ravens.
Following its matchup against UMHB, WCU will face John Melvin University on Sept. 21, with The Cru set to host JMU the following Saturday. “We have some young men who have the opportunities and the capabilities of excelling,” Ramirez said.
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