Our History

For more than 50 years, Covenant has pursued its mission to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things.

Early Growth

Founded in 1955 in Pasadena, California, Covenant College needed to expand into new facilities after just one year. Several professors helped Covenant move to St. Louis, Missouri, into a building donated by Catholic sisters. Over the next eight years, the institution increased in size and outgrew its facilities.

A Castle in the Clouds

The Lookout Mountain Hotel, built in 1928 with the South’s largest ballroom and 200 guest rooms, came up for sale when Covenant once again needed more space. The once-posh “Castle in the Clouds” seemed an ideal location for the College, and Covenant purchased and moved into the hotel in 1964. Since then, the College has significantly developed the campus and cultivated important ties with the Chattanooga community. 

For more on the interesting history of this area of Lookout Mountain, originally known as Jackson Hill, read "Of Purpose and Place," written by alumnus Gary Lindley '72.

An Enduring Symbol

Serving as a symbol of Covenant’s history and purpose, the purple-flowered thistle was borrowed from Scotland’s national emblem. According to Scottish legend, the thistle played a vital role in victory at the Battle of Largs in 1262. Apparently, a barefoot invader unwittingly stepped on a thistle, howling in pain and notifying Scottish defenders of the attack from King Harco’s men. The Scots won the battle and credited the thistle.

Presidential Timeline

Six presidents have led Covenant in pursuing its mission since the College's founding in 1955.

• Dr. Robert Rayburn (1955-1965)
• Dr. Marion Barnes (1965-1978)
• Dr. Martin Essenburg (1978-1987)
• Dr. Frank Brock (1987-2002)
• Dr. Niel Nielson (2002-2012)
• Dr. Derek Halvorson (2012-2023)
• Dr. Brad Voyles (2023-present)

Read more about each of our past presidents.