Barton’s History
The College is named for Barton Warren Stone, a founder of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In addition to Stone’s early ministry in eastern North Carolina, he also had roots in private higher education in this state.
Born in Maryland and reared in Virginia, Stone used his modest inheritance to attend Caldwell Academy in Greensboro in the late 1700s. He then began a career in law but later took up teaching before his lifelong religious evolution carried him to the frontiers of Kentucky. There, he led a religious movement, which eventually merged with another led by Thomas Campbell in 1832 to form the denomination that, 70 years later, established the College.
On May 1, 1902, Barton College, under its former name of Atlantic Christian College, was incorporated by the State of North Carolina and opened in September with a capacity enrollment of 107. On September 6, 1990, the College changed its name to Barton College.
Barton’s Vision
Barton College takes advantage of its smaller size and its historic commitment to students to create a unique undergraduate experience centered on a passionate belief in a community of active learners. Barton graduates will be well-prepared for life and for success in their chosen careers because they will possess a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and achievement. We will gain national recognition for the value of the Barton experience.
Barton’s Mission
Barton College is committed to providing programs and opportunities to encourage the intellectual, spiritual, social, and cultural development of its students and to challenge them for future leadership and service to their local and global communities.
Barton’s Core Commitments and Values
- Learner-Centered Focus
- Academic Challenge
- Community Building
- Discovery
- Global Perspective
- Lifelong Learning
- Moral and Spiritual Development
- Service
General Education Outcomes
Upon completion of Barton College’s General Education program or when receiving a Bachelor’s degree, a student will demonstrate competency in the four foundational learning outcomes (more details about metrics are available here):
- Students will understand academic disciplines by acquiring a certain amount of knowledge of different disciplines as well as an understanding of the distinctive way of thinking in the disciplines.
- Students will think critically, which is characterized by the ability to analyze, interpret, and use appropriate information to solve problems through self-directed and self-disciplined thinking.
- Students will communicate effectively by being able to convey ideas and information effectively, using appropriate means. The means include writing and speaking skills, the ability to provide numerical solutions to problems, and the ability to use technology.
- Students will demonstrate a global perspective that enables them to understand the world and the need to be connected to it.