History College of Saints John Fisher & Thomas More

1 history

1.1 founding
1.2 expansion , recognition
1.3 crisis , closing

history
founding

on december 26, 1981, group of parishioners of st. patrick cathedral in fort worth founded saint thomas more institute in order establish in fort worth roman catholic liberal arts college devoted teaching , learning within tradition of catholic arts , letters . james patrick, theology professor, , ronald muller, former dean of students @ university of dallas, started informal program called common tradition curriculum in 1982, short courses in philosophy, theology, , literature offered under auspices of institute.

expansion , recognition

in 1985, institute moved permanent building on mérida street in fort worth, near texas christian university (tcu). during year, common tradition curriculum had 75 students. expansion continued, curriculum associate of arts degree developed, , in 1989, institute granted authorization texas higher education coordinating board. during time, overseas study programs in oxford , rome added. in 1991, institute changed name college of saint thomas more.

by 1994, student population had risen more sixty, , college had grown campus of 4 buildings. in year, southern association of colleges , schools (sacs) granted college of saint thomas more accreditation associate degree. in addition long-running visiting lecturer series (the cardinal newman lecture ), college started offer seminars local community leaders. in 1995, co-founder ronald muller left position @ st. mary s college in orchard lake, while james patrick remained provost. in 1999, sacs granted college accreditation bachelor s degree.

in 2001, there 63 students , 6 instructors. cardinal newman society endorsed college in handbook, newman guide choosing catholic college (first published in 2007), institution selected adherence catholic teaching , commitment higher education.

crisis , closing

the college s final years characterized institutional changes, financial crisis, , church-related controversy. in june 2012, college changed name become college of saints john fisher , thomas more. statement of principles declared support catholic traditionalism , tridentine mass saying, fidelity usus antiquior essential achieving our mission.

in june 2013, college sold properties adjacent tcu campus , moved leased facilities in former our lady of victory academy, five-story structure built in 1909 , on national register of historic places. after move, chancellor , board member taylor marshall resigned, later saying real estate deal had financially crippled college. college president michael king defended property sale in public statement. marshall charged traditionalist speakers @ college events had publicly denounced second vatican council , reformed rite of mass supported popes since 1970. after meeting between college president , newly appointed fort worth bishop michael olson, bishop withdrew permission celebrations of tridentine mass on college campus.

the student population declined: in september 2013, college had 42 students enrolled, of whom 25 returned spring 2014 term. student-aided internet fundraising effort brought in $300,000 keep college operations going. in march 2014, college s landlord sued, claiming college had not paid rent or property taxes 4 months. 2 parties settled on agreement college vacate property may 31, 2014. in statement on closing, president king said college not able continue without permission bishop priests offer traditional latin mass on campus.