AIU History

Our History 

American International University began as Baptist University of America (BUA). In 2013 American International Univeersity made the complete transfer from BUA to American International University.

The original Baptist University of America was born at different times in several Baptist churches spread over hundreds of miles. Aggressive soul-winning pastors wanted to provide education for their young people commensurate with the type of churches they were building.

Dr. Al Janney, pastor of New Testament Baptist Church, Miami, Florida, began college classes in 1965, and in 1971 incorporated the new institution as Baptist University of America. Dr. Ronald Schaffer, pastor of Temple Heights Baptist Church, Tampa, Florida, founded Temple Heights Christian College in 1973. Other pastors joined the venture in 1974: Dr. Rayburn Blair, Temple Baptist Church, Tallahassee Christian College; Dr. Frank Shiver, Regency Baptist Church, Regency Baptist College; and Rev. Jack Dinsbeer, University Baptist Church, University Baptist College. Two others who were contemplating beginning a college joined: Dr. Curtis Hutson, Forrest Hills Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia, and Dr. Cecil Hodges, Bible Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia.

The name "Baptist University of America" was adopted by the merging colleges, and the Tampa campus was used for the Spring semester of 1974. Because of its central location and metropolitan nature, Atlanta was chosen as the home of Baptist University of America in December of the same year.

The original BUA trained pastors, teachers, missionaries and other Christian workers until it closed in May 1987. More than 20 years later a group of investors formed a new school in the state of Mississippi to carry on the mission of BUA.

In 2015, Dr. Donald Myers became the president of the University. He has a great vision for the future of the school.