A small liberal arts college in Clearwater is closing.
Clearwater Christian College's Board of Directors made the announcement on Friday.
The college, located just off the Courtney Campbell Causeway, cited declining enrollment, increased debt, and a lack of revenue as reasons for the close.
"Deeply heart-wrenching when I think of all the years that we've been together here and now that we've come to this chapter," said John Klem, President of Clearwater Christian College. "But, God has been faithful and so good to us. He's supplied us and we know he'll take care of us in the days ahead."
Several hundred students attended the college.
Ashley Whitten of New Port Richey is a a recent graduate.
"It was just an amazing, amazing school. Just people who love God and it was a place that I felt at home and felt loved," she said.
Whitten said she cried when she heard about the school closing.
She then reached out to other recent graduates. She said they're comforting each other.
"Even though we graduated already it's still like it was our family and our home and it feels like it's disappearing so it's kind of really, really sad," she said.
People enrolled in the current summer sessions will be able to finish their courses online.The school is helping students transfer to other colleges.
"Our students will really have a great opportunity to get into some of the very best colleges not only in the state of Florida but across the country," said Klem.
Whitten said she will always remember her time at Clearwater Christian College fondly.
"It was a wonderful, wonderful experience."
Message from the Board of Directors:
"In order to address the challenges of declining enrollment, increased debt, and lack of significant endowments or other revenue sources, the board and administration of Clearwater Christian College thoroughly investigated a variety of short term and long term viability options. Unfortunately the related due diligence process did not yield a resourced solution to the operational stress points of the college which could ensure completion of another academic school year.
"After much prayer and with a genuine heaviness of heart, a motion was made and a unanimous vote was made to close the college. The administration, faculty, and staff are working to help both current and prospective students move to their new transition of life. We covet your prayers for the weeks to come."