Founded in 1849 by Princeton-educated Presbyterian Missionary Dr. Daniel Baker, Austin College has long been known for innovative programs, a strong faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Austin College received a charter signed by Texas Governor George Wood in November of 1849. Modeled after that of Princeton University, the College’s charter is still in use today, making Austin College the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original charter.
Since its founding by the Brazos Presbytery, Austin College has been related to the Presbyterian Church; that relationship continues to give the College a distinctive flavor to this day.
Since 1966 the historic and ongoing relationship between Austin College and the Presbyterian Church has been expressed through a covenant.
This Covenant is a continuing agreement between Austin College and the Synod of the Sun to affirm the historic and present relationship in which there is a mutuality of purpose. The term “covenant” is used to express this relationship of mutual commitment. Both the College and the Synod recognize this document as the covenantal agreement describing the primary relationship between the two institutions. It is intended that this Covenant be an expression of the supportive relationship between these two institutions and that other official documents of each institution be consistent with this one.
A covenant statement is needed for several reasons. It is the way in which the College and the Synod affirm mutual trust and concern and assure that each remains steadfast to historic commitments to educational excellence. It brings clarity and precision to the relationship between the College and the Synod. It helps maintain the relationship by providing for regular renewal. It is a means for expressing the relationship between two legally distinct and independent institutions. It can be a vehicle to evaluate the evolution of the relationship and fosters complimentary effectiveness for both parties.
–The Covenant between Austin College and the Synod of the Sun,
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Last renewed in 2012