The Baptist University of Florida has officially closed its BUF Clearwater site at Calvary Baptist Church, while remaining committed to providing fully accredited courses for students who enrolled at the Clearwater location through online and in-person modalities at other locations. In consultation with Dr. Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, BUF has redefined its relationship with the church to make room for Calvary to offer its own biblical studies and ministry training through its new Calvary Christian College. Dr. Willy Rice recently stated in a letter to trustees, “We look forward to the continuing partnership with BUF in the dual credit option through Calvary Christian High School (CCHS) and hopefully other initiatives, such as graduate-level offerings on our campus through BUF.” Dr. Rice further stated, “We are grateful for Dr. Cloer's leadership and our many friends at BUF. It takes visionary leadership to be willing to try new ventures and explore cutting-edge possibilities. I am grateful to your administration and the trustees of BUF for their leadership and confidence in Calvary. As our work progresses and evolves, I believe there will be great opportunities ahead for ministry together.”
BUF is currently searching for a partner in the Tampa area to hold in-person classes for students who want to continue to have the commuter student experience. BUF continues its strong commitment to serve all Florida Baptists across the entire state, including the greater Tampa area, by offering fully accredited and Christian-based higher education in multiple undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate academic programs.