INDIANAPOLIS — Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) sold buildings and approximately 40 acres to Butler University, both schools said recently.
Butler’s College of Education will move into the main building on the CTS campus beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year. CTS will continue to reside on campus — in part of the main building, counseling center, and apartments — through a special long-term lease. CTS will also retain ownership of a parcel of land on the far west side of the property on Michigan Road.
While Butler and CTS will continue to maintain separate and distinct financial affairs, governance, and mission, this agreement marks the renewal of a long-term relationship from which both schools will benefit.
Under the agreement, Butler plans to provide both campuses with services such as grounds maintenance, the cost of which both schools will share.
Renovations to the main building on the CTS campus are set to begin after January 1 and will revolve around classrooms and faculty offices, as well as improvements to technology and accessibility.
Phase Two of the project will focus on the library. Butler and CTS will share the space, which will include a new Teaching and Learning Lab housed on the main level.
In 1855, the two institutions were founded as a single entity, North Western Christian University. They separated formally in 1958 when Butler’s religion department split from the University and formed what would become today’s CTS.
Since then, CTS and Butler have remained independent, but they have shared a rich and dynamic history of educating students to prepare them for rewarding and meaningful lives. Along the way, the two schools have collaborated academically, programmatically, and through shared services.