TBC Web site has a new look

By AMY DAVIS
for TENNESSEE BIBLE COLLEGE

COOKEVILLE—Total makeovers aren't just for people. Sometimes Web sites need them too.

Such was the case for Tennessee Bible College, which recently updated its look to better serve students, prospective students and members of the community.

"It's more functional," said computer specialist Joy Wheeler, TBC's newest staff member. "It now conforms to the latest industry standard as far as Web design."

The Web site now features its own Google search engine, which allows for a search within the site. For example, words such as "baptism" can be entered, and several articles on the subject will appear.

Also new to the site is the President's Bulletin Board, which was created for TBC President Malcolm Hill to discuss his views of various religious topics.

Improvements to pre-existing information on the Web site have been made to provide easier navigation. The addition of more photos has added interest as well.

TBC Web site browsers will find general information about the college, including its history and philosophy, as well as how to enroll in a free Bible correspondence course or ask a Bible question. PDF versions of the course catalog and application can be downloaded, and details about the school's Distance Learning program are available.

Radio sermons and online versions of TBC's monthly publication of the Living Oracles dating back to 1999 are a click away, as is information on the latest news and events concerning the college. TBC has books and tracts that can be ordered online, as well as video and audio recordings of debates.

The newly designed TBC Web site has attracted hundreds of hits, most of which have been on the Living Oracles.

"We've given more detail to the Living Oracles because that's one of the more popular places people go," Wheeler said. "Every Christian should read the kind of materials found in the Living Oracles."

The Web site is also crucial in recruiting new students. Most recently, a prospective student from Chicago happened upon the Web site and is now planning a move to Cookeville to assume biblical studies.

"His contact with the school was because of the Web site," Wheeler said. "That's why he's coming here. So that validates everything we've done."

Wheeler says the next big addition to the TBC Web site will be in the realm of audio.

"After the first of the year, we're going to put a really big push into audio and trying to have more sermons out there," she said. "People could just listen to them. There's also a cross-reference to the Northeast Church of Christ Web site, and there'll be a lot of sermons on that too, as well as the audio from the TV show on Channel 7, 'Bible Questions and Answers.' And, eventually, we'll be doing a lot with the Distance Learning program to make it easier for people around the world to access the classes, audio and lessons."

TBC President Malcolm Hill couldn't be happier.

"I think the changes on the Web site are outstanding," he said. "It gives just about everything that one would want to know about Tennessee Bible College, and we'd be delighted to help further if those viewing our Web site need to talk to someone. We certainly would invite them to contact us and let us help."

Tennessee Bible College, located at 1616 McCulley Road in Cookeville, was established in 1975 and is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to confer the bachelor's degree in religious education, the master's and doctorate degree in theology and a two-year preacher's diploma.

For more information, call (931) 526-2616, e-mail tbc@tn-biblecollege.edu or visit the web site at www.tn-biblecollege.edu.