The Mission of Lyon College Founded in 1872, Lyon College is a four-year college of the liberal arts and sciences associated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The following is the mission statement of the College: Lyon College offers a liberal arts education of superior quality in a personalized setting. A selective, independent, undergraduate, residential teaching and learning community affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Lyon encourages the free intellectual inquiry essential to social, ethical and spiritual growth. With a rich scholarly and religious heritage, Lyon develops, in a culture of honor, responsible citizens and leaders committed to continued personal growth and service.
Accreditation
Lyon College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, 800-621-7440.) Its teacher education curriculum is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023, 202-4667496) and approved by the Arkansas State Department of Education. The College is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Training (a division of the State Department of Education). It is a member of the Council on International Education Exchange.
A Brief History of Lyon College
Founded as Arkansas College by Arkansas Presbyterians, Lyon College opened its doors in September 1872. Originally located on the “downtown” block now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, the college remained under the guidance of the Long family for much of its first four decades – Rev. Isaac J. Long serving as president from the college’s founding until his death in 1891 and his son, Eugene R. Long, serving two terms as president, 1891 to 1895 and 1897 to 1913. The college expanded its physical plant after World War I by purchasing land in the East End Heights section of town, later known as the middle campus. The boom years of the 1920s faded quickly, however, as Arkansas sank into depression. By the early 1930s, the very survival of the college was in jeopardy. Through the untiring efforts of a group of Batesville supporters and alumni and the generosity of Arkansas Presbyterian families, the college recovered in time to participate in the post-World War II G.I. boom that filled the nation’s classrooms. In 1952 Dr. Paul M. McCain succeeded Rev. John D. Spragins as president of the college. McCain’s 17-year tenure as president witnessed steady progress including the move to the current campus in 1954; accreditation by the North Central
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