Richmont Graduate University

Richmont is a graduate institution aimed at providing a master’s level degrees in counseling, ministry, and psychological studies, from a Christian perspective. Our belief is that our students should walk into their future careers with a foundation based on the values set before us by Christ.

In the midst of these goals, we strive to provide a strong community, real-life training, and approachable educators equipped to bring life and experience into every setting. Located on two beautiful campuses in Atlanta and Chattanooga, we believe Richmont is perfectly situated to enhance a culture of higher education and innovation.

Richmont Graduate University was founded by hardworking visionaries who desired to impact the world for Christ. Richmont’s legacy began in 1933 when the Chattanooga Bible Institute (CBI) was founded by Dr. James L. Fowle, Reverend H.E. Wright, Mrs. Ellen Poindexter, Mrs. George Elder, Mrs. Mark Senter, Mrs. Hilda Spence, and Mrs. Howard McCall. From these incredible visionaries, CBI faithfully served the Chattanooga, TN community by providing training, counseling, library resources and support for clergy and laity of all denominations.

In 1973, a group of Christian mental health professionals who explored integrating Christian faith and professional counseling founded the Atlanta Clinical College. After opening a counseling center, they partnered with a major state university to offer advanced professional training and research within a Christian context at what became known as the Religious Consultation and Research Society before being incorporated as the Psychological Studies Institute (PSI). The individuals who were initially committed to the founding of PSI included: Dr. William J. Donaldson, Jr. – faculty member at Georgia State University; Dr. Donald G. Miles– CEO of Georgia Mental Health Institute; Dr. John R. Richardson – pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church and chaplain of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents; and Dr. Paul L. Walker – pastor of Mount Paran Church of God.