Johnson University (formerly known as Johnson Bible College) is a private, co-educational college located six miles (10 km) southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1893 by Ashley S. Johnson as The School of the Evangelists and renamed Johnson Bible College in 1909. It changed its name again to Johnson University, effective July 1, 2011. Johnson University has the distinction of being the second oldest continuing Bible college in the United States and the oldest Bible college affiliated with the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. There are about 25 full time faculty members, and over 800 students, with enrollment having nearly doubled in the last decade. Johnson Bible College first received regional accreditation in 1979 from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It also is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The teacher education program is accredited by the Tennessee State Board of Education and the Association of Christian Schools International. Johnson University is accredited to offer associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees.