By Matt Clifton

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BNc)Regions University in Montgomery, Ala., has changed its name to Amridge University. The school’s board of regents officially approved the change on Jan. 31.

According to an email issued by university president Dr. Rex. Turner Jr., the name change comes due to ongoing litigation over the use of the name “Regions” which the university adopted in the fall of 2006.

“The university has been involved in litigation over the use of the name ‘Regions’ since the fall of 2006, and has decided it is in the best interest of the university to change its name,” he said.

The university has gone through a few name changes throughout its history. The school, which is affiliated with the churches of Christ, began as the Alabama Christian School of Religion. Dr. Rex Turner Sr., the father of the current university president, founded the school.

Later the institution changed its name to Southern Christian University. As the school began to reach out and serve a national and even worldwide student base, the board of regents approved the name change to Regions University. This change, officials said, better reflected the worldwide mission of the college. This mission will not change, though the name has.

“With this name change the mission of the university remains the same, as does the vision of this university to expand its operations throughout the United States and internationally,” Turner said.

Amridge University is the only university affiliated with the churches of Christ which offers a doctor of philosophy degree in biblical studies. The school offers both traditional on-campus courses, as well as online education. The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Turner School of Theology, which is part of the university, is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools.

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