At a gala event held in Plymouth, Mich. last week, Moody Bible Institute President Paul Nyquist and Michigan Theological Seminary (MTS) Chairman Rick Warren jointly announced plans for MTS to merge with Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School (MGS). Both boards approved the decision to join the seminaries at their spring 2009 board meetings. The Higher Learning Commission officially approved the merger at their October 29 meeting, stipulating a few additional merger conditions. These issues will be addressed in anticipation of a formal merger agreement to be in place by January 1, 2010.

On October 5, the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board granted permission for Moody Bible Institute–Spokane (MBI-Spokane) to offer five new degree programs, bringing their total degree offerings to eight. The Board found that the programs to be offered are in compliance with the requirements of the Washington Degree-Granting Institutions Act

The graduate school of Moody Bible Institute is changing its name to Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School.  This name change, effective August 10, 2009, more accurately reflects the breadth of degrees and training offered through the graduate program.

On July 6, 2009, Moody Bible Institute was recognized as one of the 2009 Great Colleges to Work For. The program, which is a partnership between The Chronicle of Higher Education and ModernThink LLC, was created “to recognize Higher Education institutions that have created exceptional work environments.”

Dr. Paul Nyquist was named president of Moody Bible Institute and introduced to staff and students in a chapel service on the Chicago campus. On June 1, 2009 he will officially become the ninth president of this institution, founded in 1886 by pre-eminent 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. 

Moody Radio was recognized this past weekend at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference in Nashville, Tenn. for NRB Large Market Station of the Year, WMBI/Moody Radio Chicago, and 2009 NRB Media Award for Radio Air Personality – Talk, Chris Fabry of Chris Fabry Live!