As the only Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education in the Middle East, and as one of the first Protestant colleges in Lebanon, Middle East University has a storied and inspiring past.
The following narrative of our history is based on A History of Middle East College by Dr. Manoug Nazirian (Middle East College, Class of 1950; President, 19-19)
The first year of operation (1939-1940) of Adventist College of Beirut (now MEU).
The history of Middle East University began in 1908 when George Keough and his wife, Mary (Alderson), from England arrived in Egypt where he would serve as a pastor and administrator for the next 20 years. As Pastor Keough witnessed the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Middle East, he keenly sensed the need of starting a training center for the young people of the region. If God’s work was going to grow at all, He needed workers in the next generation who could speak. The progressive idea never left him as he returned to his homeland where he taught in the religion department of Stanborough School and Newbold College.
In 1949, the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Learning granted the institution the accreditation to offer studies in higher education. On June 28, 2001, Middle East College was formally and legally renamed Middle East University (MEU). This significant development further validated the role of MEU as an important center of higher education for the people of Lebanon and the Middle East.
Administration Building (University Hall), 1955.
The money for the land for the college was donated by the Hasso Brothers, Bashir (on left) and Nasif (on right).
Not long after, he was officially asked to open a new school in Beirut. Arthur had been born in Egypt, had learned Arabic as a child, and was familiar with Middle Eastern culture; it was the natural thing for him to do. Only a few months later, Arthur, his wife Dora, and their daughter Gillian, sailed from the shores of England and eventually landed in Beirut, Lebanon. It was an act of faith and the beginning of the journey we continue today.
In 1949, the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Learning granted the institution the accreditation to offer studies in higher education. On June 28, 2001, Middle East College was formally and legally renamed Middle East University (MEU). This significant development further validated the role of MEU as an important center of higher education for the people of Lebanon and the Middle East.
The first president of the Lebanese Republic, Bechara El Khoury, attended the dedication of North Hall in 1946.
The institution was originally established as Adventist College of Beirut.
The institution moved to its current location in Sabtieh. In the same year, the Adventist College of Beirut was renamed to Middle East College by His Excellency Sheikh Bechara El-Khoury.
Middle East College was granted accreditation by the Lebanese Ministry of Education to offer studies in higher education.
When the civil war began, Middle East College remained open and God’s hand of protection was continually over it.
The institution was granted University status with three faculties. It was renamed to Middle East University and became an important center of higher education for the people of Lebanon and the Middle East.
As MEU grew, an additional faculty was added: Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
The President of the Lebanese Republic, Mr. Michael Suleiman, signed the formal approval decree issued by the Minister’s Cabinet.
MEU was approved as a Receiving School in the Adventist Colleges Abroad program (ACA).
Middle East University made a significant advancement to providing year-round theological training, and entered into partnership with the Middle East North Africa Union of the Seventh day Adventist Church to provide training programs and educational services for their immediate needs.
Middle East university transitioned in affiliation from Griggs University to Andrews University, allowing students to receive an Andrews diploma while studying at the MEU campus.
Students pausing atop the largest hewn stone in history, located in the stone quarry of Baalbek. It is called “Stone of the Pregnant Woman” and weighs an estimated 1,200 tons.
The footsteps of the Middle East University are evidence of God’s providence towards our university. Filled with miracles, from the land to the vision of the missionary founders, be inspired by our story.
If you have any question or if want to register, our team is here to help you.
A place for world changers deserves a space where ideas can flourish, a place for collaboration among students and faculty, to study, to meet your friends, and receive support.
Inspiring stories, campus updates, and opportunities to get involved with Middle East University
