KMBC Celebrates Record Enrollment:
God is on the Move

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jackson, KY – October 22, 2025

Kentucky Mountain Bible College is celebrating a historic milestone: the highest for-credit enrollment in the college’s nearly 100-year history, with 124 students enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year. More than ever before, students are answering God’s call to study His Word and prepare for a lifetime of ministry.

The Missional Milestone marks the 2024–2025 academic year, a season of remarkable growth and renewed vision. To commemorate this achievement, the college hosted a celebration banquet during the KMBC Board of Trustees fall meeting. The Brengle Hall dining room was beautifully decorated and filled with faculty, staff, students, board members, and guests. The evening featured special music from KMBC’s PR team, Set Apart, a fun record-breaking ceremony, the singing of the Doxology, and heartfelt praise to God for His faithfulness.

Reflections from Leadership

Dr. Rob Pocai, KMBC’s sixth president, reflected on the record-breaking year with gratitude:

“This past year, through the hard work of our staff and with the help of the Lord, Kentucky Mountain Bible College achieved something we had not anticipated—we set an all-time record for enrollment. God is on the move at KMBC, and we are so grateful to be part of what He is doing in the lives of our students. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.”

The record enrollment represents more than just a moment for Kentucky Mountain Bible College; it reflects a growing momentum in the life of the school, fueled by the dedication of God-called faculty and staff and the faithful work of the Lord.

This milestone is also a visible reminder that the vision God placed on Dr. Pocai’s heart when he accepted the call to lead KMBC is becoming a reality. In his inaugural address in 2022, he shared:

“The classroom and the community that make up the college have embraced a life-transforming discipleship model. My vision is to provide a life-transforming discipleship experience onsite and online for our students. With the Lord as our helper, we embrace John Wesley’s statement, ‘The world is our parish,’ as we attempt to bring KMBC to a world that desperately needs life transformation.”

That vision is now taking shape. Enrollment is growing across the board—on campus, online, and in graduate studies, while our focus has remained steadfast on holiness and ministry preparation. More students than ever before are being discipled, mentored, and equipped to serve Christ and His Church. As Dr. Pocai stated in his inaugural remarks:

“We adapt our methods, but our message stays the same. God desires all of us to experience full salvation and to serve the present age.”

Students at the Heart

Rev. Aaron Sherman, Chair of the KMBC Board of Trustees, emphasized that students are at the heart of this moment:

“Students, you are the reason we celebrate tonight. You have answered God’s call, and your faithfulness has made this historic enrollment possible. KMBC exists to train and send out students, and seeing God work in your lives is what makes this milestone so meaningful.”

He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Pocai:

“We clearly see God’s hand in calling Rob and Holly Pocai to lead this college. Their faithful service, vision, and commitment have guided KMBC to this record enrollment and beyond. We are grateful for their leadership and what God is accomplishing through them.”

Student Body President Nathan Birchler shared how God has worked in his own life through KMBC:

“I thought I would go straight into full-time pastoral ministry, but the Lord redirected my path to higher education. KMBC has been the place where God made a great change in my life, challenging me academically and spiritually, and it’s here that I was sent to serve Him in new ways.”

God’s Work Evident Across Campus and Online

Behind this milestone lies intentional effort and spiritual commitment. The Enrollment and Student Success Department continues to focus on streamlining the student journey, providing consistent, Christ-centered support from the first introduction to KMBC through graduation.

This fall, a more proactive approach to student success was launched, including closer academic monitoring, quicker intervention, and a stronger support system for students facing challenges. These efforts have already strengthened retention and overall student well-being.

For KMBC’s growing online community, a new Online Student Success Coordinator provides emotional, spiritual, and academic support while developing tools and resources designed for distance learners. Early results show improved academic progress, stronger engagement, and fewer at-risk students.

Enrollment gains have been widespread and encouraging:

• 2 years of 25% increase in new on-campus students year over year
• 22% increase in semester applications year over year
• Graduate enrollment nearly doubled compared to last fall, as the Master of Ministry program receives strong feedback and looks toward its first graduates in Spring 2026
• Expanded online learning now offers flexible, start-anytime, self-paced options
• Dual enrollment and on-campus participation both increased, reflecting healthy expansion in KMBC’s reach and impact.

Forming Disciples, Not Just Graduates

At KMBC, student success means more than academics—it’s about shaping Christlike character, service, and faith. Every on-campus student participates in a discipleship or mentoring group, with most online students also involved. New students are immediately engaged in field ministry opportunities, and their eagerness to serve is evident.

Spiritual life at KMBC continues to flourish. During this fall’s Convocation services with Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association President David Spencer, as well as Prayer Emphasis Week, many students came to the altar, seeking and receiving fresh encouragement and help from the Lord.

KMBC’s record enrollment is far more than a number: it’s a testimony to the faithfulness of God, the momentum of His work, and the ongoing power of His call.

God is on the move, and Kentucky Mountain Bible College is grateful to have a front-row seat.