The old Dana College in Blair might soon have some new students on campus.
A few former Grace University staff and alumni are working to establish Charis University at the site. The group says the college will be set apart by its ability to bring real-time online classes to students.
The move would lower overhead costs and keep tuition low, says organizer Marv Overman. The classes would come from partner colleges and universities.
"For example, if we need a biology class, if it's taught in one place it's taught for all of those so the model of not duplicating administration, not duplicating classes you can actually operate with a full level of courses without having to pay for it all yourself," Overman said.
Overman says Charis will offer the same options as Grace, with the hope of expanding into more areas, including teacher education, counseling, music and some athletic teams - while focusing on giving students a Christian education.
Charis means "grace" in Latin. The group has yet to pick a mascot. There will be a membership meeting in Blair on April 14 at the campus to formally elect a board of directors.
According to a release, Charis is not directly affiliated with Grace but the formation of Charis was a direct result of Grace ceasing operations in October.
