Richmont Graduate University

A Message From the President 

I’ve always heard that the only things constant were death and taxes, but I thought that the name PSI was pretty close to being sacrosanct as well. However, after a lot of work, I’m excited to let you know that PSI’s name is changing. Over the next few weeks, all of our letterhead, brochures, signage, and other collateral material will change. This represents one of the most momentous of all the changes we’ve seen in my decade of leadership here. The process involved members from all of our constituencies including alumni, faculty, trustees and current students.

There are many reasons for the new name, but the primary one has to do with the need for professional accreditation through the American Counseling Association, which will drive licensure laws in the years ahead. To be accredited with them our name cannot contain the word “psychology” or any derivative. 

Knowing this transition was coming presented us with an opportunity to think carefully about who we are and where we are going. We needed an overarching name that had clear Christian overtones, but did not sound too religious. Far too many of our graduates are in settings where a Christian school might cause difficulties (e.g., applicants for licensure in states where there is antipathy toward Christian clinicians or missionaries in non-Christian countries). 

We also needed a name that (a) had an available website, (b) could be trademarked, and (c) allowed for continued growth and expansion. In the future the name may need to reflect a vision that goes beyond counselor education.

After working with a rebranding company and receiving input from hundreds of alumni, current students and faculty, the trustees of PSI determined to change the name to Richmont Graduate University. The name Richmont is a reminder of Jesus’ prayer from the Mount of Olives and the richness that is now available because of the great mystery revealed, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1.26-27).  It also serves as a reference to the mountainous geographic region around our campuses in Atlanta and Chattanooga. Finally, the name also allows us to create separate schools underneath this institutional name. Present plans call for a school of counseling, a school of ministry, a school of psychology (which will use the name PSI, thus retaining the brand equity built over the years), and a school of formation. 

With great sincerity I want to thank you for your dedication and support to PSI. I also want to let you know that though this was not a process I sought, I do believe the result will strengthen our mission, and position us to expand our ministry.

-Jeff Terrell, President Richmont Graduate University