In 1954, members of the Churches of Christ formed a Board of Trustees to establish an educational institution in the North Central region of the United States. In the initial college catalog, the institution’s leaders affirmed their dedication “to the task of leading students toward higher academic achievement.” The founders also stated their belief “that the development of Christian ideals in the life of an individual is highly important.” Leaders of Rochester College remain firmly committed to those ideals. In 1997, the college changed its name from Michigan Christian College to Rochester College.