By JOE LANANE

ANDERSON — For those seeking a higher calling in their higher education, the Metropolitan College of Theology in Anderson just may be the answer.

Having recently concluded its fourth year in existence, the college offers area residents the opportunity to obtain an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or a doctorate in biblical studies.

This year, the Anderson program graduated 29 students among more than 800 worldwide to receive degrees from the North Carolina College of Theology.

The most recent commencement on June 14 attracted approximately 250 people to the downtown City Auditorium, and included guests from both the political and religious spectrums of Anderson. The featured speaker was Judge John N. Shanks II of Title IV-D Support Court. Pastor Earlie Dixon of New Birth was the inaugural recipient of the Dr. John Woodall Award for supporting the vision of MCT.

According to Dr. James Streeter, founder of MCT, the Anderson satellite campus was one of the first 10 nationally of its kind. Now, four years later, it is among 103 branches spanning 10 nations. Streeter said MCT’s numbers have steadily increased during that time, and he anticipates double the enrollment next term.

“I’m expecting close to 50 people this year,” Streeter said. “People are starting to catch on and realize the values that are needed in this area, and we’re the only school designed the way it is.”

Gwendolyn Parrish, MCT student of the year award recipient from last year’s bachelor’s class, commuted from Indianapolis and said she may be among those to further her studies this fall.

“Actually, I am contemplating (enrolling again) and I have e-mailed Dr. Streeter to find out what options I have,” said the 65-year-old retired computer programmer. “I’m trying to find out what my options are in terms of days and evening availability.”

With the difference in curriculum, Streeter acknowledged the lack of competition between MCT and local schools. Rather, his school is unique in that it requires no prerequisites, specific religious affiliation or age limit — with graduates ranging from ages 12 to 68.

“I think that’s what’s great about it — we’ve got a broad base of denominations in there, but we’ve also got the mixture of races,” said Michael Shock, North Carolina College of Theology student of the year award recipient and MCT staff member. “I think it helps break down barriers.”

All of MCT’s staff are former students of the program, including Dr. Mae Gray, the school’s public relations chairwoman. The retired nurse was among the first graduates, and since then she has promoted the benefits of MCT.

“I figured as long as I’m studying the word of God, I felt like I should get a degree doing so,” Gray said. “I feel as though we are smaller and more personal and can get right into the root of the word of the Bible — everything is taught from the Bible.”

Streeter said Gray was instrumental in finding MCT a new home at Saint John’s Medical Center after their church on West 19th Street was damaged in a fire last year. The MCT open house will also be located at the Saint John’s cafeteria meeting rooms at 5 p.m. Saturday.