their fields of study. Bryan College also has over 26 different minors available to students with varying interests. Minors include biblical studies, business administration, leadership studies, and theater. The Adult and Graduate Studies programs are designed for adult learners to attend school part-time. Students can earn degrees online and onsite, and options include associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. In February 2018, Bryan College announced the opening of the Vogel School of Engineering, enabling students to obtain an undergraduate degree in mechanical or civil engineering options. Accreditation and ranking Bryan has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1969. Bryan ranks 71st in the U.S. News & World Report for Regional Universities in the South as of the 2019 rankings. In 2015, the college ranked 22nd and was formerly ranked fourth among the "Up and Coming" institutions in its category by the same publisher in 2012. Affiliations Bryan College is a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Appalachian College Association, and the Association of Christian Schools International. Statement of belief and academic freedom In February 2014, college administrators supplemented the original statement of belief, which is included in the employment contract of professors, with the declaration that Adam and Eve "are historical persons created by God in a special formative act, and not from previously existing life forms." Hundreds of students, including the vice president of student government, opposed the change. They petitioned trustees, and several professors left the institution. The same month, the faculty voted 30-2 "no confidence" in the college president, Stephen Livesay. Two tenured faculty had their contracts terminated after refusing to agree to the revised statement of belief, and filed a lawsuit against the college in May 2014. The college settled out of court in October 2014. The college cut 20 staff members in May 2014, claiming dwindling enrollment. Two months later, five members of the board of trustees resigned in response to the controversy. The following year, Livesay instituted procedural rules that faculty members claimed made it extremely difficult for them to hold meetings. Athletics The Bryan athletic teams are called the Lions. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference since the 2001–02 academic year. They were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, primarily competing as