Beacon College began as a vision of its founder, Dr. Ron Cottle, to return home to Columbus, Georgia to establish a college of excellence which would provide higher education within the context of Christian values. In 1992, on a visit to Florida Beacon Bible College, Dr. Cottle learned that the school was closing and secured its assets, including the name and the library. The campus and facilities of Philips Junior College at 1622 13th Ave in Columbus were purchased in December 1992 and after refurbishing, opened in September 1993 as Beacon College, offering five courses and enrolling 42 students. In July 1994, Beacon graduated its first students. In 2000 Beacon relocated to a 13 acre complex in north Columbus once belonging to Callaway Chemicals. In 2001, Beacon began offering a graduate program and in 2003, a Doctor of Ministry degree. In 2004, the name was changed to Beacon University. The school held its last graduation after 16 years and became affiliated with Light University in Atlanta.