Business ProfileforSt. Thomas Christian University

In May of 2018 BBB investigated the business practices and accreditation claims of St. Thomas Christian University. This investigation was prompted by a BBB Scam Tracker report and BBB complaints from religious leaders alleging that the university had reached out to them after they were selected to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. After being contacted by the university, the church leaders purported that they were invited to a graduation ceremony at the Jacksonville campus and made to pay a fee of $494.00 for a custom cap and gown. The allegations further state that after paying the cap and gown fee, the leaders are then prompted to pay for a banquet dinner, pictures, videos, etc. The university requests a $1,000.00 scholarship donation for the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree as well. 
St.Thomas Christian University claims to be a religious institution that offers numerous degree programs from associates through doctorate in religious studies, since 1967. It also has a life coaching division, St Thomas Coaching Institute, which offers various coaching certifications. On its website the university boasts that it has 89 campuses in the USA and 13 campuses in foreign countries. BBB attempted to confirm this information and could only find information for the Jacksonville, Florida location. BBB could locate campuses for the similarly named St. Thomas University, but could find no correlation with the two institutions. 

The website for St.Thomas Christian University alleges that they are accredited with the North American Association of Christian Schools and Colleges. BBB could not locate any information about this association. The link to the association’s website is not working and the phone number that is given for the association has been disconnected.  * This information has since been removed. 
St Thomas Coaching Institute’s website claims that it is accredited by the National Association of Coaches. BBB could find no information about this association and no contact information for the National Association of Coaches is provided on the institute's website. 

Additionally, the website for St. Thomas Christian University states that is is registered with the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education as a Religious Institution, and therefore is exempt from Licensure by Florida State Statute. BBB contacted the Florida Department of Education and a representative confirmed that St. Thomas Christian College, the university’s previous name, has submitted the required affidavit for exemption. 

In addition to the claims regarding the lack of accreditation. BBB was also unable to locate any scholarship fund that St. Thomas Christian University is having the Honorary Degree recipients contribute to. BBB found fourteen expired and three active not for profit corporations registered with the State of Florida Division of Corporations that appear to be tied to the university.

On May 22, 2018 BBB sent correspondence via mail and email to St. Thomas Christian University and its leader Mr. Zamekio Jackson asking him to address the concerns regarding accreditation, the Honorary Degree program, and the scholarship fund. As of June 19, 2018 BBB has not received a response.