A gracious and generous couple has gifted Crown College with $1 million which will enable the school to do a major interior and exterior renovation of the entrance to its athletic center.
Dale and Susan Teal have been friends of the college for more than 40 years. They both attended the school under its former name of St. Paul Bible College. Mr. Teal’s dedication to Crown is also evident through his service as a Board of Trustees member. He is nearing completion of his third four-year term.
“Crown has profoundly impacted our lives, grounding us in God’s ways,” stated the Teals. “We all are asked to do what we can for God’s Kingdom. This gift is one way to show our gratitude to the Lord and encourage this incredible institution which has stood the test of time in honoring its mission of ‘Equipping students to impact the world for Christ.’”
The project will give Crown Athletics a clear outdoor presence along with sports-based imagery and more open space for gathering areas in the interior. Work will begin after the 2025-26 academic year with expected completion in the fall of 2026. The upgrade to this area, constructed in 2001, will include an updated corridor, flooring, ceilings, lighting, and bathrooms as well as athletic branding and significantly enhanced exterior landscaping.
“When students and guests arrive at our newly named Teal Athletic Center, they will experience a level of hospitality that reflects one of Crown’s core values,” said Athletic Director Steve Tebbs. “Our Athletics recruiting visits will now be in a space we can be proud of, and our coaches will be able to offer a more visual example of the school’s excellence.” This enhancement mirrors the resurgence of Crown Athletics, where more than 40 percent of on-campus enrolled individuals are student-athletes.
“I am in awe at how the Lord continues bringing people who are significantly investing in the mission of Crown College,” said President Dr. Andrew C. Denton. “We give Him all the glory and honor for this gift and sincerely appreciate the Teal’s generosity in investing in their alma mater.”
This renovation is part of a broader initiative, with over $20 million invested in campus facilities over the past three years. Recent enhancements include a new residence hall, renovations to the East and West Wing classrooms, lecture hall, dining center, student center, welcome center, apartment-style residence halls, locker rooms, athletic training room, campus store, and athletic weight room. These projects have been funded through donations and other investments, ensuring no increase in tuition costs.
