Accreditation
The purpose of Baptist International University from its start in 1977 is to train faithful servants of God for the work of the ministry. This purpose we have fulfilled and will continue to do so by the grace of God.
Because of the unique education we provide, and our strong belief in the separation of powers, we have not invited government oversight or approval of our programs. Even though we are not government accredited, we hold to the highest standards of academic integrity.
The seminary does have accreditation through ACI (Accrediting Commission International) in respect to the curricula standards and the university’s administration standards. ACI is the largest non-governmental accrediting commission.
The school offers as its core curricula the Baptist International School of the Scriptures, and according to the curricula, offers degrees from Associates to Doctorate.
The curricula were developed and approved after twenty years of work and study under Baptist Christian University International, in Bowie, Texas, under the leadership of Donald M. Fraser, Ph.D.; and commissioned by J. G. Tharpe, Ph.D., Th.D., of Baptist Tabernacle of Shreveport, Louisiana. The curricula were transferred to Rhode Island Baptist Seminary in 1991. Baptist Tabernacle in Shreveport, LA, has several schools under its umbrella, including Louisiana Baptist University and Baptist Christian University. However, R.I.B.S. is independent from Baptist Tabernacle and not directly affiliated.
Besides the University locations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Jauja, and many other places, the University was also made available in Pachacamac, Peru, in 2024 under the leadership of Pastor Desent.
Under the leadership of its President, N. Sebastian Desent, Ph.D., Th.D., D.D.; and its Vice President, Francisco Guerrero, Ph.D. (who are both graduates of schools under the authority of Baptist Tabernacle); R.I.B.S. meets all conventional standards for class credits and credit hours and practicum work. Rhode Island Baptist Seminary is under the authority of Historic Baptist Church in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Because of our high standards and initial connection to Baptist Tabernacle, R.I.B.S. contributes to the public good through effective teaching and learning that are biblically sound, academically rigorous, socially engaged, and culturally relevant; and its educators embody a biblical worldview, engage in transformational teaching and discipling, and embrace personal and professional growth.
Staff
N. Sebastian Desent, Ph.D., Th.D., D.D.
President of Baptist International University and Pastor of First Baptist Church of Pachacamac in Lima, Peru
N. Sebastian Desent has served as pastor of Historic Baptist Church since its founding in May 1991. In that same year, he was ordained by Dr. J. G. Tharpe and sent out by Baptist Tabernacle in Shreveport, LA, to establish the church in North Kingstown, RI. The church’s vision has always focused on three main emphases: Seed, Sowers, Senders (Scriptures, Preachers, and Missions). Historic Baptist Church is the 51st mission church started by Baptist Tabernacle. Pastor Desent also founded Rhode Island Baptist Seminary and the church’s scripture printing ministry in 1991, both of which operate under Historic Baptist Church’s authority. In 2023, he moved to Lima, Peru, where he brought Baptist International University to South America. Pastor Desent’s educational achievements include degrees from Louisiana Baptist Seminary, Louisiana Baptist University, Baptist Christian University, and New England Baptist School, and he has taught at the Baptist International School of the Scriptures since 1989.
Vice President, Michael E. Carrier, Ph.D.
President of Baptist International University of Bellingham, Pastor of Bellingham Bible Baptist Church in Bellingham, Massachusetts.
Doctor Michael Carrier was gloriously saved on May 12, 2013, at Historic Baptist Church. That same month, with a fervent desire to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and prepare for ministry, he enrolled at Baptist International University. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to step forward in faith, Pastor Carrier was called to become the Pastor of Bellingham Bible Baptist Church in July of 2022. Since that time, he and his family have been deeply committed to the spiritual growth of the church and the outreach of the Gospel in their community, witnessing firsthand the great work that God is accomplishing. On January 26, 2025, Pastor Carrier earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Baptist International University, further equipping him to teach, preach, and lead with biblical conviction and academic excellence. His dedication to biblical education and his heart for training the next generation of Christian leaders led him to take on additional responsibilities within Baptist International University. He now serves as the Vice President and the Dean of the English Division, where he plays a crucial role in shaping the academic and spiritual direction of the institution.