Dr. Lloyd Caswell Kelly, pastor of the Pineville First Baptist Church, founded Clear Creek in 1926. His mission for bringing Christian education to the mountains was twofold. He was inspired to charter Clear Creek Mountain Springs, Inc. “…for educational, recreational and religious purposes, with two objectives in mind: (1) to provide grounds for assemblies and encampments and (2) to establish a base for a ‘mountain mission’ program.” The first sessions for preachers were held July 18-August 1, 1926 with twelve students.

In 1946, the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky (now the Kentucky Baptist Convention) approved the name of the school as Clear Creek Mountain Preacher’s Bible School. The primary focus of the school continued to be educating God-called men and women for Christian ministry.

From 1954-1982, Dr. Dennis Merrill Aldridge served as the second president of the school. Under his leadership, the school grew to offer a four-year baccalaureate degree. A charter revision in 1957 changed the name to Clear Creek Baptist School.

From 1982-1988, Dr. Leon Dennis Simpson was president. He led the school to receive accreditation from the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (now Association of Biblical Higher Education) in 1986 at which time the name was changed to Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. The Pomeroy Family Life Center was constructed. An innovative class schedule was adopted that encouraged enrollment of commuting students.

From 1988-2007 Dr. Bill D. Whittaker served as president of the college. Early in his administration, the college became debt free and continues to operate without debt. In 1996, the Association of Biblical Higher Education reaffirmed the college’s accreditation for ten years, and then reaffirmed the accreditation until 2017. A successful capital campaign concluded in 1998 with the completion of a new classroom building and nearly a million dollars in additional endowment. In June 1999, the college received accreditation with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the accreditation was renewed in June of 2005.

Dr. Donnie Fox has served as the fifth President of Clear Creek since 2007. The President’s home was moved back on campus in the first year of his administration to have better interaction with the campus family. The college continues to operate without debt under his leadership.