David Horton, president of Fruitland Baptist Bible College since 2009, has announced his plans to retire next spring after a tenure of more than 16 years leading the school located in the mountains of North Carolina.
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Horton informed members of Fruitland’s board of directors of his decision Thursday morning (Sept. 18), which was followed by an announcement to the school’s faculty, staff, students and alumni. Horton’s retirement will take effect March 31, 2026.
“Serving in this role has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Horton said in written remarks shared with North Carolina’s Biblical Recorder. “Over the past 16-½ years, I have joined with the Fruitland faculty and staff to help equip the next generation of Christian leaders and it has been an amazing journey. I am so proud of Fruitland alumni who are serving faithfully in Christ’s Kingdom with godly character, competence and commitment. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, whose desire to be on mission together is foundational for all that we do.”
Fruitland Baptist Bible College was established in 1946 and is owned and operated by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chad Austin and originally published by the Biblical Recorder.





