Our History

Cornerstone College & Seminary started its history as Fredericksburg Bible Institute, which was chartered by the Virginia State Corporation Commission on September 2, 1969.

Dr. G. Albert Brown, Jr. was the founder of Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary and became the institution’s first President. He was a man of God who had the blessings of the Almighty upon his ministry. Scores of pastors who have received part or all of their Bible college and Seminary training were blessed by Dr. Brown. He was a man of impactful prayer and Biblical devotion.

Dr. Brown believed in the power of prayer because the Bible teaches us to pray, and he believed in the truth of the Bible. He was a man of vision who took his lead from Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” His ministry was successful because people knew that Dr. Brown loved and cared for them, but more importantly, that he loved the Lord. Dr. Brown continued to establish the institute through milestones of achievement. Dr. Brown went to heaven to be with the Lord on January 31, 2008, and his presidential leadership was passed to Dr. Gary Foss.

The institute was granted tax exemption by the Federal Government and tax deduction of contributions by the Internal Revenue Service.

The State Government then gave the institute tax exemption on textbook sales.

According to the Code of Virginia, Section 23-266 A-2, this institution was permitted by the Council of Higher Education on February 3, 1982, to confer degrees.

The Veterans Administration approved the institute to provide educational benefits beginning on August 23, 1983, and The International Accreditation Commission accredited the institute on September 15, 1983.

Dr. Foss served as president from January 2008 until June 2016. Gary is fondly remembered with his wife, Andy, as the founder of Fredericksburg Christian School. He served as their Head of School, equipping students for more than forty years.

The FBIS Board of Directors voted Dr. Richard (Dick) Barnett into presidency in 2016. In 2020 he developed the Gary Foss Memorial Scholarship.

Dr. Barnett oversaw the partnership with Lancaster Bible College in 2017 and led the transition from FBIS to Cornerstone College of Virginia in 2018.

As an accomplished educator, leader, and speaker, Dr. Wallace brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to our institution. Dr. Wallace began her tenure with Cornerstone College of Virginia (CCV) as an administrative assistant, then Administrative Dean, then Provost, and most recently elected by the Board to serve as our current President. In 2024, she led the transition from CCV to Cornerstone College & Seminary.