Wilbur Miller, University president from 1972-85, was the last Drake president to be a member of the First Christian Church. We are still, in a sense, considered a Disciples' college. But it depends on the leadership and whether or not they want to get involved. Miller said the closing of the seminary was difficult for many to accept. But after the first five or six years things were calming down considerably.
Some people never do recover from that.
Drake's seminary was the only Disciples religious training center in Iowa at the time. It was supported by the Disciples churches of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and North Dakota. Until 1966, when accreditation standards changed, the ministerial students only attended classes four days a week. Having Monday off allowed them time to travel back from their weekend ministerial jobs at more than 52 churches in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois. Although the ties between the University and the Disciples denomination were no longer official, support and respect remained apparent on both parts.