Truett-McConnell College, operating in temporary quarters on or near the town square in Cleveland, first opened in September 1947, when it enrolled a class of 55 students.

[3] In December 2002, the institution was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer four-year degrees.

Truett McConnell University offers thirteen bachelor's degrees with various concentrations in the fields of Business, Christian Studies, English, Education, History, Humanities, Music, and Science.

[5] In the spring of 2010, Truett-McConnell College received approval from SACS to offer online degrees in Business and Christian Studies.

The initial nickname of TMU's athletic teams, "The Mountaineers," was changed to "Danes" in 1965, and is now the "Bears".