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Bushnell University

Eugene, OR

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1895
Founded
Private university
Type
533
Total Students
576
Undergrad
193
Graduate
$35K
Tuition (In-State)
$35K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
66%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
6-year
71%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Joseph Womack

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bushnell University

A historic private university with a rich Christian heritage and an evolving legacy.

Bushnell University, a private institution founded in 1895, offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in over a century of tradition. Originally established as the Eugene Divinity School (EDS) by Christian Church preacher Eugene Claremont Sanderson, Bushnell has a fascinating history of growth and adaptation. Its foundational vision was to provide a robust biblical and ministry education, initially leveraging a unique partnership with the neighboring University of Oregon for other academic subjects, a collaborative model that endured for a remarkable 100 years.

Over the decades, the university transformed and expanded its scope, reflected in a series of name changes: Eugene Bible University in 1908, Eugene Bible College in 1930, and Northwest Christian College following a merger in 1934. In 2008, it became Northwest Christian University, before ultimately adopting its current name, Bushnell University, in 2020. This final rebranding honors James A. Bushnell, the first chairman of the university's board of trustees, solidifying its identity and commitment to its founding principles.

Today, Bushnell University continues to build on its strong Christian foundation, offering an engaging learning environment. The institution is currently led by Joseph Womack, who took office as the 10th president in 2010, continuing a notable family legacy as his father, James Womack, previously served as the university's eighth president. Prospective students and families will find a university dedicated to a faith-integrated education within a supportive private university setting.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1895 as the Eugene Divinity School, boasting over a century of educational tradition.
  • ✦Began with a unique academic model, partnering with the University of Oregon for supplementary studies until 1995.
  • ✦Underwent several significant name changes, evolving from a divinity school to its current identity as Bushnell University in 2020.
  • ✦Honors James A. Bushnell, the first chairman of its board of trustees, with its current name.
  • ✦Led by Joseph Womack, the 10th president, continuing a family legacy of leadership.
  • ✦A private university with a deeply rooted Christian foundation, evident from its origins as a divinity school.

Timeline

1895
Founded as the Eugene Divinity School (EDS) by Eugene Claremont Sanderson.
1908
Became Eugene Bible University.
1930
Name changed to Eugene Bible College.
1934
Merged with Spokane University and became Northwest Christian College.
1995
The shared academic arrangement with the University of Oregon was discontinued.
2008
Became Northwest Christian University.
2009
Joseph Womack named 10th president.
2010
Joseph Womack took office as president.
2020
Formally changed its name to Bushnell University.
🏛️
131 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Joseph Womack
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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