La Sierra University

Riverside, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“To Seek, To Know, To Serve”

1922

Founded

Private university

Type

1,609

Total Students

1,259

Undergrad

$35M

Endowment

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

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

About La Sierra University

Seek, Know, Serve: La Sierra University fosters holistic growth in Riverside, California.

La Sierra University, a private Seventh-day Adventist institution nestled in sunny Riverside, California, invites students to embrace its motto: "To Seek, To Know, To Serve." Since its establishment, LSU has been dedicated to a holistic educational experience, blending rigorous academics with spiritual and community engagement. With a vibrant campus life and a commitment to its founding principles, La Sierra prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.

The university boasts a rich history, beginning as La Sierra Academy in 1922. It evolved through several iterations, including Southern California Junior College and La Sierra College, before merging with Loma Linda University in 1967. This period saw the establishment of significant academic divisions. In a pivotal moment in 1990, the La Sierra campus gained its independence, becoming the autonomous La Sierra University, a testament to its enduring vision and growth.

Academically, La Sierra offers a robust liberal arts foundation, complemented by strong professional programs. Its Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business, H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, and School of Education are particularly notable. The university has also garnered national recognition for its Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) teams, winning multiple national and world titles. This commitment to practical application and ethical leadership shines through its innovative academic programs.

Located on a picturesque 150-acre suburban campus in Riverside, La Sierra provides a serene yet engaging environment. Its proximity to Loma Linda University also means it serves as a significant feeder school, especially for medical programs, offering a clear pathway for students aspiring to health professions.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1922, establishing a century-long legacy of education.
✦A private, Seventh-day Adventist university located in Riverside, California.
✦Motto: "To Seek, To Know, To Serve," guiding its commitment to holistic development.
✦Enrollment of 1,609 students, fostering a close-knit academic community.
✦Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).
✦Multiple national and world titles in the Enactus (Students in Free Enterprise) competition since becoming independent in 1990.
✦Serves as a major feeder school for Loma Linda University, particularly for its medical programs.

Timeline

1922

Founded as La Sierra Academy

1927

Became Southern California Junior College

1939

Renamed La Sierra College

1946

First accredited as a four-year liberal arts college

1967

Merged with Loma Linda University, becoming its La Sierra Campus of LLU

1990

Separated from Loma Linda University to become La Sierra University, an independent institution

2000

Sold approximately 200 acres of land for development, shaping the 'Riverwalk' area

🏛️

104 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within La Sierra University

💼

Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business

Formerly the School of Business and Management, offering programs in business education.

✝️

H.M.S. Richards Divinity School

Formerly the School of Religion, focusing on theological studies.

📚

School of Education

Providing programs for aspiring teachers and educational leaders.

🏫

Division of Continuing Studies

Offering flexible learning opportunities and extended education.

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