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

Riverside's La Sierra University: Seeking, Knowing, Serving since 1922.

La Sierra University, nestled in Riverside, California, is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution with a vibrant history and a forward-looking mission. Guided by its inspiring motto, "To Seek, To Know, To Serve," La Sierra is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Its journey began in 1922 as La Sierra Academy, evolving through several stages, including a significant period as part of Loma Linda University. In 1990, the La Sierra campus proudly re-established itself as an independent institution, La Sierra University, charting its own course while maintaining its rich heritage and academic affiliations. This independence marked a pivotal moment, allowing it to solidify its unique identity and mission.

Today, La Sierra University stands as an accredited liberal arts college, recognized by WASC Senior College and University Commission and the Adventist Accrediting Association. With a student body of over 1,600, it offers a diverse academic environment known for fostering success, including multiple national and world titles in the Enactus competition. Furthermore, La Sierra serves as a significant feeder school, particularly for the medical programs at Loma Linda University, preparing students for impactful careers and continued higher education.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1922, La Sierra University is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution in Riverside, California.
✦Home to 1,609 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive academic community.
✦Upholds the motto: "To Seek, To Know, To Serve," guiding its educational and spiritual mission.
✦Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).
✦Celebrated for winning multiple national and world titles in the Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) competition.
✦Emerged as an independent university in 1990, after a period as part of Loma Linda University.
✦Serves as a major feeder school for Loma Linda University's highly regarded medical programs.

Timeline

1922

Founded as La Sierra Academy

1923

Became La Sierra Academy and Normal School, expanding teacher training

1927

Renamed Southern California Junior College with expanded course offerings

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

1990

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

2000

Sold approximately 200 acres of land for the "Riverwalk" development

🏛️

104 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within La Sierra University

💼

Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business

Established between 1967 and 1990, fostering business acumen.

✝️

H.M.S. Richards Divinity School

Established between 1967 and 1990, focused on religious studies.

📚

School of Education

Established between 1967 and 1990, preparing future educators.

🏫

Division of Continuing Studies

Established between 1967 and 1990, offering ongoing educational opportunities.

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