William Jessup University

William Jessup University has a rich and dynamic history, transforming from its roots as a Bible College into a forward-thinking institution committed to academic excellence and community engagement. Founded in 1939, the university embodies a spirit of adaptability, continually evolving its programs and campus to meet the needs of a diverse student body and the surrounding community. It's recognized for its unique blend of Christian education, innovative academic offerings, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

The university began as San Jose Bible College in 1939, founded by William Lee Jessup. Over the decades, it experienced significant growth and changes, including its renaming to San Jose Christian College in 1989 and achieving regional accreditation by WASC in 2002. A pivotal moment was its strategic move in 2004 from San Jose to a modern campus in Rocklin, California, where many buildings feature designs by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. This relocation marked its transformation into William Jessup University, while still maintaining a branch campus in San Jose for non-traditional and graduate students.

Academically, William Jessup University provides a robust learning environment, evidenced by its WASC accreditation and continuous program expansion. Recent additions include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which welcomed its first students in Spring 2023. The university has also demonstrated resilience and growth, successfully navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic with an increase in online, graduate, and partnership program enrollment. This focus on diverse learning modalities ensures accessibility and relevance for a broad range of prospective students.

Beyond academics, William Jessup University is deeply intertwined with its local environment and community. Since 2017, it has actively partnered with Placer County on land conservation issues, including ambitious plans to acquire and manage the 487-acre Clover Valley as an ecological and recreational preserve. This commitment to sustainability, coupled with its announced merger with Multnomah University in late 2023, positions William Jessup as an institution poised for continued growth and positive impact on its students and the wider world.