William Jessup University

William Jessup University, originating as San Jose Bible College in 1939, offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in its Christian heritage. After several transformations, including a significant move from San Jose to its current Rocklin campus in 2004 and a renaming, the university continues its mission to provide high-quality education. Today, it's known for its commitment to community engagement and innovative program development, fostering a vibrant learning environment for students seeking academic rigor alongside spiritual growth.

The university has a rich history of adaptation and expansion, demonstrating resilience throughout its journey. From its early days founded by William Lee Jessup, through the leadership of multiple presidents including a son of the founder, Jessup has continually evolved. Its relocation to a state-of-the-art Rocklin campus, housed in buildings designed by Frank Gehry, signaled a new era of growth and regional accreditation by WASC further cemented its academic standing. This forward-looking approach extends to retaining a vital branch campus in San Jose, specifically catering to non-traditional and graduate students.

Academically, William Jessup is building on its strengths, notably with the recent launch of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which welcomed its first students in Spring 2023. Beyond traditional programs, the university shows a deep commitment to environmental stewardship through formal partnerships with Placer County for land conservation, including plans to acquire and manage a 487-acre ecological preserve. These initiatives, coupled with its announced merger with Multnomah University, highlight William Jessup's dynamic trajectory, preparing students not just for careers, but for impactful lives of service and leadership within their communities and beyond.