William Jessup University
William Jessup University is a private Christian university in Rocklin, California with an additional site in San Jose, California. The university had 1743 students during the 2019-20 academic year, over 1650 being full-time equivalents. Founded in 1939, it has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,204 on a campus size of 126 acres.[3]
Motto | Transforming Tomorrow Today |
---|---|
Type | Private |
Established | 1939 |
Religious affiliation | Non-denominational Christian |
Endowment | $1.1 million[1] |
Students | 1700+ full time equivalent[2] |
Location | , , United States |
Campus | Suburban |
Colors | Red, White, Blue |
Athletics | NAIA |
Website | www.jessup.edu |
History
The University was founded as San Jose Bible College in 1939, in San Jose by William Jessup, the school's first President. Eugene Claremont Sanderson had originally started a school called Evangel Bible University in San Jose in 1934 but was unable to make it viable. As a result, he recruited William Jessup, one of his former students to take over. By 1951, with the school expanding and the San José State University across the street encroaching, San Jose Bible College moved to a parcel bordered by Coyote Creek, 12th Street and nearly 30 years later by I-280. Spanish-style classroom buildings and several dormitory buildings made up the small campus.
William Jessup retired in 1960 and was succeeded by Alvan L. Tiffin. Later, Woodrow Phillips, an alumnus, was president from 1968 to 1979 and Chuck Boatman was President from 1979 to 1984. Dr. Bryce Jessup, a Pepperdine University alumnus and son of the original president, was President from 1984–2010, when he retired. Dr. John Jackson was selected to be the sixth President in March 2011.
In 1989, the school was renamed San Jose Christian College and was regionally accredited by WASC in 2002. As administration was unable to find a new location in the Santa Clara Valley, it was decided to move to the Sacramento metropolitan city of Rocklin in April 2003. The College officially moved from its San Jose campus in June 2004. At this time the college was renamed William Jessup University. A branch campus has been retained in San Jose that primarily serves non-traditional and graduate students.
The current location was formerly a Herman Miller Furniture Factory, and many of the buildings were designed by Frank Gehry.[4]
Organization
Academics
Jessup offers 25 undergraduate majors, 10 graduate programs, 5 degree completion programs and 9 fully online programs. All programs are regionally and professionally accredited and integrated with a vibrant faith based principles that provide students with a foundational understanding of themselves, the world and its Creator.
Schools
The Schools and Faculties and Divisions of William Jessup University are:
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Professional Studies (Adult Degree Completion)
- School of Christian Leadership
- Faculty of Bible and Theology
- Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Division of Humanities and Visual & Performing Arts
The School of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs and courses leading to degrees and concentrations.
The School of Education places a high priority on contributing to the regional, national and international educational conversations about effective best practices in education, with a particular focus on teaching and learning, teacher and administrator training and professional development, and district and school intervention practices and programs.
Institutes
- Institute for Bio-Diversity and the Environment
- Institute for Public Policy
Athletics
William Jessup teams, nicknamed athletically as the Warriors, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and new to the year 2020 STUNT.[5]
Notable alumni
- JJ Heller, singer[6]
- Todd Hoffman, reality TV personality
Notable faculty
- Stephanie Garber, American author
References
- "2008 NACUBO Endowment Study" (PDF). National Association of College and University Business Officers. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
- "William Jessup University — Top Christian College Northern California".
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/william-jessup-university-1281
- "Frank Gehry". Salon. October 5, 1999.
- "This Page Has Moved". www.playnaia.com.
- Wilson, Holly. "J.J. Heller's poetic style noted on secular folk chart". Christian Examiner. Retrieved 23 February 2012.