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. 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 ofRocklin 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.
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:
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.
