Bryce Jessup Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Served as WJU president for 25 years

Rocklin, Calif. – On January 20, William Jessup University’s President Emeritus, Dr. Bryce Jessup was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement” award at the Sacramento region’s annual Martin Luther King Celebration held at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento.

The ecumenical service brought together over 100 local churches, individuals and community leaders to celebrate and be challenged by Dr. King’s vision of racial diversity, reconciliation, harmony, equality and dignity of all races and people through nonviolence.

Dr. Bryce Jessup served as president of William Jessup University, for 25 years and retired in May, 2010. He currently serves as President Emeritus at the 74 year-old institution.

During his presidency, William Jessup University substantially improved its financial position, achieved regional accreditation, significantly increased enrollment, broadened the curriculum and moved to a new 128 acre campus in Rocklin, California.

Dr. Jessup has worked as a professor, pastor, coach, and Dean of Students.  He is a popular speaker for civic clubs, churches, and marriage and family retreats.

Jessup has been a significant leader in Bay Area pastors groups, the Billy Graham Crusade, and ethnic reconciliation groups.  He has published numerous articles on leadership and church issues, has served on many non-profit boards, and was named “Man of Valor” by the Racial Reconciliation Committee of Santa Clara Valley African-Americans in 1999.   

Since his move to Rocklin, Dr. Jessup serves on six non-profit boards including the elder board at Adventure Christian Church where he co-chaired a Capital Campaign. In addition, he serves as Board Chair of Agape International Missions and on the Church Development Fund Board. He served last year as the Regional Vice Chair of the Luis Palau Festival. He has created opportunities to engage senior citizens in the region with William Jessup University through the Friends and Neighbors Inspired programs. 

He received bachelor’s degrees from San Jose Christian College and Pepperdine University, awarded Master of Arts by Pepperdine, and Doctor of Divinity by Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, and Doctor of Literature by Seoul Christian University in Seoul, Korea.