Rocklin, Calif. – William Jessup University began its 2014-15 academic year with the largest enrollment in the university’s 75-year history. The university reported continued growth in enrollment during the past six consecutive years as it celebrates its’ 75th year of operation.
Founded in 1939, the university was established in San Jose, Calif., and known as San Jose Bible College when it opened its’ doors with just 14 students on September 20 that year. In 1989, the name was changed to San Jose Christian College and later became William Jessup in 2004 when the university relocated to Rocklin and broadened academic programs in a variety of disciplines.
William Jessup’s enrollment is up seven percent from last fall to just over 1,200 students, including the largest number of new students (400) attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only WASC accredited, private four-year, residential university. In addition, this is the largest incoming first time-freshmen class to date.
“William Jessup University continues to be recognized for the excellent higher education value we are providing in Northern California,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson. “As we continue to make progress to being a Distinguished Christ-Centered University, an increasing number of students and family are seeing us as the provider of choice for affordable excellence in higher education. We are excited at the ongoing story of growth and expansion happening at the university.”
As Jessup continues to expand its’ reach, incoming students are represented from across the United States and internationally including students from Australia, Istanbul, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.
William Jessup has regularly added to its curriculum and now offers degrees in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to Administration and Justice, Biology, Business Administration, Creative Arts, Criminal Justice, Education, English, Family and Children’s Ministry, History, Intercultural Studies, Kinesiology, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. The university also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching that brings 57 new students to the sought-after degree program.
Three of the largest majors declared by students are Business, Psychology, and Liberal Studies or Teacher Education. William Jessup University offers over 50 majors and programs including an accelerated degree program known as the School of Professional Studies geared for working professionals.
New this year is a Kinesiology undergraduate major that continues to attract students and athletes to the program. Leading the new program is Dr. Scott Roberts who formerly served at California State University Chico where he served as chair of one of the largest Kinesiology programs in the CSU system.
Jessup’s expanding athletic program moves up to enter the Golden State Athletic Conference this year. The Warriors sponsor 12 conference sports, six for men and six for women. Men and women’s sports include cross-country, soccer, basketball, track and field, as well as men’s golf, baseball, softball and women’s volleyball. Of the new incoming students, 119 are student athletes joining the ranks of the 250 athletes who make up the substantial sports program Jessup continues to build.
Also new is an Air Force ROTC program designed to train graduates to lead with integrity and positively impact tomorrow’s military. Known as a military-friendly university, William Jessup reports 33 students honoring the latest provision to the GI Bill, known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. The program allows any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 to have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the university offers.
In 2012, William Jessup unveiled a $17 million campus expansion that added new dining, athletic and classroom facilities to accommodate the growing number of students to its 125-acre campus. During the summer, the university added additional classroom space, faculty offices, and media facilities to accommodate ongoing growth.
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