William Jessup University

William Jessup University was founded in the 1930s. Dr. Eugene Sanderson had previously established three colleges. Still, he sensed a demand for a biblical college in San Francisco Bay, leading to the purchase of two large residences on adjacent lots in San Jose at Fifth Street and San Carlos Streets. They are situated opposite San Jose Teachers College, now San Jose State University. Over time, he improved the property and put up a chapel to cater to the students and staff. Jessup called on William L. Jessup in January 1939 to pursue the vision. Bill and Carrie relocated from Visalia, California to San Jose to create the College. The San Jose Bible College opened on September 20th, 1939, with 14 students. The curriculum centered on biblical courses and church vocation preparation. Ranked among the top Christian universities, William Jessup University aims to make students proficient in communication and quantitative thinking. It offers over 70 programs both online and on-campus to fulfill our mission of guiding students to purposeful jobs that lead to genuine Christian fellowship.