Life Pacific University history

L.I.F.E. was quickly transitioning to college status and graduated its first class in April 1925.

In 1926 the institute moved to the newly constructed five-story complex next door to Angelus Temple.

Harriet Jordan served capably as college dean until 1937, she was succeeded by noted Foursquare pastor Watson B. Teaford.

Traveling music and choral groups had been in place almost since the founding of L.I.F.E. In 1950, intercollegiate sports—including basketball and baseball—commenced.

In 1973, the college began the transition to an on-site chief executive officer.

In 1976, longtime Foursquare scholar and historian Doctor Nathaniel M. Van Cleave was inaugurated as the college’s third president, with Doctor Rolf K. McPherson continuing in office as president of the Board of Trustees.

A Foursquare minister since 1977, he served as the youth director for the Western District of Foursquare Churches, and was a familiar presence at Foursquare camps.

The name was changed to LIFE Bible College East in 1988.

After receiving a multi-million-dollar gift earmarked for moving the campus, the college investigated a number of sites in Southern California, finally settling on a property in San Dimas, CA. Construction began in 1989.

L.I.F.E. moved to the new San Dimas campus in 1990.

The Roy Hicks, Jr. student center and Ronald Mehl Court gymnasium opened in 2003.

In 2008, Doctor Stewart became a full time pastor, leaving a brief vacancy in the president’s office at LPU. During the selection process, Doctor Robert Flores began to serve the college in an interim capacity.

Doctor Robert Flores resigned in December 2012 to re-enter pastoral ministry and Doctor Jim J. Adams was appointed as Interim President.

Following a national search Doctor Adams was elected by the trustees as the tenth President of LPU, and assumed office on July 1, 2013, with inauguration ceremonies on October 18, 2013.