Nazarene Bible College history

From the outset, Nazarene Bible College has fulfilled its mandate to provide "ministerial training in the important area of adult education" (1967-68 NBC Catalog). Innovative schedules and teaching methods designed for adult learners have been the standard for the school.

Mount Vernon Nazarene College started as a two-year institution opening its doors to over 150 students on October 12, 1968.

He was instrumental in moving the college from its original location in Pasadena to its new Point Loma, San Diego, home in 1973.

Doctor Oliver served until 1984 when Doctor Jerry Lambert followed him as president.

The school began a master of ministry program in the 1990’s and later added other programs both on the Mount Vernon campus and in other locations in Ohio.

NTC has been a partner college of the University of Manchester since 1992 and all the qualifications gained – from certificates to doctorates – are Manchester degrees.

Doctor Bob Brower, PLNU’s current president, was inaugurated in 1998.

In 1999, PLNU began graduate programs in education in Bakersfield and Mission Valley.

A graduate program in education had remained in Pasadena since the move and in 2001, it moved to Arcadia.

In 2008, Mount Vernon Nazarene University boasted an enrollment of 2,558 students, including 486 students enrolled in graduate programs, especially in education and business.

Our current Principal is Revd Dr Deirdre Brower Latz (2012-)

Decentralization of the college's operations began in June 2017.

Doctor Scott Sherwood was elected in 2021, taking office in July of that year.