FULLERTON, CA :: Hope International University (HIU) proudly kicks off its 90th academic year as an institution of Christian Higher Education, celebrating a remarkable legacy of empowering students to become exceptional servant leaders who impact the world for Christ.  “As we begin this school year and the celebration of our 90th anniversary, it gives us a greater appreciation for who we have become, and a renewed sense of commitment to fulfill our mission for future generations of students,” says Dr. John L. Derry, HIU’s sixth (and current) President.

Incorporated in 1928 as Pacific Bible Seminary, the school initially convened in a church in Los Angeles, California. Since then, the campus has morphed from a church basement, to a house, to its current 11-acre campus in Fullerton, California. 

The school purchased campus property in Long Beach in 1936, and construction started in 1940. In 1962, the maturing institution of higher learning achieved regional accreditation and changed its name to Pacific Christian College. When the Long Beach campus was no longer adequate to house the growth of the college, they relocated to Fullerton in 1973. In 1997 the institution achieved university status and took the name Hope International University. The University now has educational centers in Anaheim as well as Everett, WA, as well. In 2016, HIU merged with Nebraska Christian College near Omaha; NCC is now a branch campus. 

Today, the University is composed of five Colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business & Management, Education, Ministry & Biblical Studies, and Psychology & Counseling. Within the Colleges are degree programs for traditional undergraduate students, online students, and graduate students.

Over its 90-year history, Hope International University’s foundational principles have not wavered:

1. Commitment to the Authority of the Bible as God’s Word
2. Commitment to being Christ-Centered
3. Commitment to preparing Servant Leaders 

In his 2018 Convocation address, President Derry stated, “Inevitably, changes will occur at HIU over the next 90 years –– majors, locations, delivery methods, staff, technology, etc. –– but preserving our resolve to these distinctive core values is what sets HIU apart from most other universities."

// For a more detailed historical overview, click here.