History of Northwest Christian University

Northwest Christian University has been a vital part of Eugene's heritage and the development of higher education in the Northwest for more than 115 years.  Founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson, it was originally named Eugene Divinity School, and strategically located adjacent to the University of Oregon so its students could make use of the resources of the U of O while studying for Christian ministry.  Tuition was free and five students enrolled in the fall of 1895.

Although known as Eugene Bible University by 1908, it was much more than its name implied.  Between 1908 and 1929, EBU constructed the Administration and Music Buildings as well as other now non-existent structures and operated the Pacific Christian Hospital (known today as the Sacred Heart Medical Center) a home for the aged, a home for wayward boys, a two-year women's college in south Eugene, and colleges in four other states.  It also offered a student nursing program and a school of oratory and fine arts.  Unfortunately when the nation's economy collapsed in 1929, the institution was over-extended and under-capitalized.

The board of trustees struggled to keep the college open and in 1930 eliminated all extraneous corporations and activities and reinvented EBU as Eugene Bible College choosing to focus primarily on training students for ministry.  When Spokane University, founded by the Christian Churches in 1912, failed due to financial challenges in 1934 its remaining students and assets were sent south to Eugene Bible College.  That same year the college changed its name to Northwest Christian College.

After struggling through the depression, enrollment was bolstered in the 1940's and early 1950's by returning World War II G.I.'s.  Campus housing for women (Burke Hall) was erected in 1950, the Kellenberger Library built in 1957 on the site of the old Klinger Gymnasium, and the Griffeth dormitory addition to Burke Hall completed in 1963.  Several home adjacent to campus were also purchased during these years to provide an increasing number of students' on-campus housing. 

NCC achieved regional accreditation in 1962 and the College began to expand its curriculum with double majors in Bible & Theology and other disciplines.  Enrollment grew to over 400 students by the mid-1970's and additional campus housing was secured to meet the demand for increased campus housing and faculty offices.  However, by the late 1970's and early 1980's the College again faced difficult financial circumstances and saw its enrollment plummet to less than 200 by 1986. 

In an attempt to offer more academic offering to students the College began to offer combination majors with the U of O in the early 1980's and in 1986 began the process of broadening its curriculum to include liberal arts and professional studies programs as well as a degree completion program for adult learners.  Graduate programs were added in the late 1980's and early 1990's and enrollment again returned to the 400 student level.

In

1995, the College's 100th Anniversary, the Music and Library buildings underwent significant renovations and a building connecting the two was constructed.  During the late 1990's and early 2000's the College significantly expanded its student programs including student athletics where today 12 collegiate NAIA athletic programs are offered.  In 2003, as the result of the $13.5 "Vision for Our Second Century" capital campaign the Morse Event Center was completed.  The campaign also provided for increased endowment for scholarship funding and the funding of a significant technology upgrade for the campus.

An adjacent former fraternity was purchased to provide much needed faculty offices and increased classroom space.  The Pomajevich Faculty Building was dedicated in 2006.  The institution officially changed its name to Northwest Christian University 2008 to reflect its growing academic program that now offers nearly 40 majors and concentrations in its undergraduate and professional studies programs, and four Master's degree programs in its business program and School of Education.  

Today with a record enrollment of 625 students NCU remains committed to quality Christian higher education.  We believe that the best what we do is manifest through a collegiate atmosphere that is transformational in experience, rigorous in study, and reverent in posture.  As we look to our future the NCU faculty, administration, and staff are committed to providing such an atmosphere where students are encouraged to passionately seek God's call on their lives and be provided the knowledge, experiences, skills, and character to answer that call successfully.  With expanded curriculum, faculty, and facilities, NCU today is the faithful heir to the pioneer conviction that led to the institution's founding 115 years ago.