Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is an accredited, non-profit and independent Christian university in Fresno, California. It was founded in 1944 as the Pacific Bible Institute by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Churches. Its main campus is in Southeast Fresno and it has regional campuses in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced. There is also an online arm.
FPU offered its first bachelor of arts degree in 1965 and its first masters’ programme 10 years later. It currently offers more than 100 areas of study across the schools of business; natural sciences; humanities, religion and social sciences; education; and Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminar to around 4,000 students across undergraduate, adult degree graduate and seminary students. There are also 6,000 education and business professionals taking continuing education courses.
FPU provides financial aid to 98 per cent of traditional undergraduates and offers a four-year graduation guarantee to those who qualify.
As well as a very active sports and arts scene, among the various activities that students can choose from are campus clubs, ranging from accounting to a cheers team, taking in politics, religion and international issues too. There are also numerous opportunities to volunteer and mentor, both on and off campus.
Notable alumni include various figures from the world of basketball (Ron Adams, Malcolm Griffin, Joshua Urbiztondo and Joey Wells), from baseball (Dan Quisenberry and Chris Schwinden) and soccer (Pablo Campos and Karl Dewazien).
