Fresno Pacific University | Christian Education Rooted in Faith, Service and Academic Excellence

Fresno Pacific University (FPU), a private Christian university in Fresno, California, is rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition and dedicated to integrating faith, learning, and service.

Founded in 1944 as Pacific Bible Institute, FPU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs across two main schools. Accredited by WSCUC and other bodies, FPU emphasizes Christian values, ethical development, and academic excellence.

Its vibrant 50-acre campus supports spiritual formation, diverse student life, and competitive NCAA Division II athletics. With over 3,000 students and a high rate of financial aid participation, FPU remains committed to accessibility and community impact.

Fresno Pacific University: A Legacy of Faith, Learning, and Service

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a private Christian university located in Fresno, California, United States. Rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition and founded on Christ, FPU is committed to preparing students for faithful and wise service through excellence in Christian higher education. It strives to strengthen the Church and improve society through scholarship and service.

A Rich History of Growth and Transformation

FPU’s journey began in 1944 as the Pacific Bible Institute, established by the Pacific District Conference of U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Initially located in a large home with a modest enrollment of 28 students and five staff members, the institution quickly outgrew its space.

• 1946: Moved to a former YWCA building in downtown Fresno.
• 1958: Land was purchased for the current campus near Butler and Chestnut, alongside the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and the Butler Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church.
• 1959: New classroom building was ready for use.
• 1961: Became an accredited junior college; dormitory buildings completed.
• 1963: Decision made to develop a four-year program.
• 1964: Renamed Pacific College.
• 1965: Awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degree and gained accreditation with the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
• 1967: Decision to add graduate courses.
• 1975: Received accreditation for its first Master of Arts program from WASC.
• 1976: Renamed Fresno Pacific College.
• 1997: Achieved university status and became Fresno Pacific University.

Throughout its history, FPU has been led by a series of dedicated presidents, including Sam W. Goossen (Acting President/Dean, 1944–1946), George W. Peters (President/Dean, 1947–1953), Arthur J. Wiebe (President, 1961–1975), Richard Kriegbaum (President, 1985–1997 and 2014–2017), Joseph Jones (President, 2017–2022), and currently André Stephens (2022–present).

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

Fresno Pacific University is organized into two primary schools: the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Graduate & Professional Studies. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs, emphasizing ethics, character development, and Christian values in all its academic offerings.

Key Academic Highlights:

Accreditation: FPU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Specific programs hold additional accreditations, such as Nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Social Work (BSW) by the Council on Social Work Education, Board of Accreditation.

Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Programs: FPU offers expedited bachelor’s degree programs in various fields, allowing students to graduate in three years and potentially reduce overall tuition costs. These programs include B.A. Biology (Secondary Teaching Emphasis), B.A. Business Administration (Management and Marketing Emphases), B.A. Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. English, B.A. Liberal Studies (Integrated Teacher Education Program), and B.A. Studio Art.

Undergraduate Programs: A comprehensive range of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are available, spanning disciplines such as Biblical and Theological Studies, Biology (General, Secondary Teaching, Environmental, Human Health, Individualized), Business Administration (Accounting, Management, Marketing), Chemistry, Communication, Criminology, English, Environmental Science, History, Kinesiology (General, Physical Education Teaching, Exercise Physiology, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Sports Performance), Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Music, Nursing (BSN), Psychology, Pre-Health Sciences, Religious Studies, Social Welfare, Social Work, Sociology, and Studio Art.

Graduate Programs: FPU offers numerous Master’s degrees and credential programs, including:

• M.A. in Administrative Services, Applied Behavior Analysis, Individualized Master of Arts, Kinesiology, Mathematics Education, Reading and Language, School Counseling, School Library and Information Technology, School Psychology, Special Education, Strategic and Organizational Leadership, and Teaching.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration).
• MSN/FNP (Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner).
• MSW (Master of Social Work).
• Various teaching credentials (Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary, Clear Administrative Services, Intern Administrative Services, Teacher Librarian Services).

Seminary Programs: The seminary offers programs like the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Integration Certificate, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Divinity (M.Div.), M.Div./M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Mennonite Brethren Studies Certificate, M.A. in Ministry, Leadership & Culture, and Presbyterian Certificate.

Campus Life and Facilities

FPU’s main campus in southeast Fresno spans close to 50 acres. It provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students, fostering academic, spiritual, and personal growth.

Campus Facilities:

• Academic Buildings: Classrooms, laboratory spaces (e.g., AIMS Hall for Mathematics and Science).
• Library: Hiebert Library.
• Student Services: McDonald Hall, cafeteria, Charlotte’s Coffee Corner, student lounges, game room, on-site counseling offices.
• Residential Life: Residence halls and ancillary housing (e.g., Sattler Hall, Krause Hall, Nachtigall Hall, Schlichting Hall, Warkentine Hall, Kriegbaum Hall, Strasbourg Hall, Bartsch Hall).
• Athletic Facilities: Special Events Center (basketball arena), gymnasium, pool, track, tennis courts (Haak Tennis Complex), baseball field (FPU Diamond), soccer fields (Ramirez Field), FPU Sports Medicine Clinic, Fitness Center.
• Arts & Culture: Fine Arts Center, Marpeck Center (named for early Anabaptist leader Pilgram Marpeck), auditorium.
• Other Notable Buildings: Alumni Hall.

Student Life:

• Spiritual Formation: Spiritual life is deeply integrated into the FPU experience, with opportunities for spiritual growth woven into academics, residence halls, and extracurriculars. The university, while rooted in the Mennonite Brethren Church, welcomes and embraces people from all traditions.
• Clubs and Organizations: A wide variety of student clubs and organizations are available, offering opportunities for engagement, leadership (e.g., student government, Resident Assistant, peer mentor), and community involvement.
• Athletics (Sunbirds): The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds compete in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports, primarily in the Pacific West Conference. Men’s and women’s water polo teams compete in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). FPU fields 17 varsity teams (8 men’s, 9 women’s), including:
  • Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo.
  • Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo.
  • The Sunbirds have a strong athletic tradition, having claimed over 54 conference championships and 15 national championships, particularly in Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Swimming & Diving, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Tennis, and Women’s Tennis. FPU also has a notable history of producing professional athletes.
• Diversity & Inclusion: FPU values diversity of thought, activities, and people, believing that shared unique perspectives and experiences enrich the community and foster growth.

Enrollment and Financial Aid

Fresno Pacific University serves a diverse student body, with approximately 3,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and degree completion programs.

FPU is committed to making education accessible. Over 98% of its students receive financial aid. The Student Financial Services staff assists students in navigating various forms of aid, including federal and state programs. The university’s FAFSA code is available for aid applications.

Notable Alumni

While specific comprehensive lists are dynamic, Fresno Pacific University has a proud tradition of notable alumni across various fields. Some individuals associated with FPU or its athletic programs include:

Athletes: Dan Quisenberry (MLB), Amaury Nunes (soccer), Malcolm Griffin (basketball), Ivan Mirković (soccer), Josh Urbiztondo (basketball), Chris Schwinden (MLB), Milton Blanco (baseball), Pablo Campos (soccer), Garth Neufeld (baseball), Joey Wells (basketball), Terry Phillips (basketball), Eddie Gutierrez (basketball).

Other Fields: Rhoda Janzen (author), Todd Decker, Field Ruwe, Elfrieda H. Hiebert, Wendy Schuller, Silas Bartsch.

Fresno Pacific University continues to be a vibrant institution dedicated to its mission of integrating faith, learning, and service, preparing individuals to make a positive impact in the world. Sources

FAQs about Fresno Pacific University

What is Fresno Pacific University known for?
Fresno Pacific University is known for its integration of Christian faith, academic excellence, and commitment to service, grounded in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition.

Where is Fresno Pacific University located?
FPU is located in southeast Fresno, California, with its main campus spanning nearly 50 acres.

When was Fresno Pacific University founded?
It was founded in 1944 as the Pacific Bible Institute.

Is Fresno Pacific University accredited?
Yes, FPU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with additional program-specific accreditations.

What types of degrees does FPU offer?
FPU offers undergraduate (B.A., B.S.), graduate (M.A., MBA, MSN, MSW), seminary (M.Div., M.A.), and credential programs.

Is Fresno Pacific University a religious institution?
Yes, it is a Christian university rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition but welcomes students of all backgrounds.

Does FPU offer online or accelerated degree programs?
Yes, FPU offers degree completion and three-year bachelor’s programs in select fields to accelerate graduation.

What is student life like at FPU?
Student life includes spiritual formation, clubs, leadership opportunities, arts, and athletics, fostering a supportive community.

What athletics programs are available at FPU?
FPU competes in NCAA Division II with 17 varsity teams under the Sunbirds mascot, including baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and more.

Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes, over 98% of students receive financial aid through federal, state, and institutional programs.

What is the student enrollment at FPU?
FPU serves around 3,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and degree completion programs.

What are some notable academic programs at FPU?
Popular programs include Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, Social Work, Christian Ministry, and Education.

Does Fresno Pacific have a seminary?
Yes, the seminary offers graduate degrees in Christian Ministry, Divinity, Marriage and Family Therapy, and related fields.

What facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include academic buildings, science labs, a library, residence halls, a fitness center, athletic fields, arts centers, and student services.

What kind of spiritual life is offered at FPU?
Spiritual life is deeply integrated into campus life through chapel services, spiritual mentoring, and faith-based activities.

What is the FAFSA code for FPU?
The FAFSA code can be found on FPU’s financial aid website and is used to apply for federal student aid.

Does FPU have international students?
Yes, FPU welcomes international students and offers support services to assist with their academic and personal needs.

What kind of support services does FPU offer?
FPU provides academic advising, counseling, tutoring, career services, spiritual support, and financial aid counseling.

Who are some notable alumni of Fresno Pacific University?
Notable alumni include MLB pitcher Dan Quisenberry, author Rhoda Janzen, and several professional athletes and educators.

How can I apply to Fresno Pacific University?
You can apply through FPU’s official website by selecting the appropriate application for undergraduate, graduate, or seminary programs.

What is the campus environment like at FPU?
The campus offers a peaceful, inclusive, and faith-centered environment designed to promote academic and personal growth.

Are housing options available for students?
Yes, FPU provides several on-campus residence halls and housing options for undergraduate students.

What is the mascot of FPU?
The university’s mascot is the Sunbird.

Can I transfer to FPU from another college?
Yes, FPU accepts transfer students and provides credit evaluations to help them transition smoothly.

Does FPU offer study abroad programs?
Yes, FPU offers opportunities for students to study abroad through approved programs and partnerships.

Is Fresno Pacific University part of a larger university system?
No, FPU is an independent private Christian university but maintains affiliations with the Mennonite Brethren Church.