Azusa Pacific University: The First Bible College on the West Coast is a Vibrant Liberal Arts School in the 21st Century, and the Centerpiece of a Historic Foothill Town

Azusa Pacific’s cougar mascot is on display outside of the APU School of Business and Management. Photo from January 2022

Many universities have blazed a new trail in recent decades with their first female president. But at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles County’s San Gabriel Valley, the first four university presidents were women. That’s all the more notable considering the university was founded as the co-ed Training School for Christian Workers in 1899.

Azusa Pacific holds the distinction of being the oldest Bible college on the West Coast. But it didn’t settle down to its permanent home in the San Gabriel foothills until 1946.

In its first half century, the school changed locations several times. With low enrollment, it barely survived such hardships as World War I, the Great Depression and World War II.

But under the leadership of its 13th president, Cornelius Haggard, the school transformed into a respected Christian education institution in Los Angeles County, renowned for its research (it currently has R2 research status) and accessible in-person and virtual degree options. By 1981, it was a university and had its current name.