Be Known at Oregon's Christian University

2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Our Heritage

More than a century ago, early Oregon Quaker pioneers helped settle the rich and fruitful Chehalem Valley of Oregon. One of their first priorities, along with the founding of their church, was the education of their children. In 1885, the Christian instruction of their offspring was assured with the establishment of Friends Pacific Academy. At the same time, founding pioneers were looking ahead with a dream of a college to provide more advanced education. That time came Sept. 9, 1891, with the opening of the doors of Pacific College. Fifteen students were counted on opening day.

In the 116 years since George Fox University's founding, major changes have included the name of the university itself. Retitled in 1949 because of the many "Pacific" colleges, the school was named in honor of the founder of the Friends Church. The name changed again in July 1996 when George Fox College became George Fox University, incorporating Western Evangelical Seminary.

From only a handful of courses in the 1890s, the university now offers 38 undergraduate majors, and graduate programs in psychology, counseling, education, business, ministry, and religion. Over the years, more than 16,000 students have called this institution their alma mater.

George Fox has grown rapidly in the last two decades - both in reputation and facilities. U.S. News & World Report for 19 years has named George Fox "One of America's Best Colleges." In 2005, George Fox ranked in the top tier in the category of Best Universities - Master's, West Region. National recognition also has come from the John Templeton Foundation, which selected George Fox as one of 100 in its Honor Roll of Character-Building Colleges.

Following a series of campus master plans, George Fox has expanded in recent years to now include 70 buildings on approximately 108 acres. The most recent expansion is the 2006 purchase of an adjacent eight acres formerly occupied by Providence Newberg Hospital. The growth to the east incorporates tree-filled Hess Creek Canyon within the main campus. The canyon formerly served as the campus' eastern boundary. A 24-acre tract north of the campus also is to be developed into a new athletic field complex. More than 3,000 students come to George Fox from across the nation to participate in the experience of sharing faith and learning with dedicated faculty and administrators.

Even as it expands its mission by offering graduate programs and serving adult learners, George Fox remains committed to providing more than 1,500 traditional undergraduate students with a residential campus atmosphere in Newberg. There, learning continues outside the classroom - as well as inside - through a variety of experiences including music, athletics, clubs and organizations, special events, and Christian ministries.

The Christian atmosphere is a campus priority. With other Christians, the university holds to the historic truths and teachings of Christianity, as outlined in the statement of faith. From its founding, the university has been guided by Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church. It historically has emphasized the necessity of a genuinely experiential Christian faith, personal integrity and purity, the spiritual nature of the ordinances, the importance of peacemaking and responsible social action, the involvement of women in ministry and leadership, the valuing of simplicity, and the right and duty of each person to hear and follow God's call.

George Fox University has more Friends students on campus than any other college in the United States. They represent approximately 5 percent of the student body. Altogether, more than 50 denominations are represented on campus. Denominations with a significant enrollment include the Evangelical Church of North America, Free Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Mennonite, United Methodist, Assemblies of God, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Catholic, Lutheran, American Baptist, Conservative Baptist, Church of God, and Foursquare. There are also numerous students who attend independent churches.

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