Our History and Foundation
Charting a timeline of WCIU’s milestones from its founding vision in Pasadena to its global work in research, graduate education, and community development.
Founded with Purpose
WCIU began in 1977 to equip global leaders through graduate study.
Missional by Design
Our programs were built to address root causes, not just symptoms.
Global Academic Reach
WCIU serves students worldwide through distance education.
“Founded in Pasadena, CA, by Dr. Ralph D. Winter, WCIU is incorporated and licensed by the State of California to offer graduate degrees. Dr. Winter purchases a 15-acre campus from the former Nazarene College to establish a school dedicated to integrating faith with the realities of marginalized communities globally.DR. RALPH WINTER WAS A GLBOAL MISSION CONFERENCE FAVORITE
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February 1977
Incorporation & Campus Founded
“WCIU receives institutional approval to offer Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in International Development, emphasizing a no-residency, extension education model.”
1978
State Degree Approval Granted
“WCIU broadened its academic scope with new concentrations across multiple disciplines.
• International Studies: Armenian, Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, Jewish, Muslim, Slavic, and Tribal.
• International Communications: Cinema and TV, Ethnic Arts, Hearing Impaired, Publishing, and Radio.
• International Development: NGO Administration, Appropriate Technology, Community Development, Community Health/Nurse Practitioner, Development Training Materials, and Development Economics.
• Applied Linguistics and TESOL.”
1982
Expansion of Study Areas
“WCIU begins to establish partnerships with international organizations and NGOs to enhance its global reach and impact in international development. ”
1985
Global Partnerships Begin
“WCIU begins offering a broader range of degree programs, including Bachelor and Master of Arts in International Development, alongside certificate programs. Launches innovative World Christian Foundations (WCF) curriculum.Link to relevant page or document
THIS IS WHERE A CAPTION WOULD GO UNDER A RELEVANT IMAGE
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1994
WCF Curriculum and Program Growth
“WCIU Press publishes first title: Holistic Entrepreneurs in China: A Handbook on the World Trade Organization and New Opportunities for Christians by Kim-Kwong Chan and Tetsunao Yamamori.”
2002
First WCIU Press Publication
“Faculty concludes major revisions to the WCF curriculum, re-engineering liberal arts and seminary education to reflect global Christian purposes.”
2006
WCF Curriculum Revision Completed
“Dr. Ralph D. Winter, founder of WCIU, passes away on May 20, marking the end of a foundational chapter in the university’s leadership.”
2009
Passing of Dr. Ralph Winter
“Dr. Beth Snodderly is formally installed as President, becoming the university’s first full-time executive leader.”
2010
Dr. Snodderly Named President
“The first issue of the William Carey International Development Journal is published, focused on “Peacemaking in Africa.””
2012
Journal Launch: Development Focus
“WCIU shifts its academic model, focusing exclusively on graduate programs and developing institutes for specialized studies.”
2013
Graduate Program Realignment
“Dr. Kevin Higgins is installed as President, continuing WCIU’s leadership in distance education and global mission.”
2017
Dr. Higgins Assumes Presidency
“WCIU adopts a new mission statement to better reflect its core mission; sells campus to focus on strengthening distance education programs; and begins a curriculum review to include practical development aspects and global church impacts.”
2018
Mission Update and Campus Sale
“WCIU receives formal accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), adds a Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership (MATUL). ”
2020Accreditation and MATUL Launch
Accreditation and MATUL Launch
“Rev. Dr. Paul Premsekaran Cornelius is appointed as President, marking a new era of leadership from the Global South, poised to enhance the university’s global impact. ”
2023
Rev. Dr. Paul Cornelius Becomes WCIU’s First President from the Global South
“WCIU introduces a new Ph.D. program designed to prepare professionals for global leadership, research, and field-based development work.”
2024
Ph.D. in Global Development Launches
“The Master of Arts in Global Studies launches, alongside the Health for All Nations Institute focused on applied community health.”
2025
MA-GS & HFAN Institutes Launched
“A new Certificate in Trauma Health is poised to equip practitioners with specialized training in trauma-informed care.”
Coming in 2026
Certificate in Trauma Health Introduced
“For nearly five decades, WCIU has empowered development workers, missionaries, and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to foster lasting change.WATCH OUR VIDEO TO LEARN HOW WCIU IS TRANSFORMING LIVES AND COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE.
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Bridging the Gap: Education for Global Change
Faithful Approaches to Cultivating Women Leaders
Anya launched Venture in 2020 after more than a decade leading small, high-impact field teams around the world. Her work—from flood zones in Southeast Asia to forest reserves in Central Africa—shaped her belief that change happens when conservation and community support go hand in hand. She built Venture to keep missions light, local, and lasting. Today, she splits her time between Seattle and the field, wherever the next crossing, clinic, or trail leads.
• Environmental Policy & Global Logistics degrees
• 10+ years coordinating remote field operations
• Fluent in English, Turkish, & Swahili
Start Your Journey with WCIU Today.
Join us on our mission of global impact and transformation! Explore our innovative programs, engage with our vibrant community, and become a catalyst for change.