WILLIAM CAREY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
History
Charting a Legacy of Learning & Global Impact: Journey through the story of WCIU
“William Carey International University (WCIU) was founded in February 1977 in Pasadena, California, under the leadership of Dr. Ralph D. Winter. Dr. Winter led the acquisition of the 15-acre campus and housing of the former Nazarene College. His vision was to create a faith-based, research-driven institution focused on international development.DR. RALPH WINTER WAS A GLBOAL MISSION CONFERENCE FAVORITE
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February 1977
Beginnings of WCIU
“WCIU received institutional approval from the State of California to offer Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. degrees in International Development. The education-by-extension model eliminated residency requirements, allowing students to conduct research directly in their fieldwork locations.
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1978
State Approval for Degree Programs
“WCIU initially offered only a Ph.D. in International Development, designed for cross-cultural workers to conduct field-based research. The university produced its first nine Ph.D. graduates by 1994.”
1978 - 1993
Focus on Ph.D. in International Development
“WCIU expanded its academic programs to include Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Development, with specializations in:
• Intercultural Communications
• Intercultural Studies
• Community Development
• Applied Linguistics
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)”
1990s
Expansion to Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
“WCIU faculty developed and refined the World Christian Foundations (WCF) curriculum, an integrated program re-engineering traditional liberal arts and seminary curricula. The curriculum equipped graduates with practical knowledge to tackle real-world development challenges.Link to relevant page or document
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1994 - 2008
Development of the World Christian Foundations (WCF) Curriculum
“In 2009, WCIU mourned the passing of its founder, Dr. Ralph D. Winter. His visionary leadership and influence on the university continue to be deeply felt today.”
2009
Passing of Founder Dr. Ralph D. Winter
“After Dr. Winter’s passing, Dr. Beth Snodderly was appointed full-time president in 2010, marking a pivotal shift for WCIU. This decision led to unprecedented growth, as prior presidents had held concurrent roles in other institutions.”
2010
Dr. Beth Snodderly Becomes First Full-Time President
“To refocus on graduate education, WCIU discontinued the Bachelor of Arts in International Development program.THIS IS WHERE DESCRIPTIVE TEXT WOULD GO UNDER A RELVENAT VIDEO
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2013
Phasing Out of the Bachelor’s Program
“The Ph.D. in International Development entered a teach-out phase in 2015. However, in 2024, WCIU relaunched a Ph.D. in Global Development, signaling a renewed commitment to doctoral-level education.”
2015
Ph.D. Program Teach-Out
“Dr. Kevin Higgins became WCIU’s President in May 2017, ushering in a new phase of academic and institutional development.
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2017
Dr. Kevin Higgins Appointed President
“The Board of Directors adopted WCIU’s current mission statement:
“WCIU provides innovative distance education programs to enhance the effectiveness of scholar-practitioners as they serve with others to develop transformational solutions to the roots of human problems around the world.”
Learn More jump link to the about page?”
2018
Adoption of a New Mission Statement
“WCIU sold its Pasadena campus to EF Education First, allowing the university to fully transition to a distance-learning model.”
2018
Sale of Pasadena Campus to EF Education First
“WCIU integrated the Master’s in Transformational Urban Leadership (MATUL) program, training students to drive change in urban settings worldwide.
Learn more button linking to MATUL”
2020
Integration of the MATUL Program
“WCIU officially received DEAC accreditation, solidifying its academic credibility.
Link to accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)”
2021 WCIU Achieves Accreditation
WCIU Achieves Accreditation
“The Eden Vigil Institute was founded, offering leadership training in environmental stewardship and creation care through a Christ-centered approach.”
2022
Launch of the Eden Vigil Institute
“Dr. Paul Cornelius became WCIU’s first president from the Global South, leading the university into a new era of global impact.”
2023
Dr. Paul Cornelius Becomes WCIU’s First President from the Global South
“WCIU expanded its academic offerings by introducing a Ph.D. in Global Development, preparing professionals for humanitarian service, research, and leadership roles.”
2024
Relaunch of the Ph.D. in Global Development
“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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