Company Profile
Life Pacific College
Company Overview
Located in an attractive and appealing small city in Southern California, Life Pacific College is an institution of biblical higher education existing for the transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. The college is growing in enrollment, and offers associate's, bachelor's, master's programs in both traditional and online formats.
Vision
Life Pacific College seeks to be recognized worldwide as a premier pentecostal institution, within the Foursquare tradition, characterized by a diverse community of Spirit-empowered students, scholars, and practitioners whose hearts and minds are devoted to Christ and His Kingdom.
Values
•Scripture as our authoritative guide for faith and practice and the foundation for how we think, learn, live, and minister. (2 Tim. 3:16)
•Grace-based community exemplified by excellence organizationally, and Christ-like character individually. (Eph. 2:11-22; John 15; Romans 8:28-30; Gal. 5:22-25/Eph. 5:15-20)
•Foursquare heritage and its appeal for moderation in doctrine and practice, a Spirit-empowered lifestyle, and an interdenominational mission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. (Titus 1:7-9; Eph. 4:11-13, Acts 1:4-8)
•Global awareness displayed through valuing diversity, understanding our place in the world, the far-reaching impact of decisions and actions, and innovatively engaging the world (I Cor. 12:12-31; Matt 28:19-20; John 17:15-19)
Company History
Our Heritage
LPC is committed to the Evangelical Pentecostal message. For over 90 years, LPC has offered an outstanding environment for the preparation of leaders to serve in both traditional and non-traditional ministry roles, now including marketplace ministry.
“The purpose of the Institute is two-fold: the preparation of Evangelists and Missionaries for the field; and a thorough Bible instruction for those not expecting to enter the field, but desiring knowledge of the Word of God. Its purpose is to fit men and women to be practical winners of souls, able to cope with the most difficult situations and to come out more than conquerors by the power of the Holy Spirit; to give a thorough understanding of the Foursquare Gospel and the knowledge of how to impart it to others.” (Aimee Semple McPherson, 1926 Carry On Annual, p. 18).
History of our Leaders
College founder Aimee Semple McPherson served as the first president. Dr. Rolf K. McPherson succeeded her upon her unexpected death in 1944.
After 1944
In 1973, the college began the transition to an on-site chief executive officer. Dr. Donald McGregor was appointed as the college’s first and only executive director. In 1976, longtime Foursquare scholar and historian Dr. N. M. Van Cleave was inaugurated as the college’s first on-site president, with Dr. Rolf K. McPherson continuing in office as president of the Board of Trustees. Prominent pastor and author Dr. Jack W. Hayford, an alumni and long-time supporter of the college, served as the next president (1977- 1982), succeeded by Dr. Jack E. Hamilton (1982–1992), the then-current president of the LIFE Alumni Association and a Foursquare senior pastor in Santa Maria, California. It was under Dr. Hamilton’s able leadership that the college relocated to the present campus in San Dimas, California.
Transitions
Upon Dr. Hamilton’s transition, the Board of Regents called upon Dr. Ron Mehl to serve as interim president in 1992. At that time, Dr. Dick Scott assumed the day-to-day operations role of executive vice president, then was inaugurated as LIFE’s seventh president in 1994. President Scott’s wide-ranging background and experience as a minister, linguist, missionary and administrator enabled his proficient leadership at L.I.F.E. Bible College. His interest in and knowledge in computer technology and building improvements, led to sweeping changes in the college’s technology infrastructure and facilities. Under Dr. Scott’s leadership, new dorms and the Hicks Student Center were built, and a number of improvements were made to the landscaping and existing buildings, making the college a wonderful environment for students to grow and flourish. Also during his tenure, the college pursued regional accreditation with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). With a new location, new dorms, leadership and accreditation, it seemed only fitting to change the name of the college. It was then, that L.I.F.E. Bible College became Life Pacific College.
After 2000
Upon Dr. Dick Scott’s resignation in 2003, a presidential search was conducted and Dr. Dan Stewart became president. During Dr. Stewart’s tenure, the college was able to become debt free and continued to develop a strong relationship with the Foursquare denomination. In 2008, Dr. Stewart became a full time pastor, leaving a brief vacancy in the president’s office at LPC. During the summer of 2008, the Board of Trustees began another presidential search. During the selection process, Dr. Robert Flores began to serve the college in an interim capacity. November 2008 marked the conclusion of that interim status as the board confirmed Dr. Flores as the 9th president of Life Pacific College. Dr. Flores’ tenure was marked by renewed emphasis on developing and maintaining relationships with the pastors, churches, and leaders within the Foursquare denomination and with other denominations. Dr. Flores has given LPC a breath of much-needed, fresh air, as we are continuing towards to the goal of preparing leaders for a lifetime of ministry.
Today
Dr. Robert Flores resigned in December 2012 to return to pastoral ministry, and Dr. Jim J. Adams was appointed as Interim President. Dr. Adams returns to the college with eighteen years of experience in educational leadership. An Alumnus of Life Pacific College, Adams earned the Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California. He is well respected among his peers and Foursquare constituents.
A Foursquare minister since 1977, he served as the Youth Director for the historic Western District and was a familiar presence at Foursquare camps. Jim has also served as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Dean of Students at Life Pacific College, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for Western Christian Schools, and Professor and Program Director of Operation Impact at Azusa Pacific University.
Furthermore, he is known for his exceptional collaborative leadership and personal qualities serving in his most recent role, Executive Director for the Center of Global Learning & Engagement at Azusa Pacific University. He has published numerous articles on topics related to higher education and continues to teach courses in organizational management, research, ministry, and leadership. Additionally, his knowledge and familiarity with WASC accreditation make him an ideal candidate for this role.
Following a national search Dr. Adams was elected by the trustees as the 10th President of LPC, and assumed office on July 1, 2013, with inauguration ceremonies on October 18, 2013. He holds a passion for ministry, embodies the spirit of our Foursquare family and is uniquely qualified to engage the educational opportunities that lie before us.
Notable Products / Brands
LPC, Life Pacific, Life Pacific College
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Affiliated with the Foursquare Church and founded in 1923, Life Pacific College is accredited regionally by the Senior Colleges and Universities Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); and nationally by Commission on Accreditation for the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). LPC is a member of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and an affiliate member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).LPC is located in beautiful San Dimas, California, with an extension campus in Christiansburg, Virginia.
Benefits
LPC offers generous benefits including a no-cost meal plan while at work, educational assistance and professional development, dependent tuition exchange program through the Council of Independent Colleges, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% matching employer contribution.