A Moving Message on the Heart and History of Jessup

Every fall, when Jim Jessup steps on the chapel stage of the campus his grandfather William L. Jessup founded in 1939, he represents a legacy filled by faith, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to Christ. In a powerful video that traces the origins of Jessup (link below), Jim shares the remarkable story of his grandfather, a humble pastor who felt the call to establish a place where young people could grow in both knowledge and spiritual maturity. What began as a small Bible college with only 14 students has become a thriving Christian University that still carries the heart of its original mission: In partnership with the Church, the purpose of Jessup University is to educate transformational leaders for the glory of God. 

Jim reflects on his family’s deep-rooted commitment to obedience. He provides examples of the importance of establishing a faith rooted in prayer and abiding and abounding in Jesus, a topic his father and former University President, Bryce L. Jessup often shared. These stories don’t just honor the past – they speak to students of today, reminding them that their own steps of faith will shape the future. 

This video is more than a history lesson, it’s a call to carry the legacy forward. As Jim opens his heart and shares what this University means to his family, viewers are invited to see their own lives as part of God’s unfolding story. Whether you’re a new student, graduating senior, donor or community member, you’ll be reminded that your journey, like his grandfather’s, has eternal significance when it’s rooted in Christ.