For nearly 75 years, LeTourneau University has brought students and faculty members from across the globe to Longview for education in a variety of fields.
This spring, the Christian, polytechnic university is serving more than 3,000 students and offers 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, said university President Dale Lunsford.
“God continues to use LeTourneau University for His glory and eternal work,” Lunsford said. “The legacy of LeTourneau University is strengthened through the work of our faculty, students and graduates.”
LeTourneau University is named after its founder, R.G. LeTourneau, one of the world’s most renowned inventors of earthmoving equipment. City of Longview leaders recruited LeTourneau to tour the city in 1946 to consider it as the site for a new manufacturing facility, Lunsford said.
While touring Longview, LeTourneau and his wife, Evelyn, noticed Harmony General Hospital, a sprawling site of more than 200 buildings that had been recently vacated following the end of World War II. The couple had the vision to not just build a business in Longview, but to start a training facility at the former Army hospital, Lunsford said.
LeTourneau Technical Institute opened in 1946, serving male students. In 1961, it became LeTourneau College, a four-year co-educational school. In 1989, the college became LeTourneau University – an accredited, nondenominational Christian university offering four-year and two-year degree programs. Over the years, it evolved to offer programs for working adults, online programs, and dual-credit courses for high school students.
“LeTourneau University, today, is a national leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and is home to nationally ranked engineering and aviation programs,” Lunsford said.
Throughout the years, the university has invested $200 million into the campus, Lunsford said. Of note, the university opened the Belcher Center in 2007. The Belcher Center attracts “some of the world’s best family-friendly entertainment to Longview and Belcher provides a wonderful facility for local events,” he said.
LeTourneau University also participated with many other organizations in the community to help achieve the Arts Longview cultural district designation in the fall, he said.
But most importantly, Lunsford said, the university has attracted countless students over its 74-year history to study in Longview.
“LeTourneau University alumni are highly skilled, valuable and engaged members of Longview, greater East Texas and beyond,” he said.
As workplace needs continue to evolve, LeTourneau University remains committed to continue offering the best educational services it can provide.
“We aspire to impact every workplace in every nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To achieve this, LeTourneau University will continue to provide an authentic Christian experience, excellent academic programs, strong return on investment and leadership within Christian higher education,” Lunsford said. “LeTourneau University looks forward to celebrating 150 years with our friends, neighbors and fellow community members. Together, we will successfully contribute to the next 150 years.”
To learn more about LeTourneau University, visit www.letu.edu.