a4yy敁珗腦瞳 Top Christian College in Northern California Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:30:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/favicon-32x32-1.png a4yy敁珗腦瞳 32 32 New Era for a4yy敁珗腦瞳 as Dr. Meghan Barnard Named President /blog/cultural-impact/new-era-for-jessup-university-as-dr-meghan-barnard-named-president/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:02:05 +0000 /?p=83447 a4yy敁珗腦瞳 announced on June 18, 2026, that Dr. Meghan Barnard will serve as its seventh president, appointing a respected and innovative higher education leader to guide the university into its next chapter of growth and Christ-centered impact. Barnard will assume the presidency on July 1, 2026.

I am thrilled to have Dr. Barnard lead Jessup during this next season of change and growth, said Bonnie Gore, chair of Jessup Board of Trustees. Her extensive experience in providing innovative solutions in higher education will be an asset to Jessup as we work to find new models to provide Christ-centered education to the community.

After a national search that began in March 2026, led by FaithSearch Partners with input from a presidential search committee composed of board leaders, faculty, a representative from student life and a local pastor, Barnard emerged as the candidate best suited to lead a4yy敁珗腦瞳 into its next chapter. As the first woman president to lead Jessup, she brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic leadership and a strong commitment to faith-based higher education. Barnard is eager to step into this role and excited about the opportunity to serve the Jessup community.

It’s an exciting time at a4yy敁珗腦瞳. I believe there are incredible opportunities for kingdom advancement and growth. I am humbled to be called by God to join the committed, hardworking, talented community already positioning Jessup so well for its future, said Barnard. The future of a4yy敁珗腦瞳 is written in the lives and achievements of our students. It is an honor to ensure every student has the opportunity, resources, and encouragement to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.”

Barnard most recently served as provost and senior vice president at Southeastern University. She is a seasoned academic who earned a bachelors degree from Rollins College, an MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Ph.D. in Texts and Technology from the University of Central Florida.

The future of a4yy敁珗腦瞳 is written in the lives and achievements of our students. It is an honor to ensure every student has the opportunity, resources, and encouragement to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.”

She has served on various academic committees, received multiple scholarships and research grants and shared her expertise at many different conferences. Barnard, an award winning leader, is passionate about Christian higher education and passionate about student success. Throughout her tenure as provost and senior vice president at Southeastern University, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered leadership. She led significant academic transformation efforts, including streamlining degree pathways to better serve students, launching high-demand programs in fields such as counseling, hospitality, and medical sciences, and expanding experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge with real-world calling. 

Barnard has fostered strategic partnerships with ministries, churches, educational organizations, and non-profits around the world, extending the reach of Christian higher education to thousands of learners. 

Her leadership reflects a rare combination of strategic foresight and operational excellence that is grounded in her deep commitment to students and mission-driven higher education.

“Dr. Barnard is a thoughtful and accomplished leader whose experience and character position her well for this moment, said Presidential Search Committee Chair and Board Member Rachael Gelsinger. I am confident that her leadership will bring both stability and vision. She has a remarkable ability to navigate complexity while inspiring others toward innovation and mission-driven growth.” 

Throughout her career, Barnard has combined strategic vision with operational excellence, transforming academic systems, launching innovative educational models, and positioning institutions for sustainable growth and greater impact.

Dr. Meghan Barnard is a passionate educator and administrator, said a4yy敁珗腦瞳 Interim President Dr. Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. She brings vision, opportunity, and insight to our Jessup community. We are blessed to welcome her as our president. I am convinced that the best is yet to come, under her leadership.


a4yy敁珗腦瞳, located in Rocklin, California, is a distinguished institution committed to academic excellence and transformative education. Known for its vibrant community and innovative programs, Jessup offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to prepare students for impactful careers and lifelong learning. With a focus on integrating faith and learning, a4yy敁珗腦瞳 fosters a supportive environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. The university is dedicated to research, scholarship, and service, aiming to make a positive difference in the world through its academic and community endeavors.

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A Season of Possibility: New Courses, New Mentorships and a Daughters First Day /blog/academic-success/a-season-of-possibility-new-courses-new-mentorships-and-a-daughters-first-day/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:56:25 +0000 /?p=83346 Typically, summer is a time for professors to detach from their students, classrooms, and grading papers. However, School of Theology and Leadership Professor Dave Heitman is doing the opposite. Hes teaching graduate courses online through the summer while anxiously awaiting the fall semester with great excitement and anticipation.

For Heitman, the start of the fall semester isnt just about lectures, syllabi or coursework. Its about formation. Inside Jessups SOTL, he sees every classroom, online and in-person, as an opportunity to equip transformational leaders, those students who are capable of influencing organizations, churches, communities and families with wisdom, resilience and authenticity. That mission is what energizes him most.

This fall, Heitman begins his eleventh year with Jessup, building on a year of behind-the-scenes preparation that continues through the summer. With 18 redesigned courses for the new Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership, he oversees the large project as the program director and built three new courses himself, entirely from the ground up, around themes such as building resilient teams, conflict management and self-leadership. Much of this work draws from his doctoral research, but his vision reaches beyond academic theory. Heitman wants students to graduate not only informed, but transformed. Im passionate about developing an intentional learning community, with opportunity for dialogue, where students are engaged to find their passion and purpose. A place where students are built up and empowered to lead through practical leadership experiences, he said. If students arent conversing and engaging, how can they be leading?

During the academic year, one hour Heitman might be guiding graduate students through organizational leadership models; the next, hes teaching a Gospel Worldview course to incoming freshmen on how to navigate the emotional, academic and spiritual realities of college life. I love the diversity in teaching because it keeps me learning, and that matters deeply, he said.

“Im passionate about developing an intentional learning community, with opportunity for dialogue, where students are engaged to find their passion and purpose. A place where students are built up and empowered to lead through practical leadership experiences”

Heitmans daughter Hope is another reason for his enthusiasm. This August, she will be part of the Jessup community. As a business major interested in finance and real estate marketing, she is also pursuing an ambitious parallel dream: becoming a professional ballet dancer. Her decision to attend Jessup traces back to a moment two years ago when, at age 15, she accompanied her dad on a Global Outreach trip to Tanzania. There, surrounded by Jessup students whose lives and faith deeply moved her, she discovered a sense of calling and community that never left. She saw education changing lives in real time, Heitman said. That experience shaped her. That same conviction shapes him as well.

Outside of Jessup, Heitman regularly partners with local churches delivering seminars and leadership workshops, bringing practical training into ministry contexts that often lack formal leadership development. Some of that influence has traveled unexpectedly far. Through partnerships connected to his current MATL students, Ukrainian church leaders are planting churches inside Russia a reminder that leadership ripples far beyond the classroom. Last summer he led a group of students to Sumba, Indonesia where they focused on community development, education and childrens ministry to break cycles of poverty.

Heitman recognizes one of the challenges facing students is closer to home: authenticity in the age of artificial intelligence. This led him to craft a rubric for the MATL program around the qualities he believes technology cant replicate. The rubric challenges students to demonstrate how they think, discern, apply and grow. While Heitman believes AI can be a valuable tool for research and efficiency, he insists authentic leadership begins and ends with human insight, ethical reasoning and lived experience. I call it an AI sandwich, he said. It starts with human inquiry, AI accelerates it, then humans fill in the gaps. We train students to use AI, but in an iterative way. 

Whether he is redesigning courses, mentoring graduate students, leading church workshops, or helping freshmen discover their place in the world, his purpose remains the same. In an era defined by cultural uncertainty, Heitman believes the greatest need is not for smarter leaders, but for wiser ones. Leaders who can transform the people and communities around them. For him, that work makes returning to Jessup each fall feel less routine and more like a calling renewed.

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LO Worship /blog/event/lo-worship/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:09:33 +0000 /?p=83182

LO Worship @ Jessup

August 29, 2026 | Rocklin Campus

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Jessup as we host LO Worship for an evening of powerful worship.

August 29, 2026

8pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Rocklin Campus – Chapel & Events Center | 2121 University Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765

$20/General Admission

Exclusive Offers

Jessup Students

Get $10 OFF up to 10 tickets with your exclusive student code. Check your Jessup email or Warrior Welcome RSVP form to find your code and claim your discount.

Friends, Family & Community Guests

Join the fun and save! Buy your tickets by June 30 to receive $5 OFF.

Jessup Partners

Churches, organizations, and community partners can receive $5 OFF tickets by contacting Brandon Farmer at bfarmer@jessup.edu.

A Night of Worship, Community & Connection

Were so excited to invite you to Warrior Welcome Collective Worship Night happening later this summer!

Join us on August 29 at a4yy敁珗腦瞳 for a night of worship and community. Whether youre coming with friends or on your own, we believe this night will be something that the Lord will reveal Himself through.

Event Details:

  • Pre-hang starts at 6:30 PM
  • Worship begins at 8:00 PM

Bring your friends, come with open hearts, and get ready for an incredible night you wont want to miss!

Pop-up vendors featuring thrifting, accessories, and ministry partners

Food and drinks available throughout the event

A space to hang out and build community before worship

An incredible night of worship to close out the experience

Grab your tickets before theyre gone!

Early bird prices end on June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25, if available. Tickets are not guaranteed at the door.

Follow for updates

@jessupu @jessuplife @thecollective_sacramento @lo.worship

a4yy敁珗腦瞳 LO Worship

A Louisiana-based worship band creating original, Spirit-led music that echoes the heart of Jesus.

LO Worship is a band of friends striving to write lyrics and melodies that echo the sound of revival in our generation.


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My Why: Rachael Gelsinger /blog/cultural-impact/my-why-rachael-gelsinger/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:58:29 +0000 /?p=83226 Guided by Purpose and Focused on the Future

There are moments in life when leadership is not sought for recognition or influence, but embraced out of responsibility and love. For Rachael Gelsinger, joining Jessups Board of Trustees was one of those moments and its her love for a4yy敁珗腦瞳s mission that best encapsulates her Why Jessup?

Long before she became a board member, she witnessed firsthand the impact of a Jessup education. Her husband Nathan, a pastor known for his mentorship and transformational leadership, is an alumnus of Jessup, the place that profoundly shaped his calling. Even more meaningful is the relationship her in-laws share with the Jessup family. For decades, they have faithfully supported a4yy敁珗腦瞳. The Jessup family are truly salt and light of the earth people, she said. They consistently demonstrate true servant leadership. 

Gelsingers leadership style is unpretentious, rooted in collaboration and a strong understanding that meaningful progress is rarely accomplished alone. She also looks to the teachings of Jesus. I look at what Christ modeled for us in His conversations with religious leaders, she said. I see Christ modeling strength, truth and conviction by speaking the truth in love and by choosing to do what is right, even when it is difficult. 

One of her giftings is the ability to seek out wise counsel, bring the right people together and learn from those with specialized knowledge and experience. Her strengths are in networking, relationship building and creating partnerships that move vision into action. That approach has shaped her leadership both personally and professionally.

Through the deeply personal journey of adopting children through foster care, she learned to navigate complex systems, advocate persistently for what matters most and work closely with professionals toward a shared goal. Those experiences strengthened her resilience, sharpened her ability to collaborate under pressure and heightened her compassion for others. 

Years of personal and professional experience give her a unique understanding of stewardship, organizational sustainability and the importance of aligning resources with mission and values. Her exposure to complex philanthropic initiatives and high-level leadership conversations allows her the ability to navigate challenging situations with wisdom, discernment and emotional intelligence. 

Earlier this year, under Gelsingers leadership, the Board launched a nationwide presidential search to identify the next leader who will guide a4yy敁珗腦瞳 into a new era. The process was rigorous and prayerful, and she approached it as a sacred responsibility. While the journey hasnt been easy, Gelsinger leaned heavily on her faith. Direction from James 1:5 became an anchor for her soul. God tells us He will give us the wisdom we need, when we need it she said. He means it. 

Profoundly grateful for the faculty and staff who have gone beyond the boundaries of their job descriptions to carry the university through this important season, Gelsinger has also been enriched. Its been inspiring and an honor to work with such incredible, mission-minded people, she said. To her, their dedication reflects the very spirit of Christian higher education; a community of people united by shared values, servant leadership and a collective desire to invest in the next generation. 

Much progress has been made toward Jessups sustainable future, strengthened by renewed vision and committed leadership. But for Gelsinger, the work is still deeply personal because faithful institutions that shape the hearts, minds and souls of the next generation matter. Not only does the Gelsinger family want to contribute to organizations that help the most vulnerable, we want to be able to contribute to organizations that are raising up the next generation of people that are going to also invest, she said. 

Whether leading difficult conversations, guiding institutional change or building consensus around a mission, Gelsinger leads with the belief that the best outcomes happen when people come together with humility, wisdom and a shared commitment to serving something greater than themselves. When it comes to Jessup, Gelsinger said, God is the hero of Jessups story. He always has been and He always will be.

Every Gift Writes a New “Why Jessup” Story

My Why: Ed Jones

One of the things I love most about Jessup is the unique mission it carries. In partnership with the church, we educate transformational …

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My Why: Laurel Speier

A Legacy of Faithful Generosity and Community Impact With a heart rooted directly in faith, Jessup donor Laurel Speier sees every resource s…

My Why: Bonnie Gore

Placer County District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore has long been a passionate advocate for economic development, fiscal sustainability, public …

My Why: Jesse Urbina-Gil

When his laser printer comes to a stop, 27-year-old veteran and Jessup alumni Jesse Urbina-Gil steps back and inspects his work a solid …

My Why: Rhonda Warner

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My Why: Kay Llovio

Throughout four remarkable decades, Vice President for Educational Effectiveness and Dean of the School of Business, Arts & Humanities, …

Our Why: Dennis and Christina Treadaway

When you meet Jessup donors Dennis and Christina Treadaway, there is no doubt they are on fire for the Lord. With a marriage anchored in Chr…

My Why: David Masse

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My Why: Jacqueline Herrera

While most college seniors spend the three months following graduation catching their breath or searching for entry-level roles, Jacqueline …

Rachael Gelsinger Why Jessup

My Why: Rachael Gelsinger

There are moments in life when leadership is not sought for recognition or influence, but embraced out of responsibility and love. For Racha…

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New Era for a4yy敁珗腦瞳 as Dr. Meghan Barnard Named President

a4yy敁珗腦瞳 announced on June 18, 2026, that Dr. Meghan Barnard will serve as its seventh president, appointing a respected and innova…

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A 4.0 at 76: Patricia Bennet-Olhava Redefines Whats Possible /blog/student-success/a-4-0-at-76-patricia-bennet-olhava-redefines-whats-possible/ Tue, 12 May 2026 22:37:53 +0000 /?p=82773 At an age when most people are downsizing closets or slowing down their pace in life, 76-year-old Patricia Bennet-Olhava was perfecting her academic journey, earning her bachelors in psychology with a 4.0 grade point average, nonetheless.

Bennet-Olhava didnt just return to school, she rewrote what she believed about herself. Not only did she spend many active years raising five kids, but for 35 years, her life followed a definite rhythm: early mornings, sorting envelopes, familiar routes and the structure of her job with the U.S. Postal Service. During that time, she served as Postmaster for ten years, a role that significantly impacted her life. But life, as it tends to do, interrupted.

A series of personal eventslosses, betrayals and questions that didnt have neat answersnudged her toward the field of psychology, perhaps as a way to understand pain, healing and ultimately people. Her curiosity became a calling.

Her journey led to enrolling in introductory psychology courses, but when those were complete, her desire for more grew stronger. In 2023, she enrolled at Jessup, knowing that Christian higher education would meet her needs. It was a divine encounter that enabled her to fully experience forgiveness and strengthen her relationship with the Lord. It wasnt surface-level forgiveness, it was the real, costly, liberating forgiveness toward people who hurt her deeply. That transformation didnt just restore her spiritually, it redirected her academically. She knew she would pursue her degree within a Christian framework allowing her to integrate both faith and psychology. 

Her studies began to fuel her interest in neuropsychology and using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to research the effect emotions and prayer have on brain activity as well as chemical changes. As an online student, she adapted to software learning platforms like Moodle, discussion boards and using digital libraries. And then there were the subjects she once avoided. I used to steer clear of English, she admitted with a laugh. It was my no thank you subject, which ironically became her strongest. Her professors quickly noticed, and her papers came back with high marks not just for content, but for clarity, depth and insight. In many ways, the feedback was transformative. 

Bennet-Olhava also became a member of Jessups Psychology Club where she enjoyed the banter and the exchange of ideas and thoughts among fellow students. She also had the opportunity to attend a few courses in person as well as in a Zoom format.  

What transpired is a love of learning and a desire to go deeper in her research. Bennet-Olhava isnt finished. Graduate school is on her mind and shes considering further study in attachment theory or possibly researching the effectiveness of therapeutic self-help programs, especially those that intersect with faith. 

Her story isnt just about academic success, though a 4.0 GPA at 76 is no small feat. Its about something more difficult: change. She changed her mind about her abilities, she changed her understanding about forgiveness and changed the trajectory of her later years in life. In doing so, she offers a subtle change to anyone convinced its too late to begin again. She also encourages others to avoid accepting the status quo. Ask more questions, she says. If you think there is more to be uncovered, keep pushing: God will give new insights. 

Sometimes the most compelling graduates aren’t the ones who followed a straight pathbut the ones who circled back, pushed forward and never gave up on their dreams.

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My Why: Jacqueline Herrera /blog/cultural-impact/my-why-jacqueline-herrera/ Fri, 08 May 2026 18:26:47 +0000 /?p=82667 Taking the fast track: How Jacqueline Herrera rewrote the rules of accountancy

While most college seniors spend the three months following graduation catching their breath or searching for entry-level roles, Jacqueline Herrera will spend them securing her second degree. In a whirlwind finish that has officially made University history, Herrera crossed the stage to accept her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy this spring, and just 90 days later, she will have earned her masters in the same subject. As the first graduate to successfully navigate this accelerated path, she isnt just leaving campus with a pair of diplomasshes leaving with a job offer, a Roth IRA and a passport stamped for summer adventure.

In Jessups Accountancy program, once an undergraduate successfully completes 90 units, the doors to masters-level coursework swing wide open. Herrera accumulated 150 credits in record time. Not only is she on her way to earning two degrees, this accomplishment enables her to pursue her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensea notoriously rigorous benchmark that typically requires an additional year of schooling. 

Yet, if you ask Herrera, the degrees are just the byproduct of her true Why Jessup? She views her biggest takeaway as the profound level of personal development she has experienced at Jessup. While academics gave her the tools, her professors gave her the confidence. Jessups accountancy program is taught by professors who are active veterans of the financial industry. For Herrera, these seasoned professionals went far beyond the syllabus, stepping up as invaluable mentors. By sharing real-world insights and opening their professional networks, they helped Herrera navigate the transition from student to professional, connecting her with the job offer she holds today.

Thanks to her hard-earned scholarships, Herrera graduated debt-free. Her financial savvy extends beyond her tuition too. As a member of Jessups investment club, she took the lessons of compounding interest and market analysis to heart, setting up her own Roth IRA long before she receives her first post-commencement paycheck. 

Despite her knack for numbers, the human element of her education resonated most deeply. In a field stereotyped by spreadsheets, Herrera found a passion for the ethical responsibilities of accountancy. Having previously served in the nonprofit arena, she views her role more as a mandate to act in the public’s best interest. Her coursework in accounting ethics analyzed real-world financial fraud cases and the critical importance of internal controls. Understanding how fraud happens made me realize how vital it is to have strong, unshakable values of honesty and integrity in this field.

Armed with technical expertise, a clear moral compass, and the confidence that comes from conquering a rigorous dual-degree program, Herrera is prepared to enter the workforce. But before she takes her seat at her new firm, shes heading to China for an immersive cultural exchange program with some Jessup professors. There she will trade balance sheets for a broader worldview, exploring everything from the disciplined movements of traditional martial arts, to pottery, to the cutting-edge technology sector of China. Its a fitting victory lap for a graduate who has already mastered the art of accelerating her future, all so she can be a difference maker sooner.


Every Gift Writes a New “Why Jessup” Story

My Why: Ed Jones

One of the things I love most about Jessup is the unique mission it carries. In partnership with the church, we educate transformational …

Laurel_Why Jessup Story

My Why: Laurel Speier

A Legacy of Faithful Generosity and Community Impact With a heart rooted directly in faith, Jessup donor Laurel Speier sees every resource s…

My Why: Bonnie Gore

Placer County District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore has long been a passionate advocate for economic development, fiscal sustainability, public …

My Why: Jesse Urbina-Gil

When his laser printer comes to a stop, 27-year-old veteran and Jessup alumni Jesse Urbina-Gil steps back and inspects his work a solid …

My Why: Rhonda Warner

December graduate Rhonda Warner used to think college was for other people people with money, connections, or a perfect GPA. Never in he…

My Why: Kay Llovio

Throughout four remarkable decades, Vice President for Educational Effectiveness and Dean of the School of Business, Arts & Humanities, …

Our Why: Dennis and Christina Treadaway

When you meet Jessup donors Dennis and Christina Treadaway, there is no doubt they are on fire for the Lord. With a marriage anchored in Chr…

My Why: David Masse

During one ordinary chapel service, back when Jessups Director of Media Services David Masse was a student at Hillsong College, he experi…

My Why: Jacqueline Herrera

While most college seniors spend the three months following graduation catching their breath or searching for entry-level roles, Jacqueline …

Rachael Gelsinger Why Jessup

My Why: Rachael Gelsinger

There are moments in life when leadership is not sought for recognition or influence, but embraced out of responsibility and love. For Racha…

A Season of Possibility: New Courses, New Mentorsh…

There are moments in life when leadership is not sought for recognition or influence, but embraced out of responsibility and love. For Racha…

New Era for a4yy敁珗腦瞳 as Dr. Meghan Barnar…

a4yy敁珗腦瞳 announced on June 18, 2026, that Dr. Meghan Barnard will serve as its seventh president, appointing a respected and innova…

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The Center of What We Do: Chapel & The Collective /blog/academic-success/the-center-of-what-we-do-chapel-the-collective/ Wed, 06 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000 /?p=82390 At the very center of campus is the Bryce & Jo Jessup Prayer Chapel. Not a coincidencethere is great intentionality in having the chapel be at the center of campus, just as Jesus is at the center of everything Jessup does and stands for.

For Jerome Williams, Assistant Director of Campus Ministries, Discipleship & Spiritual Formation, chapel at Jessup should be purpose-driven, accessible and placed in the hands of those its designed forstudents.

Williams oversees The Porch, a Monday night, student-led chapel where students have the opportunity to preach, lead worship, and pray for one another in a meaningful and authentic way.

Also helping to steward The Collective, a regional young adult ministry that Jessup oversees, Williams explains, we gather three times a year to host worship gatherings圭reating space for community among college-aged young adults and young adults beyond college.

When asked the intent behind The Collective, he says, Our mission is simple: Collected as one + Connected by One.

Jessups involvement means being available to the spiritual lives of young adults wherever they are which, Williams notes, can be crucial. For many young adults, its the first time they find themselves fully surrounded by other young men and women who love Jesus just as deeply as they do.

Current Jessup students have the opportunity to get more involved through student leadership, where they could hold a variety of leadership roles, including Collective Interns, Chapel Interns, and Discipleship Interns.

Being part of student leadership provides meaningful one-on-one time with our campus pastoral staff and the opportunity to help shape the spiritual atmosphere of campusthrough chapel programming and by helping lead and host Collective gatherings, Williams explains.

Whether through campus chapels open to the public, regional worship nights, or quiet conversations over coffee, Jessups ministry presence continues to widencreating space for connection, unity, and transformation across an entire generation.

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a4yy敁珗腦瞳 Announces its 2026 Presidential Scholars /blog/student-success/jessup-university-announces-its-2026-presidential-scholars/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:44:07 +0000 /?p=81836 Three Presidential Scholars proudly stepped into a special black-tie event at a4yy敁珗腦瞳 on the evening of February 20. Carter Mitchell, Liam Sacopaso and Noah Brandt are the trio of hard-working high schoolers honored at this years Scholar Showcase. 

The packed room was aglow with excitement as family, friends and faculty arrived to celebrate these stand-out students. The doors for the event opened at 5 PM. Soon, a mocktail and mingling hour began. Before long, students, staff and supportive parents were sharing stories among themselves, singing the praises of the individuals who would be honored that night. 

Next up, was a full catered dinner followed by dessert. Then, the three Presidential Scholars from the prior year were invited on-stage to share how winning this award forged their path forward at Jessup. Each year, three Presidential Scholars receive Jessups most prestigious and generous award. The scholarship provides an incredible four years of tuition. 

This year, 97 incoming students applied for the scholarship. Thats the largest number of applicants in Jessups history. Applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and academics arent the only requirements. Students are assessed on their leadership, spiritual life, and Christian character. 

As the Scholar Showcase event concluded on February 20, Carter Mitchell, Liam Sacopaso and Noah Brandt were invited onto the stage to receive a check representing their scholarships. Each student was blessed to receive recognition for their hard work, servants heart and excellence. 

Get to know your 2026 Presidential Scholars

Carter Mitchell Pre-Nursing, El Dorado Hills

Carter has a smile thats just about as warm as she is. Her natural warmth combined with calmness will carry her far in her chosen career of nursing. Carters passion is setting people at ease, while caring for them with real kindness. She loves sharing Jesus and was drawn to Jessups Christian community as a place to deepen her faith.

“Winning this full tuition award has been such a reminder of Gods provision in my life. My parents have always sacrificed so much to support me, and this scholarship allows me to give back in a way that honors their sacrifices.”

Liam Sacopaso Pre-Nursing, Rocklin

Liam was raised in Rocklin and has a true sense of compassion for his own community. He sees nursing as a way to give back to people in his own hometown. Caring for those who are struggling with their health is one way Liam plans to show his love for Jesus and faith in action.

To my family and me, this scholarship is a true blessing that provides the freedom for me to prioritize my studies and personal development. Im most excited to join the close-knit community at Jessup, meet my future classmates, and grow in faith alongside them.

Noah Brandt Aviation, Roseville

Noahs sights have been set on a career in aviation since he was young. Noah already holds his private pilots license, plus 40 college credits. Noah sees Jessup as a place where he can connect with believers in aviation, as he moves towards his goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Receiving this full tuition scholarship is an incredible blessing for my family, especially as the oldest of four kids and as I pursue aviation, which comes with significant expenses. Im most excited about being part of a community of fellow believers while growing in Aviation, working toward all the licenses and ratings I need to eventually become an airline pilot.

The 2026 Scholar Showcase event was a successful night of celebrating the dreams, hard work and dedication of these three stand-out students.

Interested in learning more about the Scholar Showcase? Applications open in late fall each year. Learn more at jessup.edu/scholarshowcase or contact the Jessup Admissions team at admissions@jessup.edu or 916-577-2200 with any questions.

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Welcome Home: Creating Belonging in Every Moment with Marcie Lemos /blog/academic-success/welcome-home-creating-belonging-in-every-moment-with-marcie-lemos/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000 /?p=82388 Pastors gather for prayer, families visit the caf矇 for lunch, and community members attend chapel services, concerts, and conferences. This open invitation is intentional and carefully cultivated. Jessup has positioned itself as a place where faith, learning, and community intersect, welcoming the region to experience what God is doing on campus.

a4yy敁珗腦瞳 is home to a Warrior community that is committed to being world-changers for the Kingdom. But step onto campus on any given day, and it becomes clear that Jessups reach extends beyond enrolled students.

Shaping that culture is Marcie Lemos, Associate Vice President of Events and Experience. Through her leadership, Jessup has hosted visible and meaningful gatherings, welcoming influential speakers such as Francis Chan and Lisa Bevere and drawing record-breaking attendance. Yet the heart behind these events stretches beyond face-value: they are a ministry of hospitality, storytelling, and invitation.

Our mission [at Jessup] isnt just about equipping students, Lemos says. Its about equipping the community. When people come to campus, were inviting them into our home. We want them to feel welcomed, seen, and valued from the moment they [arrive].

Donors, alumni, and parents are invited to gatherings where their partnership with Jessup expands invaluable reach: scholarships are awarded, resources expand, and people are introduced to the Gospel for the very first time.

All of this means one thing: community-minded outreach brings endless possibilities.

Experience is central to telling Jessups story. You hear the saying, Actions speak louder than words? I believe that a thousand percent, Lemos says. We say were Christ-centered. We say were a community. So we better be.

Before working at Jessup, the University was already woven deeply into her familys story.

My husband and I have a history with Jessup because we attended when it was San Jose Christian College as we were preparing to be missionaries, she explains. Years later, both Lemos son and daughter pursued an education at Jessup.

With deep ties to the community, Lemos accepted a role as Executive Assistant to Jessups Chief Financial Officer. I loved seeing how the University operated, she says, but it was beyond the office where she thrived most. Every time I was out in the communityworking at the campus store, talking with parents, donors, studentsI felt a fire ignite within me! I realized thats where Im supposed to be.

That realization led her to Jessups Advancement department, where she helped shape campus experiences, including the first Presidents Dinner. When leadership asked her to help with the new event, Lemos responded If I do this, can you trust me? I want to show you how I think we should tell Jessups story.

The result was truly transformative.

Lemos draws her inspiration from the ultimate Creator. God is the master of experience, she says. He didnt create a gray world. He created beauty, texture, color, detail. Thats what I tap into when I design experiences here.

That attention to detail has positioned Jessup as more than a universityit is a gathering place. Events like National Day of Prayer unite churches, Grandparents Day invites families into students lives, guest speakers draw attendees from far beyond campus, and Women in Prayer has grown into a thriving community that faithfully prays over the University and community.

I see Jessup as a lighthouse, Marcie says. A beacon of Jesus shining over this region. We have so much to offer.

That outward-facing posture extends to service through partnerships like Daysha Trujillos Trukidz organization, which provides hygiene kits to unhoused students. A Jessup student, Trujillo has led packing events alongside her peers with the support of Jessup leadership. For Lemos, the work is deeply personal. My mother died homeless, she shares. So being part of thatseeing Jessup step into that spaceits full circle for me.

Looking to the future, Lemos dreams boldly. Id love to see Jessup become a premier event destination, she says. Known beyond this region. A place people want to gather.

But at the core, her hope is simple. Never lose our Christ-centeredness, she says. Thats what sets us apart.

Through events, Marcie Lemos embodies Jessups commitment to something bigger than itself: a university rooted in faith, reaching outward, welcoming alland inviting the community to experience something truly different.

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My Why: David Masse /blog/cultural-impact/my-why-david-masse/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:59:28 +0000 /?p=82466 During one ordinary chapel service, back when Jessups Director of Media Services David Masse was a student at Hillsong College, he experienced a moment that continues to shape his passion today.

I was worshipping, and it felt like the heavens opened and I caught a glimpse of what it will be like to worship God for eternity, he said. That service changed my life. I realized my purpose is to create spaces here on earth where others might catch a glimpse of heaven.

Since 2019, Masse has overseen Jessups event AVL experiencerefining audio, video, and lighting to remove the things that might distract from the presentation of the gospel. He leads a talented media team and supervises student technicians who deliver production support across Jessups growing campus.

This is important work and the harvest is ready, he said. Theres so much to do, but I find deep fulfillment in moving the needle for the Kingdom as we faithfully steward whats before us. It can be tough to make due with what we have but I dont want to be guilty of burying the Masters talent.

Masse played a key role in coordinating and shaping the vision for the Chapel and Event Center upgrade, working closely with Jessup stakeholders to create an environment that reflects both excellence and authenticity. From system design and layout to selecting the finishes and equipment that bring the space to life, he helped guide the project toward a unified vision for worship and community.

Beyond chapel, Masse provides video production services and contributes relationally to the wider campus community. I love connecting with students, especially those who have that spark for learning, he said. Mentoring themfanning that spark into a flameis one of the greatest privileges. I remember the leaders who shaped me, and its an honor to now play that role in our students stories.

Masses production journey began in seventh grade when he joined his small churchs creative  team. I hardly knew what any of the knobs and faders did but the sound board was covered with tape and clear instruction for what was not to be touched. Years later, he admits he knows what most of the knobs and faders do and he loves to help partner churches understand them as well. 

Masses heart for ministry extends far beyond Jessups campus and local churches. His parents serve as missionaries running House of Hope in Sumba, Indonesiaa ministry Jessups Global Outreach teams now partner with. Through that connection, Jessup students travel to Sumba to serve in sports ministries and provide education to children living in poverty. The organization introduces local kids to Jesus while teaching sustainable skills that help break cycles of poverty for generations.

Through his work in Media Services, Masse transforms ordinary moments into glimpses of heavenblending technical excellence with spiritual purpose. Beyond the cameras, screens, and soundboards, he pours into students, mentors future leaders, and strengthens the global Church. Though his Why Jessup? may be one thread in a much larger tapestry, its one that beautifully ties together campus, church, and calling into a story of faithful impact.


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