Bushnell University is a private, Christian university located in Eugene, Oregon. Formerly known as Northwest Christian University, the school changed its name in 2020 to honor the school’s founder, Eugene Claremont “E.C.” Bushnell. With a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, Bushnell University is known for its tight-knit community, dedicated faculty, and beautiful campus. Here are some fun facts about this unique and inspiring university.
A History of Faith
Bushnell University was founded in 1895 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The school was originally called Eugene Divinity School and offered a two-year program for men preparing for ministry. In 1908, the school became Eugene Bible University and began offering a four-year program. The name was changed to Northwest Christian University in 2008 to reflect the school’s broader mission, and finally to Bushnell University in 2020 to honor its founder. Today, Bushnell University remains committed to its Christian roots, offering students the opportunity to grow both academically and spiritually.
Small Class Sizes
One of the defining characteristics of Bushnell University is its small class sizes. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students have the opportunity to work closely with their professors and receive personalized attention. This is especially valuable in the university’s honors program, which is designed to challenge high-achieving students and provide them with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth. Small class sizes also allow for a sense of community on campus, as students and faculty get to know each other well over the course of four years.
Commitment to Diversity
Bushnell University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community on campus. The school has been recognized for its commitment to diversity by publications such as U.S. News & World Report, which ranked the school #1 in ethnic diversity among regional universities in the West. The school has a Diversity Council, which works to promote diversity and inclusion on campus through events, programs, and policies. The university also offers a Multicultural Center, which provides a space for students of all backgrounds to come together and learn from one another.
Unique Majors
While Bushnell University offers traditional majors such as business, education, and psychology, it also offers several unique programs of study. One such program is the Outdoor Leadership and Education major, which prepares students for careers in outdoor education, wilderness therapy, and other related fields. The university also offers a Music Therapy major, which combines coursework in music, psychology, and healthcare to prepare students to work as music therapists in a variety of settings. These unique majors reflect the university’s commitment to providing students with diverse and relevant educational opportunities.
A Beautiful Campus
Finally, Bushnell University is known for its beautiful campus. Located in Eugene, Oregon, the campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, beautiful landscaping, and plenty of outdoor spaces for students to enjoy. The university’s new science building, which opened in 2020, is particularly impressive, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. The campus also features a chapel, a student center, and a variety of athletic facilities.
The Bushnell University Athletic Program: Go Beacons!
Bushnell University has a strong and competitive athletic program, with teams in a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross country. The university is a member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and has had many successful seasons and individual athletes over the years. The Beacons’ home games are a fun and exciting way to support the university and show your school spirit.
The Bushnell University Theatre Program: Bringing Stories to Life
The Bushnell University Theatre Program is a vibrant and creative community that brings stories to life on stage. The program produces a variety of plays and musicals each year, showcasing the talents of both student performers and professional actors. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theatre program also hosts student-directed and one-act plays, as well as improv and sketch comedy shows. The theatre program is a great way for students to get involved in the arts and express themselves creatively.
Conclusion
Bushnell University is a unique and inspiring institution of higher learning. With a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, diversity, and community, the school offers students a truly exceptional educational experience. Whether you’re interested in traditional fields of study or more unique majors, Bushnell University has something for everyone. So why not consider joining this tight-knit community of learners and scholars?