It was November 30, 1904, when Washington Adventist University (formerly Washington Training College) built on land Adventist co-founder Ellen G. White had seen represented in visions from the Lord opened its doors in Takoma Park, Md.
Fifty students enrolled that year. By 1908, there were 85 students and 10 faculty. In 1933, junior college status was reached, and in 1942, the growing school earned full accredition as a four-year liberal arts college offering many service-oriented degrees including nursing, business, theology, music, and psychology. In 1971, the college established the first Adventist student missionary program and offered volunteers the opportunity to serve others while still in school. In 1984, an innovative, accelerated degree program for working adults was added, subsequently helping thousands in the Mid-Atlantic region achieve higher education.
Today Washington Adventist University offers its 1,100 students 44 majors, 36 minors, seven associate degrees, and a variety of curricula required for admission to professional schools (i.e. law school). There are also Master of Business Administration and health science programs.
In the Community
To live out its motto, "Gateway to Service," the college engages students in a number of service activities, including the annual Service Day, where students lend helping hands in the community. Many are involved in ministries at area churches, with community organizations, and around the world. The college also reaches the community through WGTS 91.9 FM, the fourth largest Christian music radio station in the United States, with a quarter of a million listeners.Getting In Touch
President: Weymouth Spence
Provost: Cheryl Harris Kisunzu
Executive Vice President, Finance: Patrick Farley
Communication Director: Richard Castillo
Telephone: (301) 891-4052
Website: wau.edu