LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a private, Christian, interdenominational university, located in Longview, Texas (in the eastern portion of the state).
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History
The university was founded by, and named for, industrialist Robert Gilmour (R.G.) LeTourneau, a noted inventor of construction equipment. From the beginning his mission was to shape "Christian leaders in every workplace". It bills itself (and has trademarked the phrase) "The Christian Polytechnic University".
It began operations in 1946 as LeTourneau Technical Institute, on the site of a former WWII hospital (LeTourneau and other community leaders purchased the site for a nominal $1 with the condition that the Federal Government could reclaim the facility within ten years, and during that period the Institute could not demolish or build any facility on the campus). Until 1961 it was fully integrated with LeTourneau's company and offered trade and technical training on an alternating-day basis (1/2 of the student body would be in class while the other half worked in the company, thus fulfilling the "lab" requirements of the classes).
In 1961 LeTourneau separated the Institute, turning it into the independent LeTourneau College, whereby it began to offer bachelor's degrees (the majority of degrees were in engineering and technology fields, with limited arts and sciences offerings). In 1989 it took its present name and would demolish all but one facility from the WWII era, the Speer Chapel which serves as a popular spot for weddings and other events. It also began to offer master's degrees around this time.
Academics
The university offers only bachelor's and master's degrees (along with certificates for private pilots and airframe and powerplant mechanics); it does not offer any doctoral degrees.
The university still maintains an emphasis on technical programs, though it offers some liberal arts offerings. The following programs are offered:
- Aviation and Aeronautical Science
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering and Engineering Technology
- Honors College
- Humanities and Liberal Arts
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychology and Counseling
- Theology and Vocation
The university does not participate in the Greek fraternity/sorority system.
Athletics
Athletic programs are part of NCAA Division III (this division does not offer athletic scholarships) and are known as the Yellowjackets.
