LeTourneau's History

LeTourneau University is named for our founder - R.G. LeTourneau. World famous inventor, engineering genius, designer of heavy-duty earth moving equipment, huge off-shore drilling platforms, and the electric-drive wheel, he was first and foremost a Christian. He acknowledged his responsibility to God by investing millions of dollars in missionary development projects in Liberia, West Africa and Peru, South America, bringing the Gospel, education and medical aid to thousands.

For over 30 years, he traveled across the United States., Canada and other foreign countries sharing his testimony about the satisfaction and joy of serving Jesus Christ. Each time he spoke he began by saying, "I'm just a mechanic that God has blessed, and it seems He wants me to go around telling how He will bless you too."

Probably his most significant ministry will prove to be the school he and his wife, Evelyn, established in Longview, Texas. While flying over the area in 1946 to select a manufacturing site, Evelyn LeTourneau saw the sprawling complex of a vacated Army hospital consisting of over 200 frame buildings. When told that it was no longer in use, she asked about establishing a school to teach the many veterans returning from World War II.

The LeTourneaus secured the site and established LeTourneau Technical Institute. From 1946 to 1961, more than 7,000 men received technical training in the new school. By 1961, the institution had outgrown the tech school mold. In 1961, LeTourneau Tech became LeTourneau College as the school became a four-year college, broadened its curriculum to include many technical and non-technical majors and became co-educational. In 1989, LeTourneau College became LeTourneau University, reflecting the quality and diversity of academic programs, the aptitude and international flavor of the student body, the service orientation, the research capabilities and the professional nature of the curriculum.

The LeTourneau University of today is an accredited, interdenominational Christian university, offering four-year and two-year degree programs in engineering, technology, the liberal arts, business, aeronautical science, education, and the sciences, plus master's degree programs in business. The student body represents over 30 denominations, almost all 50 states, and about 25 foreign countries.