Trinity Lutheran College was founded in 1944 as the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle (LBIS). A branch of the Minneapolis-based Lutheran Bible Institute (founded in 1919), the college was linked to a movement within Bible-teaching institutions that sought a systematic, in-depth study of the Scriptures laypersons in the historic Reformation tradition. The first LBIS campus was located in downtown Seattle, though it soon moved to the Greenwood area of north Seattle. The college initially offered programs in biblical studies, theology, and missions, later adding Christian education and youth ministry. In 1979, LBIS relocated to the Providence Heights area of Issaquah, a 39-acre wooded campus formerly owned by the Sisters of Providence. The college became accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 1982. The name changed to Trinity Lutheran College in 1998 to better reflect its status as an accredited degree-granting institution. The college added programs in early childhood education and music and worship in 2001, and more recently, has added majors in business management, communications, psychology, theology, and graphic design. In 2008, Trinity moved its campus from Issaquah to downtown Everett, remodeling the former Port Gardner building. The current campus includes the Campus Center, an adjacent parking garage, and two nearby student apartment buildings. Today, Trinity offers bachelor’s degrees in eleven majors and 15 minors, as well as a two-year Associate of Biblical Studies, one-year Certificates in Professional Studies, and a one-year Certificate in Biblical Studies. Trinity maintains its distinctiveness as a biblically-centered institution by requiring all bachelor’s students to complete the Trinity Crux Curriculum, which includes biblical studies, spiritual formation, and service-learning.Trinity graduates serve as respected leaders in churches, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. The college continues to pursue ways to educate students as faithful and ethical leaders within their fields.
