History of Westmont College
Ruth Kerr and others founded a school in 1937 that became a liberal arts college committed to the historic Christian faith in 1940. Dr. Wallace Emerson, the first president, envisioned an institution that rivaled the best colleges nationwide, and he set the standard for academic rigor and excellence that still applies.
By 1945, Westmont outgrew its facilities in Los Angeles and moved to the former Dwight Murphy estate in Santa Barbara with its 125 acres and beautiful Mediterranean house. Acquiring another property and the former Deane School for Boys completed the campus. Today, Westmont’s 111 tree-filled acres still feature the pathways, stone bridges and gardens of the former estates.
Achieving accreditation in 1958, Westmont began building its campus in the 1960s, adding nine major buildings. Enrollment rose to 840, and in 1976, the college received approval for 1,200 students.
During the 1980s, Westmont earned increasing national recognition for its academic program, leadership training and unique emphasis on intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
Under the 25-year tenure of President David K. Winter, the college attracted a highly qualified faculty, created a vital Christian community and established a strong financial base for the 21st century.
Gayle D. Beebe is building on this legacy. He will oversee a new era of construction, beginning with Adams Center for the Visual Arts, Winter Hall for Science and Mathematics, a chapel and a residence hall, to provide facilities worthy of Westmont’s world-class faculty and students.