Facts at a Glance
The quick facts about Cal Lutheran.
From the multiple perks of living near the Pacific Ocean to the open hours of our campus parking lots, this page covers the essential information about Cal Lutheran. Scroll below for a list of quick facts by topic.
Looking for a printable page of facts? Download 2021-22 Fact Sheet
Want the complete set of facts about Cal Lutheran? Go to Fact Book
Total Students
Student-Faculty Ratio
Employed or in Grad School
Countries Represented
Student Clubs & Organizations
University
Overview
California Lutheran University is a selective, comprehensive institution offering
undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts and professional fields. Mentored
by dedicated and accomplished faculty members, students pursue their passion and discover
their purpose as they seek to grow as individuals.
Mission
The mission of the university is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong
in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed
to service and justice.
Enrollment
2,513
Students come from 40 states and 59 countries and represent a diversity of faiths
and cultures. Of traditional undergraduate students, 48% live on campus. Average class
size for all programs is 14.
Accreditations
- Cal Lutheran is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- The Graduate School of Education is authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to offer credentials.
- The Graduate School of Psychology's Doctor of Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- The School of Management is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Its program in Financial Planning has been registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
- Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting
of the Association of Theological Schools.
See more about accreditation
Affiliations
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
- Council of Independent Colleges
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, NCAA Division III
- Hispanic-Serving Institution designation by the U.S. Department of Education
Programs
Academic Programs
Cal Lutheran offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Psychology, School for Professional and Continuing Studies and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
There are 40 majors and 43 minors offered in the traditional undergraduate program.
The Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program offers degrees in six majors. Graduate
programs include doctorates in educational leadership, higher education leadership,
clinical psychology and theology; and master’s degrees in education, psychology, business,
economics, information technology, public policy and administration, and divinity.
See more about our programs
Athletic Programs
Cal Lutheran’s intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and the NCAA Division III.
Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer,
swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. Women’s teams
compete in basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and
diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. Junior varsity teams compete
in men’s and women’s basketball, men's and women’s soccer, baseball and women's volleyball.
Go to CLUsports.com
Leadership
Administrative Leadership
- President: Lori E. Varlotta, PhD
- General Counsel: Thomas Knudsen
- Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs: Leanne Neilson, PsyD
- Vice President for University Advancement: Regina Biddings-Muro, EdD
- Vice President for Talent, Culture and Diversity: Cristallea K. Buchanan. MS
- Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance: Rick Ysasi
- Vice President for Mission and Identity: Melissa Maxwell-Doherty '77, MDiv '81
- Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students: Melinda Roper, EdD
- Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success: Matthew Ward, PhD
Academic Leadership
- Dean of the School of Management: Gerhard Apfelthaler, PhD
- Dean of the School for Professional and Continuing Studies: Lisa Buono, EdD
- Dean of the Graduate School of Education: Michael Hillis, PhD
- Dean of the Graduate School of Psychology: Rick Holigrocki, PhD
- Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences: Timothy C. Hengst, MA
- Dean of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary: The Rev. Alicia Vargas, PhD
- Chair of the Faculty Senate: Michael Hart, DMA
Personnel
Faculty
- Part-time:
247
- Full-time:
182*
*88% of full-time faculty have earned their doctorate or terminal degree
Staff and Administrators
- Part-time:
93
- Full-time:
362
History
California Lutheran College was founded in 1959 on a ranch donated by Richard Pederson, the son of Norwegian immigrants. The college opened its doors to 330 students in September 1961 and held its first Commencement in May 1964.
Milestones
- 2016 — Designated Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Dept. of Education
- 2014 — Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary welcomed
- 2006 — First doctoral degrees granted
- 1994 — KCLU Radio launched as a community service
- 1986 — Renamed California Lutheran University
- 1972 — First master’s degrees granted
- 1964 — First class graduates
- 1961 — First students arrive
- 1959 — California Lutheran College founded
Presidents
- 2020-Present — Lori E. Varlotta, PhD
- 2008-2020 — Chris Kimball, PhD
- 2006-2007 — John R. Sladek, PhD
- 1992-2006 — Luther S. Luedtke, PhD
- 1981-1992 — Jerry Miller, DD
- 1972-1980 — Mark Mathews, DBA
- 1963-1971 — Raymond Olson, DD
- 1959-1962 — Orville Dahl, EdD
Visiting Campus
Location
The 225-acre campus is located midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, just 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean nestled against the hills in Thousand Oaks. Off-site centers are located in Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Oxnard and Santa Maria. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is located in Berkeley. See more about our locations
Parking
Parking is free throughout campus. Street parking is by permit only Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitor parking is available in the parking lots on Mountclef Boulevard north and south of Olsen Road.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
California Lutheran University
60 West Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
- Undergraduate Admission: admissions@CalLutheran.edu
- Graduate Admission: clugrad@CalLutheran.edu
- Alumni & Family Relations: alumni@CalLutheran.edu
- Web Support: web@CalLutheran.edu
Phone
- Undergraduate Admission:
(805) 493-3135, Fax: (805) 493-3645 - Graduate Admission:
(805) 493-3127 or (888) CLU-GRAD