New agreement creates opportunities for LABI graduates, faculty, and staff to pursue advanced degrees through Life Pacific University.
Life Pacific University and LABI College have signed a memorandum of understanding that will expand access to Christ-centered graduate education, create new academic pathways, and provide scholarship opportunities for eligible LABI graduates, faculty, and staff.
The partnership connects LABI graduates with Life Pacific University’s growing portfolio of online master’s, seminary, and doctoral programs, providing additional opportunities for students to continue their education while preparing for greater levels of leadership and service.
“Life Pacific University is honored to partner with LABI to expand scholarship opportunities and create pathways into LPU’s graduate programs,” said Life Pacific University President Dr. Angie Richey. “Together, we are equipping the next generation of diverse leaders for transformational impact.”
Through the agreement, graduates of LABI’s undergraduate programs will have pathways to pursue LPU graduate degrees in areas including counseling, business administration, strategic leadership, theological studies, and divinity. The partnership also extends to LPU’s Doctor of Ministry programs and is designed to incorporate additional graduate and doctoral opportunities as the university continues to expand its academic offerings.
Eligible LABI graduates will have access to partner scholarship opportunities designed to make an advanced degree more attainable. Scholarship opportunities will also be available to eligible LABI faculty and staff members interested in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at LPU.
“We believe in Life Pacific’s mission. We believe in cost-effective education. We believe in small, Christ-focused schools that reach out to the community,” said Dr. Marty Harris, President of LABI College. “We believe in diversity. We believe in Hispanic higher education, and you guys hit all the bells and whistles in terms of that, so we are honored to partner with you.”
LABI offers English- and Spanish-language academic programs in business administration, psychology, theology, Bible, and ministry. The new agreement creates natural next steps for students completing those programs and seeking advanced preparation in ministry, counseling, organizational leadership, business, and theological education.
“We are thrilled to formalize this partnership with LABI College, a historic institution that has faithfully equipped generations of leaders. This collaboration creates seamless pathways for LABI students to advance into our graduate programs in Counseling, Business Administration, Theology, Leadership and our MDiv. programs.” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at LPU. “We also added a special partner scholarships for these students as well as a partner scholarship for LABI staff and faculty who might be looking into graduate education, including our Doctor in Ministry program.”
The MOU formalizes a relationship that has been growing between the two institutions for several years. Leaders from LPU and LABI have previously collaborated on accreditation efforts, institutional grants, and other initiatives supporting Christian higher education.
During the signing ceremony, Harris spoke about the institutions’ shared belief in the importance of small, Christ-focused colleges, cost-effective education, diversity, and expanded opportunities for Hispanic students.
The next phase of the partnership will include direct outreach to recent LABI graduates, visits between the two campuses, and opportunities for LPU representatives to participate in LABI preview days and other student events. These efforts will allow prospective graduate students to learn more about available programs, scholarships, admissions requirements, and the support available to them through LPU.
The signing ceremony concluded with leaders from both institutions praying over the partnership and the students who will benefit from it. Together, they committed the relationship to serving the next generation and equipping leaders to transform the Church, the workplace, and the world.
