In 1968, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) founder Jess C. Moody dreamt of establishing a Christian university in South Florida. He envisioned a place where students weren’t just prepared for the workforce, but ready to shine a light and serve others — no matter their career pathway.
Since then, PBA has blossomed into a vibrant campus, with nearly 19,000 alumni in business, education, health care, government, the arts, ministry and more. PBA’s mission to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly is rooted in its motto “Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands” ––which creates an academic framework for students inside and outside the classroom.
Today, that mission continues to propel PBA’s vision for the future, emphasizing a holistic education that prepares students for impactful careers and lives. With 100 different programs and pathways, PBA’s unique approach of rigorous academic and professional training –– coupled with spiritual growth and community service––has attracted more students, increasing demand. Each year more students apply, drawn by the promise of an education that prioritizes both intellectual and spiritual development.
As PBA grows, the university will continue to offer whole-person education through hands-on learning, spiritual formation, and PBA’s distinct community service program, Workship — empowering students to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Cultivating Servant Leaders
PBA’s comprehensive approach to education is earmarked by its mission to serve others in South Florida and beyond. Since PBA’s inception, Workship has become a core element of the university’s experience, reaching a milestone of 4 million hours of volunteer service in April 2024. The program, which has worked with over 200 partners in Palm Beach County, helps students develop a heart for service. By participating in the program, students learn how to immerse themselves in civic leadership, while exploring causes that align with their academic pursuits and passions.
For 25 years, PBA’s campus ministry, CMGlobal, has sent students on mission trips around the world, allowing them to encounter new cultures and experience the power of faith to transform lives. For students and alumni alike, their lives are forever changed — seeing how these trips change the way they see life, shape their careers, and deepen their faith. Destinations include Brazil, Cambodia, Finland, Greece, South Africa, Haiti and more. CMGlobal has completed 339 mission trips with more than 3,500 students participating in trips to over 60 countries.
Since 2017, PBA has also celebrated 17 PBA students and alumni who were awarded the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA).
Commitment to Innovation and Academic Excellence
PBA’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum is complemented by specialized credentials––including recent accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), to name a few. These accreditations reflect PBA’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
PBA’s seven Centers of Excellence also encourage innovation, the free exchange of ideas, and best industry practices. One focuses on cultivating thoughtful civil discourse — a critical skill for citizens in a democratic society. Since 2013, the LeMieux Center for Public Policy has hosted over 30 political leaders, authors, and policy experts to discuss domestic and international policy issues. Meanwhile, the university’s newest hub — the Center for Financial Literacy — offers students and community members biblically-based workshops and insights needed to gain financial literacy and freedom.
As PBA enters the next chapter of its history, the university envisions an even more vibrant campus earmarked by innovation, grounded civil discourse, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether students pursue business, health care, or a civic profession, PBA is committed to holding steadfast in its mission — equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.
To learn more about PBA’s unique approach to education and its mission, vision and values, visit www.pba.edu.
