Fuller Theological Seminary Reverses Course, Will Remain in Pasadena

17 months after it said it would pack up and leave Pasadena, Fuller Theological Seminary announced Monday “has now determined that it is in the best interest of Fuller to remain in Pasadena.”

The flip flop came after it became clear to Fuller officials that chunks of their 13-acre Pasadena campus could not be sold at prices they earlier believed possible, because portions were restricted by commitments Fuller had made as part of a development agreement signed with the city more than a decade ago.

Fuller President Mark Labberton said that “differences with the City of Pasadena that affected the sale price of the seminary’s Pasadena campus” were central in deciding not to move.

The Seminary had planned to move to Pomona and open a new campus there in 2021.

Now, said Board Chair Dan Meyer, “The economics and timing on which we based our original plan have changed too significantly to make it the best course for Fuller’s future.”

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Read Fuller President Mark Labberton’s Complete Letter to the Editor:

“Fuller Seminary to Stay in Pasadena, Recommit to City”

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Pasadena civic leaders said they were happy to hear the news.

“The idea of having Fuller stay in Pasadena I think is wonderful news,” said City Councilmember Andy Wilson.

“Fuller has always been a valued member of the Pasadena community and they’ve made a lot of contributions,” Mayor Terry Tornek said. “We like having them here. An institution like Fuller makes an important contribution to the fabric of the community. And so I’m actually pleased that they’ve decided to stay.”