LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational Christian university located in Longview, Texas, United States with programs in engineering, aeronautical science, education and business. The university also provides graduate and undergraduate degree programs for working adults online and at education centers in Texas in Dallas, Houston, and Longview.Founded as LeTourneau Technical Institute in February 1946 by R. G. LeTourneau with his wife Evelyn, the school initially educated veterans returning from World War II. Total annual enrollment is nearly 3,000. The university's vision statement reads: "Claiming every workplace in every nation as their mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life's work as a holy calling with eternal impact."HistoryR. G. LeTourneau founded LeTourneau Technical Institute in February 1946 on the site of the recently abandoned Harmon General Hospital, a World War II hospital specialized in treating servicemen with neurological and dermatological issues. LeTourneau bought the site from the United States government with the help of Longview News-Journal publisher Carl Estes and other Longview community leaders for one dollar with the conditions that for the next decade, the U.S. government could reclaim the 156 acres (631,000 m²) and 220 buildings in the event of an emergency and no new construction or demolition could occur.
