Vanguard University

Dr. Wayne Kraiss served as the seventh President of Southern California College/Vanguard University from 1975-2000, the longest tenure currently in the history of the SCC/VU.  Helping to grow and expand the school, Dr. Kraiss would continue the legacy of Dr. J.C. Holsinger by beginning the transition of SCC to Vanguard University.  

Under his leadership enrollment more than doubled, the annual budget experienced a 10-fold increase, the number of majors doubled, three graduate programs and an adult degree completion program were added, and the annual contribution income rose from $35,000 to over $1.3 million.  Rev. Kraiss was at the helm when the institution made its transition from a college (Southern California College) to a university in 1999. 

Along with the name change of the school, it would be revealed during the 1998-1999 school year that the Athletic Department would go by the new nickname of Lions, over coming the Blaze and the Breakers to become the fourth and current nickname for the athletic teams.

Dr. Kraiss also was an active participant in the world of athletics during his tenure, as he would sit on the NAIA Council of President and the Golden State Athletic Conference Council of Presidents at various times during his 25 years in office.  He gave the signature of approval to start SCC/VU softball, women's basketball, and women's soccer, which have all flourished since then. 

The growth of the institution’s enrollment, curriculum, employees, physical plant, and resources only tells part of Rev. Kraiss’s legacy.  Thousands of persons were impacted in their personal, spiritual and professional lives through his pulpit ministry.  Throughout his presidency, students consistently voted him as their favorite Chapel speaker.  Students cite his intelligence, his humility, his penchant for bringing relevant, timely, and concise messages, and his obvious love and concern for their spiritual growth as reasons for his popularity in the Chapel pulpit.  He has served the community of Vanguard University, and numerous other communities to the best of his ability, with integrity, grace, sensitivity, dedication, humor, hearty enthusiasm, and sacrifice. 

Because of his commitment to the school, students, and the expansion of the athletic department, Dr. Kraiss was selected as the newest Meritorious Service honoree on February 25, 2011.