Regis University

Regis University is a private Catholic university in Denver, Colorado, United States. It was founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus and offers more than 120 different degrees. Students can study many subjects, such as education, liberal arts, business, nursing, and technology.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is one of 27 Jesuit Catholic universities in the United States. It is the only Jesuit university in the Rocky Mountain region, making it a special part of that area. Regis University provides learning opportunities through three different colleges.

History

In 1877, a group of Italian Jesuits started a small college in Las Vegas, New Mexico. This school was called Las Vegas College. In 1884, another school named Sacred Heart College opened in Morrison, Colorado. In 1887, these two schools joined together and moved to their current location, becoming the College of the Sacred Heart. Later in 1921, the school was renamed Regis College to honor John Francis Regis, a Jesuit from the 1600s who helped people in need in France. In 1991, the school changed its name to Regis University.

Famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix and the band Queen performed at Regis University. In 2011, the university started working with schools in Ireland and Mexico to offer special study programs. In 2023, Regis University was recognized for having many students from Hispanic or Latinx backgrounds.

Papal visit

On August 12, 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the Northwest Denver Campus of Regis University. He met with President Bill Clinton and greeted some visitors who had been chosen through a lottery system.

Schools

Regis University has three main schools where students can study. Regis College is for students who have just finished high school or are transferring from another college. It offers many different subjects to choose from, and students who want to study nursing, physical therapy, or pharmacy usually start here.

The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions focuses on health-related fields. It includes nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs, as well as other health services and counseling.

The Anderson College of Business and Computing was renamed in 2018 after a donation from Denver architect Andy Anderson. It offers business and computer-related programs, with some classes available online. These computer programs are special because they are approved by a group called ABET and are offered both in classrooms and online.

Center for Service Learning

The Center for Service Learning at Regis University helps students take part in volunteer work. It supports adding service learning to classes and helps students with work study awards find places to help those in need. This is all part of the university’s goal to prepare students to help others.

Athletics

Main article: Regis Rangers

Regis University is part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. This conference includes many schools, and Regis University has many sports teams. Students can play women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s rugby, and forensics.

Rankings

Regis University was placed 273rd among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 rankings. This is a drop of 71 places from when it first appeared on this list in 2019, after it was reclassified as a Doctoral/Professional University. Before that, it was ranked 26th among "Regional Universities West".

Notable alumni

Regis University has many notable graduates who have achieved success in different fields.

Political figures include Dewey F. Bartlett Jr., former Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Charles F. Brannan, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; and Stephen McNichols, former Governor of Colorado, among others.

Athletes from the university include Steven Brault, a former professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates, and Arnie Herber, an NFL player for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

Artists and media figures include Bill Murray, the famous actor and comedian, who attended but did not graduate from Regis University, and Andrea Booher, a photographer and filmmaker.

Other notable alumni include Richard N. Cabela, former CEO of Cabela’s, Inc., and Jack Morris, S.J., founder of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.