61Dr. David Jang is the founder of Olivet University and has dedicated his life to serving Christ through education, missions, and leadership. From the early years of his ministry, he focused on reaching people in restricted areas, sometimes traveling on foot and later utilizing digital media to spread the Gospel. Through Olivet University, he established a place where disciples and leaders could be trained to continue the work of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
David Jang was born in 1949 and committed himself to higher learning. He earned a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Hanshin University. He later completed a Master of Arts in Communications at Yonsei University, followed by a Ph.D. in Public Administration of Social Welfare at Dankook University. During his studies, he was influenced by an American missionary known for mission strategy and by a Korean church historian and leader who later helped establish Olivet University Korea.
In 2004, he founded Olivet University in a small basement in San Francisco. The city was chosen for its diversity, which remains an integral part of the university’s community today. Starting as a theological seminary, it grew into schools of music, journalism, art and design, and technology, later adding business and language education. In 2005, the school moved into the former UC Berkeley Downtown Extension Campus. By 2009, the institution had been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. David later became the International President, guiding the organization's global outreach and serving on the North American Council of the World Evangelical Alliance.
His vision also extended into Christian media. He founded Christian Today, Christian Daily Korea, and Christianity Daily International, and he was part of the founding team of The Christian Post. Christian Daily International was recognized by the Evangelical Press Association in both 2024 and 2025 for its excellence. He also serves as President of the Holy Bible Society, working to make the Bible more accessible in mission frontiers through digital innovation.
He went on to establish Apostolos Missions and more than ten other mission organizations dedicated to spreading the Gospel and making disciples. Dr. Jang also founded Diakonos to encourage the role of deacons and promoted both direct mission service and business as a form of mission. His leadership reached further when he became president of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea.
Generosity has been a hallmark of his life. After earning his doctorate, he founded a church and donated all its assets, continuing to support students and families in need instead. Guided by 2 Corinthians 8:9, he has emphasized humility and service to the poor as a Christian responsibility.
In his personal life, he is a husband, father of two sons, and grandfather to his granddaughters. He enjoys golf, swimming, tennis, and reading. David Jang continues to teach, mentor, and guide others, staying faithful to the mission of Christ and the growth of the church.