At La Sierra University, community is more than a word, it’s something lived every day. In classrooms, around shared meals, during worship, and through acts of service, you feel it in the care students, faculty, and staff show for one another. Recently, that sense of connection has reached new audiences online, as La Sierra’s TikTok account has become the most-viewed among Adventist universities.
What makes this milestone remarkable isn’t just the number of views, it’s the authenticity behind each post. Students share real moments from campus life: laughter between classes, chapel reflections, study sessions, friendships, and the little everyday moments that make life here meaningful. Each video shows the university experience and community that makes La Sierra a place where students grow, thrive, and belong.
Leading Quantitatively Among Adventist Universities
La Sierra’s TikTok success is measurable and verifiable. Compared with peer Adventist institutions, La Sierra currently leads in:
- Followers: Over 3,347, more than any other Adventist university on TikTok
- Top video views: Multiple videos reach hundreds of thousands, with at least one surpassing 1 million views
- Engagement: Likes, comments, and shares consistently higher than peer institutions
- Virality: Videos reach audiences far beyond the immediate follower base
- Consistency: High-performing posts appear regularly, not just as one-time viral hits
Purpose and Strategy
Behind La Sierra University’s growing presence on TikTok is a clearly defined strategy rooted in authenticity rather than trend-chasing. The university approaches social media as a storytelling platform one that reflects campus culture and student experience in a way that feels genuine and relational.
“The purpose behind La Sierra’s TikTok strategy is to give an authentic glimpse into life on campus. By pulling back the curtain on students’ day-to-day experiences, we’re able to highlight what makes La Sierra unique and share it in a creative, fun way that connects with students.” – Morgan Schmitz La Sierra University’s Content Coordinator
This emphasis on authenticity helps explain why La Sierra’s content resonates with such a wide audience. By focusing on real experiences rather than curated marketing moments, the university invites viewers to see campus life as it is lived every day.
Highest Rated Adventist Universities – TikTok
| Ranking | University | TikTok Followers | Highest Video Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | La Sierra University | 3,347 | 1,100,000 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 1,118 | 4,270 |
| #3 | Southern Adventist University | 1,050 | 10,500 |
| #4 | Walla Walla University | 925 | 1,000,000 |
| #5 | Pacific Union College | 665 | 4,800 |
Sources: Publicly visible TikTok accounts, December 2025.
More Than Social Media: A Window Into Campus Life
The University’s TikTok presence goes far beyond a single viral moment. Through its official account, La Sierra University offers an authentic, student-centered glimpse into everyday campus life capturing the moments that define the La Sierra experience in real time.
Visitors to La Sierra’s TikTok encounter a wide range of content that reflects both the rhythm and personality of the campus. Videos include lighthearted day-in-the-life features that follow students between classes, creative studios, residence halls, and study spaces, as well as campus walk-throughs that highlight the physical environment and sense of place. Other posts spotlight moments of spiritual life, including chapel reflections and faith-centered experiences that are central to the university’s identity.
The account also highlights student creativity and expression featuring art majors at work, students collaborating on projects, and spontaneous moments of connection across campus. Eko the mascot makes regular appearances, adding humor and school spirit, while La Sierra’s athletic teams are often featured enjoying time together, celebrating wins, and showing their personalities beyond competition. In addition, the platform is used to recognize student, faculty, and institutional achievements, celebrating awards and accomplishments across academics, athletics, service, and creative work.
A Student-Centered Approach to Storytelling
Translating this philosophy into content requires an intentional, student-centered approach that prioritizes voice, creativity, and spontaneity. Rather than relying on scripted messaging, La Sierra’s social media team creates space for students to tell their own stories—allowing campus life to unfold naturally and authentically.
As Mark Skjerven, Digital Marketing Manager at La Sierra University, explains:
“When the social media team brainstorms content ideas, we try to come up with things that tell the La Sierra story. We have so many amazing students with incredible stories and personalities, so sometimes it’s as simple as featuring our students themselves—whether it’s on a podcast or by leaving a microphone with a prompt in the middle of the campus mall.”
This approach results in content that feels organic and relatable, capturing unscripted moments that resonate with viewers. Videos such as playful campus prompts, student reactions, and casual conversations reflect the openness and creativity that define daily life at La Sierra.
Reflecting Campus Values in the Digital Space
TikTok is just one of the many ways La Sierra’s values are expressed online. Across campus, students and faculty are deeply engaged in research, creative scholarship, service initiatives, and academic growth. The success of the university’s TikTok presence reflects something larger than digital engagement it reflects a close-knit community where faith, learning, and meaningful relationships intersect.
Each post captures more than a trend. It captures the heart of campus life: a place where people support one another, celebrate diversity, and grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Through authentic storytelling and student voices, La Sierra University continues to invite audiences not just to watch campus life but to understand it.
Experience La Sierra for Yourself
Watching campus life online is just the beginning. The heart of La Sierra University is best experienced in person.
Students, families, alumni, and community members are invited to take the next step:
• Apply to La Sierra University
Whether you are exploring college options, seeking a faith-centered education, or looking for a welcoming community where you can belong, La Sierra offers a place to grow, connect, and thrive.
Through TikTok and beyond, La Sierra University continues to share its story of connection, creativity, and purpose and now, everyone has the chance to experience it firsthand.
If you’d like to speak with someone today call La Sierra University Admissions at (951) 785-2000 to get your questions answered, learn about programs, or start your application journey.
