Central Philippine University (CPU) is a non-stock, non-profit Christian institution of higher learning in Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines. It was founded in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries as an elementary school for poor boys which eventually opened up a high school in 1920. It converted into a college in 1923 and attained university status in 1953. At present, CPU offers programs in the kindergarten, elementary, high school, undergraduate and graduate levels. Its graduate and undergraduate programs cover various disciplines such as the Arts, Sciences, Business, Accountancy, Computer Studies, Education, Engineering, Tourism, Nursing, Theology, Law, and Medicine. CPU was founded in 1905 as the Jaro Industrial School by missionaries of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. It started as an Elementary Vocational School for poor boys who worked for their board and tuition. Dr.William Orison Valentine, the first principal and the founder, worked for its incorporation and recognition by the Philippine Government. In 1913, his objective was realized and in the same year the school also admitted its first female student.