The cornerstone of the Kernel University was laid on September 5, 1986, and dedicated with these words: "For the teaching of the truth, for the preaching of the Gospel." Spoken by Dr. Hyun Rhee, the school's founder, the words capture the vision of Kernel University's foundation. The School of Oriental Medicine and the School of Theology came into being in 1986, laying the foundation for Kernel University's current program. The programs were authorized by the Superintendent of Public instruction under the Department of Education of the State of California as a Degree Granting Institution. In the fall of 1991, Kernel University was successfully signed for the establishment of a Joint Oriental Medicine Professional Degree Program with the Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine to enable students studying at Kernel University to pursue further training in this ancient art of healing in Beijing, China. Kernel University was reformed in 1995 that lead to a vision for a university that celebrates teaching and selectively supports research, while also taking special pride in its capacity to connect thought action and theory to practice. Kernel University was approved as a degree-granting institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Pursuant to California Education Code Section 90900 In year 2004, Kernel University remain same non-profit, non-sectarian, coeducational university organized as a corporation under the laws of the state of California Code section 94808, subject to any limitations contained in the general nonprofit corporation laws of the state. Kernel University is exempt-status religious organization university and the University operates in compliance with the California Education Code (school codes 44933141), under the authority and regulation of the exempt-status University regulation of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education ,pursuant to Part 4 (commencing with section 9110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporation Code. Because of the University's heritage and commitment, its academic basis is broader than that of the standard college of theology. Kernel University is a Christian institution of higher education with Kernel World Mission Denominational affiliation. Kernel's real cornerstone has remained the same: commitment to Jesus Christ, the inerrancy of scripture and biblical Christianity, as well as to the spiritual, academic and holistic growth of those who are personally committed to Him.