Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ.
Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, as a four-year, private, liberal arts college, SWU’s structure and name have changed, but our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.
We are proud to be one of five Wesleyan universities affiliated with The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. The Wesleyan Church traces its roots back to John Wesley in England. We are also proud to be a welcoming community for students from all Christian backgrounds and denominations. Our campus includes many Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc., as well as nondenominational students. We all share a strong commitment to knowing Christ and making Him known, and we celebrate our theological similarities while appreciating our differences. The other Wesleyan universities are Houghton College (NY), Indiana Wesleyan University, Kingswood University (NB), and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
As University President, Dr. William D. Barker provides leadership and vision for the direction of Southern Wesleyan University. Along with our Board of Trustees and the advisement of the President's Cabinet, Dr. Barker leads our campus through visioning, planning, fundraising, and nurturing a culture consistent with the university's mission.
One of the hallmarks of excellence for higher education institutions is accreditation. To achieve accreditation by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, colleges and universities must meet strict quality standards in areas such as academic degree programs, faculty, fulfillment of institutional mission, student services and technology. Studying at an accredited institution, such as Southern Wesleyan University, ensures that course credits and degrees that you earn here will be accepted by other accredited colleges and universities.
