Southern Wesleyan University collaborates with Spartanburg Methodist to offer classes
Southern Wesleyan University now offers classes for Spartanburg area students at a new location, thanks to a cooperative effort with Spartanburg Methodist College.
Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, said the arrangement with Spartanburg Methodist College means greater opportunities for students to accomplish their educational goals.
“The relationship between the institutions has been strong and positive through the years and this new opportunity to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs on the SMC campus will benefit students. It represents an exciting new partnership for both institutions,” Spittal said.
Dr. Colleen Keith, president of Spartanburg Methodist College, said, “We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship. Both the United Methodists and the Wesleyans sit together at the Pan-Methodist table – we are ‘cousins’ in Methodist terms – and thus we are pleased to provide a home for Southern Wesleyan’s program on the SMC campus.”
Talks regarding SMC offering the space for the SWU program to utilize began in 2008 under previous SMC president Dr. Charles Teague.
Keith added, “This collaboration is a good and logical one: we had unused space during a time when they needed space and collaborating with another college in the Wesleyan tradition is a logical partnership. We will make other campus facilities and activities available to the SWU students as needed, and they are always welcome to attend our events and use our library resources to the extent that we can accommodate their research needs.”
According to Dr. Keith Iddings, Southern Wesleyan University provost, classes have already begun for students enrolled in the master of education program. Iddings hopes that one day the offerings will expand into various business and human services degrees.
Iddings said, “We’re excited to be working even more closely with Dr. Keith and the staff of SMC. I see great opportunities ahead for collaborative academic programs. Since both institutions come out of a tradition of integrating faith and academics, drawing from a Wesleyan and Methodist theological heritage, we see the prospects as particularly promising.”
Dr. Gary Carr, vice president of administration and program operations, said, “This plan allows Southern Wesleyan to be uniquely situated in offering the Spartanburg community a master’s degree completion program that meets conveniently one night a week. Our relationship with Spartanburg Methodist College is an indication of our growing programs.”
Keith said that Spartanburg Methodist has worked through the logistics of leasing the space for classes, and added that the initial Southern Wesleyan students would be in-service teachers pursuing a master’s degree.
The classes are being offered in rooms 115 and 116 of the Montgomery Science Building, located on the SMC campus at 1000 Powell Mill Road in Spartanburg. For details, contact Southern Wesleyan University at (864) 672-7981 or e-mail .