SWU degree a milestone along road to recovery
Southern Wesleyan University faculty members applaud Stephen Smith of Augusta, Ga., and other graduates as they marched along Wesleyan Drive at the beginning of graduation ceremonies May 11 at the university’s Central campus.
When Stephen Smith walked across the stage to receive his master’s degree in management May 11, he was taking another huge step along a long, rocky road to recovery.
Smith, a recovering alcoholic and Gulf War veteran, has worked for four years at the VA Hospital in Augusta, Ga., as a member of their medical support personnel. It was at the VA Hospital that a nurse told Smith about Southern Wesleyan University. Being in a Christian environment was appealing to Smith, and he felt the experience would benefit him both professionally and spiritually.
Smith originally had plans to enter the field of medicine, but a military stint and bouts with substance abuse derailed his plans. In 1990-91, Smith served in the Army’s First Cavalry, an experience that left him with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“You hear booms and you don’t know if you’re going to live or die,” Smith said of his war experience.
“I had to use drugs to stay awake,” he said, adding that he had considered suicide during a low point in his addiction. Smith came to Augusta to the VA Mental Hospital, where they diagnosed him with drug-induced psychosis.
“I had destroyed myself, but the VA showed me how to get my life back,” said Smith, who has been clean since Feb. 18, 2005, and credits his spiritual recovery to a Christian radio ministry and a return to church. He attends St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.
Smith appreciates the guidance he received from staff and faculty at Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta education center.
“We always prayed and read scriptures – the most enjoyable thing about school,” he said. “Classwork is classwork, but being ‘God-centered’ makes a lot of difference.”
Smith plans to continue his work for the Veteran’s Administration and to work on a Ph.D. in either Southern Literature or Business.
With regional education centers conveniently located across South Carolina, as well as fully online programs for select degrees, 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. For details, visit swu.edu.