About SWU : Who We Are : History of Southern Wesleyan University
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.
- October 15, 1906. The school is established as Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute with three instructors. It is one of five colleges and universities sponsored by The Wesleyan Church.
- 1909. The school is chartered as Wesleyan Methodist College.
- 1928. The school becomes a junior college offering a four-year theological degree.
- 1958. The high school academy and junior college at the institution are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- 1963. Re-organized as a four-year liberal arts institution and named Central Wesleyan College.
- 1986. The Leadership Education for Adult Professionals program—now called Adult and Graduate Studies—is established.
- 1995. The college is renamed Southern Wesleyan University.
- 2002. SWU begins offering master’s degree programs in business administration and in education.
- 2006. SWU celebrates its centennial
- 2013. SWU begins offering fully-online programs nationwide.
- 2013. SWU is accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process.