Southern Wesleyan University
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| Southern Wesleyan University | |
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| Motto: | "A quality education, a Christian perspective" |
| Established: | 1906 |
| Type: | Christian |
| Religious affiliation: | Wesleyan Church |
| President: | David J. Spittal |
| Students: | 2700 |
| Undergraduates: | 600 (on campus) |
| Location: | Central, South Carolina, USA ( ) |
| Former names: | Central Wesleyan College (1909-1959) Wesleyan Methodist College (1959-1994) |
| Colors: | Blue and Gold |
| Nickname: | Warriors |
| Website: | [1] |
Southern Wesleyan University is a four-year and graduate Christian college, with its main campus in the town of Central, South Carolina. The university was founded in 1906, by what is now The Wesleyan Church, as a result of a prayer meeting in a field that is now part of the main campus. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southern Wesleyan University prepares students for leadership and graduate study in such fields as religion, education, music, business, medicine, law and a variety of civic and social service professions. Southern Wesleyan offers 35 major areas of study for undergraduates and also offers graduate degrees in the areas of business, education and ministry. It has recently added majors in forensic science, forensic computer science, communication, management of information technology and human services. The university serves more than 2,700 students in total. There are regional learning centers across South Carolina, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Most of the students in these locations are working adults. There are over 600 traditional undergraduates enrolled at the main campus in Central, and programs for working adults are also offered there.
The university was previously known as Central Wesleyan College, and, before that, Wesleyan Methodist College.
The university has several athletic teams. Two of those, men's soccer and women's basketball, have recently traveled to other countries on short-term mission trips. In 2007, women's basketball and men's baseball teams won their respective National Christian College Athletic Association national championships
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[edit] General Information
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) occupies a two-hundred acre campus near the town of Central. The university was founded in 1906 and has over 35 major areas of study for undergraduates. SWU has over 600 traditional students, with 2,700 students' total, with its graduate program included. Southern Wesleyan University's current president is Dr. David Spittal. Southern Wesleyan University school mascot is the warrior, also the school colors are blue and gold.
The following link has more information on what Southern Wesleyan University's campus looks like. Campus map
Freedom's Hill - the chapel built for the first Wesleyan Methodist church that Rev. Adam Crooks established in the South - has been relocated to Southern Wesleyan University. The renovated chapel is now used by SWU students.
[edit] History
Southern Wesleyan University is a four-year, liberal arts institution dedicated to the concept that God is the source of all truth and wisdom. The university mission statement states: “To help men and women become all God intends them to be through an excellent learning experience that promotes intellectual inquiry, fosters spiritual growth, equips for service, and mobilizes leaders whose lives transform their world through faith, knowledge, love and hope as they serve Jesus Christ and others.” The university seeks to meet the needs of students with various abilities and backgrounds, enabling them to realize their personal and professional educational goals.
Southern Wesleyan University was first known as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute (1906-1908), and then Wesleyan Methodist College (1909-1959), Central Wesleyan University (1959-1994), then finally renamed Southern Wesleyan University in 1994. Classes at the University began on October 15, 1906. A campus fixture for nearly 60 years, Smith Hall was the first building constructed on College Hill. When it opened in 1906, it housed the chapel, six classrooms, administrative space, and a small library collection. Since then the campus has expanded to nearly 20 buildings over 200 acres in small Central, Sc.
Central Wesleyan College was first accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's degrees in 1973. In 1986 Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP), now called Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS), a nontraditional program for working adults, was added to offer a bachelor's degree program in management. An associates degree program in business began in 1988. Masters programs in Christian Ministries and Management began in 1990. Masters program in Business Administration and Education began in 2002. In 1995 the institution was renamed Southern Wesleyan University and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Although the college has changed structure and experienced three name changes over the past ninety-eight years, the mission of the college has remained a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom.
U.S. News and World Report listed Southern Wesleyan University as one of the best master’s level universities in the South. For 2008, Southern Wesleyan University is listed among the best institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs.
[edit] Recreation
While Southern Wesleyan University may be a small school with regard to overall population, recreation at the school is still present. The Tysinger Gymnasium is a great resource for students looking to play sports. Not only does it house the basketball court, but also a workout gym and the activity room. The activity room offers pool and ping-pong tables. The gym is also home to extracurricular activities such as Tae Kwon Do. Java City is another resource the students can use to relax and enjoy refreshment. It offers a wide variety of coffees, smoothies and frapachinos. With its large screen television, couches, and tables students can relax and do homework or just spend time with friends. Southern Weslyean University has a full sized tennis court. Students can take full advantege of this at any time. Intramural sport such as ultimate frisbee and flag football are offered. These events are open to all students and are an excellent way for students to connect to their other classmates. During the year, different events are also offered. These can be anything from an art class to a concert. Sothern Wesleyan University may not be a huge campus, but it offers a wide array of events and activities to keep the students occupied. Students are free to take advangte of the recreation offered in order to enrich their experience on campus.
[edit] Fine Arts Division
God is seeking musicians who are dedicated to serving Him in churches, schools, and communities. The effective Christian musicians seek to reach out to others and engage the prevailing culture, wherever God leads them. We prepare our students to meet that challenge through excellent teaching and personal example.
All Fine Arts classrooms, practice rooms, chapel, etc. are held at the Folger Fine Arts Building. But, recently, a newer building was designed and is now in the process of being built on campus. The Faith Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center is scheduled to be completed in August of 2008.
There is a yearly play held by the Fine Arts Division in which Non-Majors and Majors are able to participate in. This year the play was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The play sold out all three nights that it was performed, and Dr. Spittal commended how well the play was done.
There are also several ministry teams that travel during the summer and during the school year. Most of these teams offer scholarships and enable students to reach their full potential in fine arts.
[edit] Music Degrees
Music B.S.
The B.S. in music, a general degree, provides the student with a foundation in musical studies while giving elective opportunity for study in a secondary area which often integrates with music, e.g., business or computers. Although an applied performance degree is not offered at Southern Wesleyan University, some B.A. in music majors concentrate in performance by taking additional hours in applied areas of study, particularly in their freshman and sophomore years.
Music B.S. (Music Education Concentration)
The B.S. in music with a concentration in music education prepares an individual for certification as a music teacher within the South Carolina schools. Students pursuing this degree also serve in private school music programs as well as private applied music instructors.
Music B.S. (Emphasis on Church Music)
The B.S. in music with an emphasis on church music prepares an individual to serve as a minister of music in a local church setting.
[edit] Ensembles
Opportunities abound in the areas of choral, vocal, instrumental, piano, and organ. Our professors combine excellence teaching with the kind of focused attention that inspires students to do their very best. Music students at SWU are among the most active and involved students in study and campus activities, including student body leadership positions.
Our performing ensembles consist of music students as well as interested and talented students from other academic disciplines. All students who perform in our ensembles are eligible to receive ensemble scholarships. Our performing ensembles include Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, several vocal and instrumentals quartets, and the ministry teams—University Singers and The Difference.
For more information on the Fine Arts Division, visit the Fine Arts hyperlink in the External Links section.
Southern Wesleyan University features a total of ten intercollegiate sports, with five sports for both males and females being represented. For male athletes, there are the options of baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and cross-country. As far as females, there is basketball, softball, cross country, soccer and volleyball.
Southern Wesleyan proudly competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, or NAIA, and looks to field a team that exemplifies the motto of “champions of character.” They currently enjoy this distinction, as well as supporting their dual affiliation with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). The teams compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference, a 12 team league that is represented throughout the southwest region of the country with teams in Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
The university has earned champions of character nominations on various occasions, as well as proudly supporting many all-academic and all-conference performers. Also, it is the home of two NCCAA national championship teams in 2007: men’s baseball as well as women’s basketball.
The athletic director of the program is Chris Williams, who took on full-time director duties and relinquished head coaching responsibilities after winning the championship with the women’s team. The faculty athletic representative is Don Wood, and the sports information director at the school is Derek Schmitt, who is also the current women’s volleyball coach. Other coaches in the program include Mike Gillespie, who is the head coach of the men’s baseball team, Charles Wimphrie, who is the men’s head basketball coach as well as assistant athletic director. Chip Rouse is the coach of the cross country program, Brad Bradshaw is the golf coach, and Jonathan Lenarz is the men’s soccer coach. The women’s basketball program is headed by Lecheryl Smith, Tom Price is the head coach of the women’s soccer team, and John Duncan coaches volleyball.
[edit] Faculty
- Dr. Spittal is the current president The groundbreaking ceremony
- Rev. Ken Dill is the associate vice president for Spiritual Life and University Chaplain. Ken Dill’s training and experience in personal, pre-marital, marriage and spiritual counseling prepare him to assist students in a variety of areas. His responsibilities also include supervising all aspects of chapel, training and mentoring ministry teams, teaching and coordinating marriage and family seminars, director of chaplain support services for AGS (Adult & Graduate Studies) and serving as chaplain for the SWU community. Ken, an ordained minister, has a masters of divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He has served as youth pastor, pastor, administrator and teacher. (Spiritual Life) Ken Dill is addressing students
- Dave Tolan is director of the missions program. He sponsors the Student Missions Fellowship (SMF), coordinates student mission efforts and spends time mentoring and counseling with students considering their role in Christian service and missions. Dave, an ordained minister, has a master’s of divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ken. He has experience in pre-marital counseling and has served as a youth pastor and pastor. Dave and his wife, Donna, have 10 years of experience as a missionary teacher and pastor in Zambia. Commissioning service at SWU
- Dr. Chuck Mealy, director of conference and housing services Dr. Mealy bio ect.
| Campus Location | Number of faculty |
|---|---|
| Main Campus | 60 Members |
| Greenville Campus | 18 Members |
| Colombia Camus | 11 Members |
| North Augusta Campus | 7 Members |
| Charleston | 5 Members |
Information was procured from Southern Wesleyan Main Page
[edit] Dormitories
Southern Wesleyan University offers four options for traditional students on campus. Childs Hall and Stuart-Bennett are well over 50 years old while the apartments were constructed roughly 10 years ago. Mullinax Hall, the newest dorm, was completed in 2006.
All rooms come with:
- air conditioning
- local phone service with voice mail and caller ID
- cable TV hookup
- Internet access
- one sink w/vanity and mirror
- mattress size is 39” X 80”
Childs Hall
Childs Hall, the oldest dormitory on campus, originally served as an all male facility. It was recently converted into an all female dorm, but new enrollment plans may force it to become a freshman dorm for males once again. Childs has 38 active single-occupancy rooms on 3 floors including a computer lab on the first floor and a kitchen/lounge on the third floor. There are additional rooms in the basement as well as washing machines and dryers. In addition, there is an apartment on the first floor to house the RD.
In addition to the specifications of all dorm rooms, Childs Hall includes:
- one single bed
- one dresser (three drawers)
- one desk with a chair
- two closets w/shelves
- hardwood floors
Mullinax
Mullinax Hall, being completed in 2006, is Southern Wesleyan's newest dormitory. Mullinax, an upperclassmen dorm, has the feel of suite style hotel rooms and each room shares a bathroom with its adjacent partner. It has 78 active rooms on 4 floors for residence. In the basement, there are washers and dryers, a game room, a computer lab, and an apartment for the RD.
In addition to the specifications of all dorm rooms, Mullinax Hall includes:
- Air-conditioning and heating in each room
- Two single beds
- Two desk chairs
- Two dressers
- Two mattress pads
- One closet with shelves (closet door is 72” – actual closet is wider)
- Bathroom (6’ x 7’) shared between two rooms
- One mini-blind
- Carpeted rooms
- Shower with curtain rod
North & South Apartments
The apartments are for upperclassmen only and offer four rooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen for each space. There are 36 apartments with 35 currently in use. That brings the occupancy to 140. The last apartment is left for the RD.
In addition to the specifications of all dorm rooms, the apartments include:
In the Common Area
- oven/stove/microwave
- refrigerator
- breakfast bar w/4 stools
- upholstered sofa and chair
- coffee and end tables w/table lamp
- cable TV hookup
- two bathrooms w/showers
- washer/dryer
In each Bedroom Area
- local phone service with voice mail and caller ID
- cable TV hookup
- Internet access
- one adjustable single bed - mattress size is 39” X 80”
- one dresser (three drawers)
- one desk with a chair
- one closet w/shelves
- sink and vanity
Stuart-Bennett
Stuart-Bennett, the current co-ed single-occupancy freshman dorm, is the second oldest dormitory on campus. After the original female dorm, MacDonald Hall, burned down, Stuart-Bennett was built as the new female dorm and named in honor of two victims of the fire, Myrna Stuart and Crystal Bennett. It was converted into a co-ed dorm but new enrollment may cause it to return to its original purpose as an all female dorm for freshmen. Stuart-Bennett has 94 active rooms on five floors. In addition, there are bathrooms on each floor. There is a lounge on the fourth floor which is also the only carpeted floor in the building. On the first floor, there is a nurse's station, a computer lab in the lobby, a glassed area in the lobby respectively nicknamed the "fishbowl," and an apartment for the RD.
In addition to the specifications of all dorm rooms, Stuart-Bennett includes:
- two single beds (may be stacked)
- two dressers (three drawers)
- two desks with chairs
- two closets with shelves
- one sink with medicine cabinet
For more information, visit Southern Wesleyan Student Life
Information was procured from Southern Wesleyan Main Page
[edit] Interesting People
- Jason Griffin is a current Southern Wesleyan student who races flat track motorcycles with one arm and can be seen here on youtube: Jason Griffin
Information was procured from Southern Wesleyan Main Page
[edit] Photo Gallery
 Administration Building |
 Intercessory Square |
 Rickman Library |
[edit] IGNITE
Ignite started as an ambitious dream that has grown in to a burning reality. The dream was to see the athletes at Southern Wesleyan University changed for Christ. Ignite was started by athletes for athletes. As students our mission field is our campus, more specifically as athletes our target is our teammates. Athletes usually come to college for one reason, to play sports. Most athletes don’t care what type of campus it is. Their major concern is to have an opportunity to play collegiate ball. In the past this has created an obvious divide between the students that were on campus for a Christian education and the athletes. Instead of looking as the situation as an inevitable divide, Ignite saw it as an opportunity to minister. As athletes are being recruited for their athletic ability and not necessarily for their Christian testimony, Christian athletes are given a golden opportunity to ignite another life for Christ. The recruited ones who have not heard about Christ are now standing in line with Christian athletes. What a great avenue to minister to an athlete. God has literally brought them to our door step or should I say dorm room. So the challenge stands, if we are ready to battle on the athletic field to win are we equally willing to battle for Christ and win a heart for eternity.
Ignite was started at Southern Wesleyan University, but is also a chapter of FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. There are diverse parts to making Ignite effective such as the events, worship, small groups and out reach. Some of the ignite events have included the costume party bon fire, fear factor, March madness, ice skating, put putt, concerts, and comedians. Most all of the events have dynamic Christian speakers in order to share God’s word. Also, the events create a great environment for the athletes to be able to come together with people from other teams or with other students creating a student fellowship. This leads to the second dynamic, which is the monthly time of worship-Fusion. Fusion events are centered on worship. It is a time to simply get together and praise God for how great He truly is! In order to be an effective ministry there must be a personal aspect. Each team has a small group leader who leads the discussions to address concerns, issues and questions about faith and life to be answered or continued to be sought. Also the newest addition to the Ignite dynamic is the out reach. This allows for student athletes to get involved in the community. Making a difference for Christ and getting involved in something larger them themselves.
[edit] Recent Events
Price is Right
Putt Putt/Ice Cream
Bonfire
Fear Factor
Fusion
Rock Band
[edit] Kill Apathy Project
THe Kill Apathy Project was started by SWU's version of FCA (Ignite) with help from Reach4Life and most of South Carolina's Upstate University FCAs to fight the epidemic of AIDs in Africa. All proceeds made at the Kill Apathy benefit activities will go directly to Reach4Life. This is an extension of World Hope International that endeavors to not only take care of the pressing needs that encompass the victims of HIV and AIDS but also strives to teach young children in Africa how to make wise choices about their sexuality.
Here is an excerpt from the Reach4Life website;
Teenagers in Africa contend with many of the same things as American teenagers, such as peer pressure, sexuality and stress, BUT they’re also dealing with the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS and trying not to contract it themselves. Reach4Life is an HIV prevention program that goes beyond abstinence — beyond a “just say no” mentality — and acknowledges the difficulty of peer pressure, parental absence and poverty. It gives unchurched youth the opportunity to make an informed choice for purity and have a relationship with Jesus. Through the Reach4Life New Testament and accompanying curriculum, the program teaches the students that they can have hope! World Hope International (WHI) has partnered with the International Bible Society Send the Light to implement Reach4Life in the public school systems of Sub-Saharan Africa. Reach4Life is an opportunity for you to step up and DO SOMETHING to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Youth around the world need to support their African peers as they deal with the hopelessness and horrible effects of HIV. Stopping the HIV/AIDS crisis is up to our generation. What are you going to do?
Stop being apathetic, this is something you CAN help change. These are the events being held specifically to raise money for this cause.
- "Be the Change" - April 26th & May 3rd at 1pm
- 5K Run @ SWU - May 3rd - SWU campus - Registration at 8am, Race begins at 9am - $20 fee per runner - Open to any and all competitive runners
- Benefit Walk/Run - May 3rd - 10am - SWU campus - Sponsors or Donations accepted
[edit] Contact Info
President: Cal Dunlap, cal.dunlap@swustudents.com
Vice President: Josh Dawalt, josh.dawalt@swustudents.com
[edit] Want to Help The Cause?
Southern Wesleyan University
c/o Warrior Club- Ignite
PO Box 1020-907 Wesleyan Dr
Central, SC 29630
