A new chapter in spiritual leadership at Southern Wesleyan University began on Monday, Aug 25th, as Rev. Heath Mullikin was installed as the University Chaplain.

The service was led by Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Ken Dill, who faithfully served Southern Wesleyan for 32 years— making him one of the longest-serving private university chaplains in the nation. Rev. Mullikin, a 1997 SWU graduate, was a student during Rev. Dill’s tenure, making this installation a meaningful passing of the spiritual leadership from one generation to the next.

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Southern Wesleyan University joyfully welcomed its largest incoming class since 2018 during Move-In Weekend, held August 13–15, 2025. 

This year’s class includes many legacy students—whose parents are proud SWU alumni—adding a special sense of continuity and connection to the SWU story.

Southern Wesleyan University alumni and their students. 

On August 15, 2025, new Warriors and their families filled Newton Hobson for one of Southern Wesleyan’s most meaningful traditions — the Passing of the Mantle ceremony. Each student received a medallion, a simple but powerful reminder of the educational and spiritual journey they are beginning. Together, parents and the SWU community prayed over them, asking God to guide and strengthen them as they step into this new chapter of their life.

After the ceremony, alumni parents gathered with their students by the SWU fountain for the Generations of SWU photo, adding another page to our university’s history. The evening closed with heartfelt goodbyes, as students headed off to the next phase of orientation — making new friends and sharing conversation over coffee at Blue Hill.

Join us for the seventh annual production of Showstopper Spectacular: Jukebox Junction!

This year’s high-energy production celebrates the iconic music of the 1950s and 60s, brought to life by a dynamic cast of SWU students, alumni, and community members.

From doo-wop classics to rock ‘n’ roll favorites, you’ll be transported back in time through unforgettable performances and toe-tapping tunes featuring a live band.

Southern Wesleyan University, in partnership with the South Carolina District, is launching IGNITE, a new program offering non-accredited Wesleyan ministerial training courses for licensing and ordination.

This program is designed to provide Wesleyan ordination courses for non-traditional students beginning with a pilot class this Fall 2025.

Dr. Bob Black, author of The Story of The Wesleyan Church, will teach Wesleyan History & Discipline via two all-day intensives at SWU (with assignments before and after the intensives).

Intensives are Oct 25 and Nov 15 at SWU.  Registration is open.  More Details Here .  

Each month, we honor members of the Southern Wesleyan family who have passed away. We celebrate their lives, give thanks for their contributions, and hold their loved ones in our prayers.

Robert ‘Bob’ Cooley, 75, of Waycross, GA, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025. Bob graduated from Richmond Academy High School. Attended Central Wesleyan College until 1973, and dedicated over 50 years to the Wesleyan church, serving in music and youth ministries.  View Obituary

On Thursday, July 24th, 2025, Anita Gail (Galloway) Riley entered into eternal rest. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from SWU in 1992.    View Obituary

Ms. Sophia Yvette Kinney, age 57, passed on Wednesday August 13, 2025.  She studied Social Science at Southern Wesleyan University.   View Obituary

Jackie Ruth Lumkin Hunt, 73, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, at her home. he was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College (SWU) obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education.   View Obituary

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Please make sure to mark your calendars and join us for a year of fellowship and celebration of what God is doing at Southern Wesleyan University. 

Every contribution has an immediate impact on students and supports our mission to provide a Biblically faithful, academically rigorous, vocationally effective, and financially affordable education. 

2025-2026 Alumni Board

The Southern Wesleyan University Alumni Association is here to assist all alumni in a spirit of Christian service. 

Need your mailing address, email or phone updated? Or just want to be added to our list? Let us know so we can stay in touch!

This 2024–2025 President’s Report showcases academic growth initiatives, advancement successes, student stories and athletics. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬