Southwestern Assemblies of God University: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2009}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2009}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
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| image = Southwestern Assemblies of God University seal.png
| image = Southwestern Assemblies of God University seal.png
| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200px
| former_names = Southwestern Bible Institute<br/>{{space|3}}Southwestern Bible School<br/>{{space|3}}{{nowrap|Shield of Faith Bible School}}<br/>{{space|3}}Southern Bible Institute
| former_names = Southwestern Assemblies of God College (1927–1994)<br/>{{space|3}}Southwestern Bible School<br/>{{space|3}}{{nowrap|Shield of Faith Bible School}}<br/>{{space|3}}Southern Bible Institute
| motto = Higher Education for a Higher Purpose
| motto = Higher Education for a Higher Purpose
| established = {{start date|1927}}
| established = {{start date|1927}}
| type = [[Private university|Private]]
| type = [[Private university]]
| religious_affiliation = [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]]
| religious_affiliation = [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]]
| president = Kermit Bridges
| president = Kermit Bridges
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| coor = {{coord|32.4038|N|96.8530|W|source:googleearth_type:edu_region:US-TX|display=inline, title}}
| coor = {{coord|32.4038|N|96.8530|W|source:googleearth_type:edu_region:US-TX|display=inline, title}}
| campus = [[suburban area|Suburban]], {{convert|70|acre|km2}}
| campus = [[suburban area|Suburban]], {{convert|70|acre|km2}}
| colors = Purple and Gold<ref>{{cite manual|url=http://www.sagu.edu/documents/Marketing/Styleguide/StyleguidePDF022613.pdf |title=University Branding & Communication: Style & Policy Guide |publisher=SAGU Marketing and Public Relations |date=2014-10-01 |access-date=2015-09-21}}</ref><br/>{{color box|#502D7F}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FFA200}}
| colors = Purple & Gold<ref>{{cite manual|url=http://www.sagu.edu/documents/Marketing/Styleguide/StyleguidePDF022613.pdf |title=University Branding & Communication: Style & Policy Guide |publisher=SAGU Marketing and Public Relations |date=2014-10-01 |access-date=2015-09-21}}</ref><br/>{{color box|#502d7f}}&nbsp;{{color box|#fdbb30}}
| athletics_nickname = Lions
| sports_nickname = Lions
| mascot = Judah the Lion
| mascot = Judah the Lion
| sporting_affiliations = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]], [[National Christian College Athletic Association|NCCAA]] – [[Sooner Athletic Conference|SAC]]
| athletics_affiliations = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] – [[Sooner Athletic Conference|Sooner]]<br>[[National Christian College Athletic Association|NCCAA Division I]] – Central
| website = {{URL|www.sagu.edu}}
| website = {{URL|www.sagu.edu}}
| logo = [[File:SAGU logo.PNG|250px]]
| logo = [[File:SAGU logo.PNG|250px]]
}}
}}


'''Southwestern Assemblies of God University''' ('''SAGU''') is a [[Private university|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]] university in [[Waxahachie, Texas]]. SAGU is regionally accredited by the [[Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]<ref>[http://www.sacscoc.org/2012%20December%20Actions%20and%20Disclosure%20Statements/12cract%20dec.pdf SACS COC listing] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911094958/http://sacscoc.org/2012%20December%20Actions%20and%20Disclosure%20Statements/12cract%20dec.pdf |date=2013-09-11 }}. SACSCOC.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref> and officially endorsed by the [[Assemblies of God USA]].<ref>[http://colleges.ag.org/schools/sagu.cfm AG Colleges]. AG.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref> It is the only Assemblies of God university in Texas. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in [[liberal arts]], [[Bible]], and Church ministry.
'''Southwestern Assemblies of God University''' ('''SAGU''') is a [[Private university|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]] university in [[Waxahachie, Texas]]. SAGU is accredited by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges]]<ref>[http://www.sacscoc.org/2012%20December%20Actions%20and%20Disclosure%20Statements/12cract%20dec.pdf SACS COC listing] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911094958/http://sacscoc.org/2012%20December%20Actions%20and%20Disclosure%20Statements/12cract%20dec.pdf |date=2013-09-11 }}. SACSCOC.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref> and endorsed by the [[Assemblies of God USA]].<ref>[http://colleges.ag.org/schools/sagu.cfm AG Colleges]. AG.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref> The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a variety of [[liberal arts]] programs, as well as programs in [[Bible]] and church ministries.

On March 1, 2024, it was announced that there will be an upcoming name change to Nelson University on August 1, 2024.<ref>[https://www.sagu.edu/news/campus-news/the-future-is-here-sagu-to-become-nelson-university/ Nelson University Press Release]. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2024-03-01.</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
=== The Merger ===
=== The Merger ===
Southwestern Assemblies of God University began life as three separate Bible schools. The first, known as Southwestern Bible School, was established in 1927 in [[Enid, Oklahoma|Enid]], [[Oklahoma]], under the leadership of the Reverend P. C. Nelson. The second, Shield of Faith Bible Institute, was founded in [[Amarillo, Texas|Amarillo]] Texas, in 1931 under the direction of the Reverend Guy Shields. It included not only a Bible school, but also a grade school and a high school. The third, which was operated as Southern Bible College in connection with the Richey Evangelistic Temple, began in 1931 at Goose Creek, Texas (now [[Baytown, Texas|Baytown]]), in 1931. It was started by Reverend J. T. Little in Trinity Tabernacle and moved to [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] in 1933. The school's name was then changed to Southern Bible Institute.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/about-sagu About SAGU] Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.</ref>
Southwestern Assemblies of God University began life as three separate Bible schools. The first, known as Southwestern Bible School, was established in 1927 in [[Enid, Oklahoma|Enid]], [[Oklahoma]], under the leadership of the Reverend P.C. Nelson. The second, Shield of Faith Bible Institute, was founded in [[Amarillo, Texas|Amarillo]], Texas, in 1931 under the direction of the Reverend Guy Shields. It included not only a Bible school, but also a grade school and a high school. The third, which was operated as Southern Bible College in connection with the Richey Evangelistic Temple, began in 1931 at Goose Creek, Texas (now [[Baytown, Texas|Baytown]]), in 1931. It was started by Reverend J. T. Little in Trinity Tabernacle and moved to [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] in 1933. The school's name was then changed to Southern Bible Institute.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/about-sagu About SAGU] Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.</ref>


The Bible school division of Shield of Faith Bible Institute was moved to Fort Worth in 1935. The high school division was transferred the following year. In 1940, a merger resulted in Southern Bible Institute, moving to Fort Worth. The combined school, operating as South Central Bible Institute, came under the ownership and direction of the Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God.
The Bible school division of Shield of Faith Bible Institute was moved to Fort Worth in 1935. The high school division was transferred the following year. In 1940, a merger resulted in Southern Bible Institute, moving to Fort Worth. The combined school, operating as South Central Bible Institute, came under the ownership and direction of the Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God.
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===Discrimination law exception===
===Discrimination law exception===
In 2015 SAGU was granted an exception to [[Title IX]] allowing it to discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons. In 2016 the organization [[Campus Pride]] ranked the college among the worst schools in Texas for LGBT students.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hacker |first=Holly K. |date=August 29, 2016 |title= 9 Texas colleges rank among the 'absolute worst' for LGBT students, gay rights group says |url= https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2016/08/29/9-texas-colleges-rank-among-the-absolute-worst-for-lgbt-students-gay-rights-group-says/ |work=The Dallas Morning News |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref> SAGU responded to the negative ranking by saying that the anti-LGBT student policy is clearly articulated to prospective students before they attend.<ref>{{cite news |last=Poynor |first=Kelsey |date=September 1, 2016 |title=SAGU releases statement regarding Campus Pride 'Shame List' |url=https://www.waxahachietx.com/news/20160901/sagu-releases-statement-regarding-campus-pride-shame-list |work=Waxahachie Daily Light |access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
In 2015, SAGU was granted an exception to [[Title IX]], allowing it to discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons. In 2016, the organization [[Campus Pride]] ranked the college among the worst schools in Texas for LGBT students.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hacker |first=Holly K. |date=August 29, 2016 |title= 9 Texas colleges rank among the 'absolute worst' for LGBT students, gay rights group says |url= https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2016/08/29/9-texas-colleges-rank-among-the-absolute-worst-for-lgbt-students-gay-rights-group-says/ |work=The Dallas Morning News |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref> SAGU responded to the negative ranking by saying that the anti-LGBT student policy is clearly articulated to prospective students before they attend.<ref>{{cite news |last=Poynor |first=Kelsey |date=September 1, 2016 |title=SAGU releases statement regarding Campus Pride 'Shame List' |url=https://www.waxahachietx.com/news/20160901/sagu-releases-statement-regarding-campus-pride-shame-list |work=Waxahachie Daily Light |access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>


The university's handbook lists homosexuality as an offense for which a student can be expelled. SAGU had 3 members of LGBT rights group [[Equality Ride]] arrested for trying to attend a chapel service.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=January 30, 2008 |title=3 Soulforce Equality Riders arrested on SAGU campus |url=https://dallasvoice.com/3-soulforce-equality-riders-arrested-on-sagu-campus/ |work=Dallas Voice |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
The university's handbook lists homosexuality as an offense for which a student can be expelled. SAGU had 3 members of LGBT rights group [[Equality Ride]] arrested for trying to attend a chapel service.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=January 30, 2008 |title=3 Soulforce Equality Riders arrested on SAGU campus |url=https://dallasvoice.com/3-soulforce-equality-riders-arrested-on-sagu-campus/ |work=Dallas Voice |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
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Amidst the physical expansion, SAGU experienced consecutive record enrollments in Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, and Fall 2010 reaching a milestone of 2,064.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/enrollment-news/4-sagu-sees-8th-consecutive-semester-increase SAGU Sees 8th Consecutive Semester Increase]. Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.</ref>
Amidst the physical expansion, SAGU experienced consecutive record enrollments in Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, and Fall 2010 reaching a milestone of 2,064.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/enrollment-news/4-sagu-sees-8th-consecutive-semester-increase SAGU Sees 8th Consecutive Semester Increase]. Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.</ref>


== Accreditation ==
=== Accreditation ===
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Southwestern's Teacher Education Program is approved by the Texas Education Agency.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Southwestern's Teacher Education Program is approved by the Texas Education Agency.{{cn|date=February 2022}}


== Athletics ==
== Athletics ==
SAGU teams, nicknamed athletically as the Lions, are part of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA), primarily competing in the [[Sooner Athletic Conference]], while its football team competes in the [[Central States Football League]] (CSFL). The Lions also compete as a member of the [[National Christian College Athletic Association]] (NCCAA) and holds their home games at [[Lumpkins Stadium]] a local high school football stadium of [[Waxahachie High School]]. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.
The Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU) athletic teams are called the Lions. The university is a member of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA), primarily competing in the [[Sooner Athletic Conference]] (SAC) since the 2013–14 academic year.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/athletic-news/general-athletic-news/1733-sagu-and-two-other-texas-schools-join-sooner-athletic-conference SAGU To Join Sooner Athletic Conference]. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref> They are also a member of the [[National Christian College Athletic Association]] (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Central Region of the Division I level. The Lions previously competed in the [[Red River Athletic Conference]] (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 2012–13.


SAGU competes in 14 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, eSports, football, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, eSports, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. There is a cheerleading squad. The school colors are purple and gold.
In September 2012, SAGU announced they would move from the RRAC to the Sooner Athletic Conference in the 2013–14 season.<ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/athletic-news/general-athletic-news/1733-sagu-and-two-other-texas-schools-join-sooner-athletic-conference SAGU To Join Sooner Athletic Conference]. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref>


===Facilities===
There is a cheerleading squad. The school colors are purple and gold.
SAGU holds their football home games at [[Lumpkins Stadium]]. All other home games are played on campus.


===Accomplishments===
⚫
The 2012-2013 season made 2013 a record-setting year for SAGU Lions Basketball, with the Lions achieving the NAIA second-place championship ranking.<ref>[http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27900&ATCLID=206718709 SAGU in NAIA Semifinal Game]. NAIA.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/athletic-news/mens-basketball-news/2163-sagu-is-setback-in-national-championship SAGU Setback in National Championship]. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref>
[[File:Lumpkins Stadium Waxahachie TX 2016.jpg|thumb|SAGU shares a stadium with [[Waxahachie High School]] at [[Lumpkins Stadium]] for football.]]
[[File:Lumpkins Stadium Waxahachie TX 2016.jpg|thumb|SAGU shares a stadium with [[Waxahachie High School]] at [[Lumpkins Stadium]] for football.]]

{| class="wikitable"
⚫
The 2012–13 school year made 2013 a record-setting year for SAGU Lions Basketball, with the Lions achieving the NAIA second-place championship ranking.<ref>[http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27900&ATCLID=206718709 SAGU in NAIA Semifinal Game]. NAIA.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.sagu.edu/news/athletic-news/mens-basketball-news/2163-sagu-is-setback-in-national-championship SAGU Setback in National Championship]. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.</ref>
! colspan="2" |SAGU Athletic Teams
|-
!Men's
!Women's
|-
|Baseball
|Basketball
|-
|Basketball
|Cheerleading
|-
|Cross Country
|Cross Country
|-
|Football
|Soccer
|-
|Soccer
|Softball
|-
|Track and Field
|Track and Field
|-
|
|Volleyball
|}


===Judah the Lion===
===Judah the Lion===
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*[[Gary Elkins (Texas politician)|Gary Elkins]] (BS '78), former [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from his native [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], Texas<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/directory/gary-elkins/#ui-tabs-1|title=State Rep. Gary W. Elkins District 135 (R-Houston)|work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |access-date=March 30, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Gary Elkins (Texas politician)|Gary Elkins]] (BS '78), former [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from his native [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], Texas<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/directory/gary-elkins/#ui-tabs-1|title=State Rep. Gary W. Elkins District 135 (R-Houston)|work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |access-date=March 30, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Mike Evans (journalist)|Mike Evans]], author, journalist, Middle East commentator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jerusalemprayerteam.org/AboutDrMikeEvans.asp|title=About Dr. Mike Evans |access-date=19 May 2014|publisher=Jerusalem Prayer Team}}</ref>
*[[Mike Evans (journalist)|Mike Evans]], author, journalist, Middle East commentator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jerusalemprayerteam.org/AboutDrMikeEvans.asp|title=About Dr. Mike Evans |access-date=19 May 2014|publisher=Jerusalem Prayer Team}}</ref>
*[[Marla Hanson]], [[screenwriter]] and ex-[[Model (person)|model]]
* [[Jerry Lee Lewis]], expelled for having played a Boogie-Woogie rendition of "My God Is Real".
*[[Jerry Lee Lewis]], expelled for having played a boogie-woogie rendition of "My God Is Real".
*[[Marlin Maddoux]], conservative Christian radio host and founder of ''Point of View Ministries''.
*[[Marlin Maddoux]], conservative Christian radio host and founder of ''Point of View Ministries''.
*[[Mike Murdock]] televangelist and Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. Left in 1966, after three semesters.
*[[Mike Murdock]], televangelist and contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. Left in 1966 after three semesters.

==Awards==
Southwestern Assemblies God University (SAGU) ranked 7th in midsize companies in The Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Workplaces in DFW on Sunday, November 10, 2013. Winners were selected based upon survey results. Dallas Morning News ranks winners by small (less than 150 employees), midsize (150-499 employees) and large (500 employees or more) companies. This year, 276 companies were surveyed, and WorkplaceDynamics analyzed the answers from 72,285 workers to determine the Top 100.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://res.dallasnews.com/graphics/2014_11/top100/ |title=Top 100 Places to Work in D-FW 2014|work=dallasnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = SAGU makes Top 100 Places to Work for 2nd consecutive year|url = http://www.sagu.edu/news/sagu-makes-dallas-morning-news-top-100-places-to-work-for-a-second-consecutive-year|access-date = 2015-09-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.sagu.edu/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.sagu.edu/}}
* [http://sagulions.com Official athletics website]


{{Navboxes
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{{NCCAA Division I Central navbox}}
{{NCCAA Division I Central navbox}}
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{{authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 21:44, 16 April 2024

Southwestern Assemblies of
God University
Former names
Southwestern Assemblies of God College (1927–1994)
   Southwestern Bible School
   Shield of Faith Bible School
   Southern Bible Institute
MottoHigher Education for a Higher Purpose
TypePrivate university
Established1927 (1927)
Religious affiliation
Assemblies of God
PresidentKermit Bridges
ProvostPaul Brooks
Academic staff
125
Students2,012
Undergraduates1,700
Postgraduates312
Location
Waxahachie
,
Texas
,
United States

32°24′14″N 96°51′11″W / 32.4038°N 96.8530°W / 32.4038; -96.8530
CampusSuburban, 70 acres (0.28 km2)
ColorsPurple & Gold[1]
   
NicknameLions
Sporting affiliations
NAIA – Sooner
NCCAA Division I – Central
MascotJudah the Lion
Websitewww.sagu.edu

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas. SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges[2] and endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA.[3] The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a variety of liberal arts programs, as well as programs in Bible and church ministries.

On March 1, 2024, it was announced that there will be an upcoming name change to Nelson University on August 1, 2024.[4]

History[edit]

The Merger[edit]

Southwestern Assemblies of God University began life as three separate Bible schools. The first, known as Southwestern Bible School, was established in 1927 in Enid, Oklahoma, under the leadership of the Reverend P.C. Nelson. The second, Shield of Faith Bible Institute, was founded in Amarillo, Texas, in 1931 under the direction of the Reverend Guy Shields. It included not only a Bible school, but also a grade school and a high school. The third, which was operated as Southern Bible College in connection with the Richey Evangelistic Temple, began in 1931 at Goose Creek, Texas (now Baytown), in 1931. It was started by Reverend J. T. Little in Trinity Tabernacle and moved to Houston in 1933. The school's name was then changed to Southern Bible Institute.[5]

The Bible school division of Shield of Faith Bible Institute was moved to Fort Worth in 1935. The high school division was transferred the following year. In 1940, a merger resulted in Southern Bible Institute, moving to Fort Worth. The combined school, operating as South Central Bible Institute, came under the ownership and direction of the Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God.

The school in Enid merged with South Central in 1941, at which time the name was changed to Southwestern Bible Institute. In 1943, the institute was moved to its present facilities in Waxahachie, Texas. During the 1944–45 term, a junior college curriculum was added to the school's program. The Junior College Division soon accounted for about half of the enrollment in the College.

Becoming Southwestern Bible College[edit]

Southwestern Bible Institute became a regional school in 1954. At that time seven districts of the Assemblies of God—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Texas and West Texas—owned and operated the school. In 1969, the Rocky Mountain District, composed of Colorado and Utah, was admitted to the Region. The Mississippi District was then added to the Region in 1979. In 1980, the Rocky Mountain District voted to withdraw from the Southwestern Region and to remain neutral.

The proposal to change the name of Southwestern was ratified by all seven districts, and the name became Southwestern Assemblies of God College. In 1963, the upper two years of the college were renamed Southwestern College of the Bible. In 1968, the separation of the divisions of the college was made more complete, and the Junior College was designated Southwestern Junior College of the Assemblies of God. In 1988 the two divisions were reunited.

Becoming Southwestern Assemblies of God University[edit]

Sheaffer Center at SAGU

Beginning in the early nineties, Southwestern experienced phenomenal enrollment increases. From 596 students in the fall of 1991, enrollment grew to 1492 students in 1997. Along with the enrollment increase, opportunities to expand the curriculum and programs developed. In December 1994, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the name change to Southwestern Assemblies of God University to more accurately reflect its purpose and mission as a Bible university of theological and professional studies.

Harrison Graduate School[edit]

In 1996, SAGU expanded to include a graduate school. Approximately nineteen graduate programs are available through SAGU’s Harrison School of Graduate Studies.

Discrimination law exception[edit]

In 2015, SAGU was granted an exception to Title IX, allowing it to discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons. In 2016, the organization Campus Pride ranked the college among the worst schools in Texas for LGBT students.[6] SAGU responded to the negative ranking by saying that the anti-LGBT student policy is clearly articulated to prospective students before they attend.[7]

The university's handbook lists homosexuality as an offense for which a student can be expelled. SAGU had 3 members of LGBT rights group Equality Ride arrested for trying to attend a chapel service.[8]

Academics[edit]

In 2004, the academic divisions of the university realigned into two colleges, the College of Bible & Church Ministries and the College of Arts & Professions. Both colleges maintain Bible-based curriculum and strive to fulfill the mission of SAGU.

Since 2000, SAGU has added 24 new academic programs, bringing the total to more than 60 programs. Additionally, under the direction of President Kermit Bridges, the campus has continued to grow. In 2006–2007, Teeter and Bridges Halls were added. They were followed by the new Alton Garrison Student Wellness Center in 2009.

Amidst the physical expansion, SAGU experienced consecutive record enrollments in Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, and Fall 2010 reaching a milestone of 2,064.[9]

Accreditation[edit]

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Southwestern's Teacher Education Program is approved by the Texas Education Agency.[citation needed]

Athletics[edit]

The Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU) athletic teams are called the Lions. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) since the 2013–14 academic year.[10] They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Central Region of the Division I level. The Lions previously competed in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 2012–13.

SAGU competes in 14 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, eSports, football, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, eSports, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. There is a cheerleading squad. The school colors are purple and gold.

Facilities[edit]

SAGU holds their football home games at Lumpkins Stadium. All other home games are played on campus.

Accomplishments[edit]

SAGU shares a stadium with Waxahachie High School at Lumpkins Stadium for football.

The 2012–13 school year made 2013 a record-setting year for SAGU Lions Basketball, with the Lions achieving the NAIA second-place championship ranking.[11][12]

Judah the Lion[edit]

Influenced by Vice President George Brazell's acquisition of a four-month-old lion cub named Judah, Southwestern adopted the "Lion of Judah" as its mascot in 1963.[13][14]

Notable alumni[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ University Branding & Communication: Style & Policy Guide (PDF). SAGU Marketing and Public Relations. 2014-10-01. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  2. ^ SACS COC listing Archived 2013-09-11 at the Wayback Machine. SACSCOC.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.
  3. ^ AG Colleges. AG.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.
  4. ^ Nelson University Press Release. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2024-03-01.
  5. ^ About SAGU Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.
  6. ^ Hacker, Holly K. (August 29, 2016). "9 Texas colleges rank among the 'absolute worst' for LGBT students, gay rights group says". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  7. ^ Poynor, Kelsey (September 1, 2016). "SAGU releases statement regarding Campus Pride 'Shame List'". Waxahachie Daily Light. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  8. ^ "3 Soulforce Equality Riders arrested on SAGU campus". Dallas Voice. Associated Press. January 30, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  9. ^ SAGU Sees 8th Consecutive Semester Increase. Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.
  10. ^ SAGU To Join Sooner Athletic Conference. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.
  11. ^ SAGU in NAIA Semifinal Game. NAIA.org. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.
  12. ^ SAGU Setback in National Championship. SAGU.edu. Retrieved on 2012-03-22.
  13. ^ For the Whole World: A History of Southwestern Assemblies of God University, p.134
  14. ^ Mascot – Judah the Lion. Sagu.edu. Retrieved on 2012-05-29.
  15. ^ "State Rep. Gary W. Elkins District 135 (R-Houston)". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  16. ^ "About Dr. Mike Evans". Jerusalem Prayer Team. Retrieved 19 May 2014.

External links[edit]

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