Academic Catalogs
Graduate Catalog: |
2007 - 2008 General Information
Statement of Purpose
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a Bible-based institution for theological and professional studies. It is rooted in the great commission of Jesus to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” and to “make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mark 16:15a; Matthew 28:19, 20), which is the primary emphasis of Southwestern’s parent body, the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
The purpose of Southwestern Assemblies of God University is to prepare undergraduate and graduate students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross culturally so as to successfully fill evangelistic, missionary and church ministry roles and to provide quality educational and professional Christian service wherever needed throughout the world.
Objectives
Upon graduation students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate spiritual maturity with a priority of using their preparation at Southwestern as a foundation for further spiritual development and experiences.
2. Demonstrate competence in the area of academia. Therefore, all of Southwestern’s resources, both physically and financially, are designated toward providing the students with educational studies on the undergraduate and graduate levels that will appropriately qualify them for their selected vocations.
3. Matriculate into Christian service both nationally and internationally in ministerial and professional roles.
4. Adjust politically, culturally, and spiritually to a global society by means of courses related to cross-cultural diversity, contemporary world issues, workshops, and other events sup-porting societal awareness and application.
Doctrinal Statement
Southwestern embraces and supports the doctrinal teaching of the General Council of the Assemblies of God as set forth in Article V, Statement of Fundamental Truths, of its Constitution. The following statements summarize these doctrines.
We Believe
.....the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
.....there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mattthew 28:19).
.....in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His personal
future return to this earth in power and glory to rule a thousand years (John 1:1).
.....in the blessed hope -- the rapture of the Church at Christ's coming (Titus 2:13).
.....the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ (John 14:6).
.....regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation (Titus 3:5).
.....in water baptism by immersion (Matthew 28:19).
.....the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer (I Peter 2:24).
.....the baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.
.....in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life (Galatians 5:16-25).
.....in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting
life and the other to everlasting damnation (Revelation 20:11-15).
Statement of Core Values
Bible-based Education
God is the ultimate source of all knowledge and truth and has revealed Himself in Scripture;
therefore, SAGU is committed to the authority of the Bible and the integration of biblical values
in all academic disciplines. The pursuit of truth and its application in every area of life comes
through understanding the Word of God and knowing Christ. The university intends that students
will deepen their understanding of Scripture and develop well-founded theological convictions
for a life of Christian service through a carefully selected 24 hour core of Bible and theology
curriculum.
Academic Excellence
SAGU is a university devoted, under God, to the pursuit of truth through the use of the mind.
Students, therefore, are encouraged to bring their minds in submission to Christ and fulfill their
responsibilities as stewards, and work for the integration of thinking and learning in the framework
of a Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to develop their minds and intellects in
the pursuit of knowing Christ and his creation, and seeking God’s direction as they choose a
vocation or career path.
Spiritual Formation
SAGU is committed to fostering spiritual formation among students that produces life-long spiritual
growth and character development. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding
of biblical faith, increase their desire to know and serve God, and develop personal integrity and
character by applying biblical values to their lives. Chapel and local church participation is
emphasized because worship is an important element in the university’s strategy for spiritual formation.
Missions-mindedness
SAGU is founded on the belief that every believer has a personal responsibility for the Great
Commission. SAGU intends that students will embrace missions-mindedness as evidenced by
life-long personal involvement in world evangelism, a life of intercessory prayer for the lost, personal
witness, contributing resources to world evangelism, and a willingness to go into full-time
missionary work (if called by God) or, at a minimum, participate in a short-term mission trip.
Pentecostal Distinction
SAGU is committed to an environment that encourages students to experience Spirit baptism
according to Pentecostal theology to obtain additional power for witness, personal edification
through speaking in tongues in private prayer, and additional enablement through spiritual gifts,
while continually pursuing spiritual formation and a Spirit-formed character. The university also
encourages the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in worship services according to the scriptural
directive.
Servant Leadership and Ministry
SAGU’s mission is founded on the belief that God intends every believer be actively involved in
ministry that reflects service and servanthood. Fulfilling the mission of the church requires all
believers, no matter their chosen career and calling, to work in team-like fashion using their
unique gifts and talents in churches and ministries around the world as pastors, board members,
elders, deacons, and heads of creative ministries in the pattern of the servant ministry of Jesus
Christ.
Community and Personal Wellness
SAGU is committed to the understanding that discipleship occurs in community and in relationship,
therefore students are encouraged to develop the social and relational skills needed to contribute
to an affirming, loving, and giving community of believers. Additionally students are
encouraged toward emotional and physical health for the purpose of enabling long, faithful service
unto God. Eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, and sufficient rest properly
honors God through the body.
University Standards
Southwestern Assemblies of God University embraces standards of conduct that are the same as those generally accepted by the Assemblies of God in America. These are characterized by clean behavior and conversation, modest apparel, high moral standards, commitment to excellence in educational and professional development, and deep consecration and devotion in spiritual life.
High Christian standards relate to all facets of university life. Though they are reflected in the spiritual development of the student, they do not end there. Christian citizenship is a Biblical obligation. Christian ethics extend into the intellectual development of an individual, and Christian morality regulates social relationships. Accordingly, the Christian will assume responsibilities in the educational community with cheerfulness and friendliness. Relationships at Southwestern must reflect moral purity and distaste for promiscuity. High standards are imposed in the area of physical development. This results in habits and diets that contribute to good health and physical well-being.
The same Christian standards apply to faculty, staff, and students. General student conduct standards are explained in the Student Handbook. The Student Conduct Committee embraces the responsibility of maintaining the high Christian standards of the student community. The committee may require a student who does not embrace the aims and ideals of the University to withdraw if the general welfare of the University demands it.
History
Three Bible schools joined together to form Southwestern Bible Institute. The first, known as Southwestern Bible School, was established at Enid, Oklahoma, in 1927 under the leadership of the Reverend P. C. Nelson. The second, Shield of Faith Bible School, 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 high school. The third, which was operated as Southern Bible Institute in connection with the Richey Evangelistic Temple, began at Goose Creek, Texas, in 1931. It was started by Reverend J. T. Little in Trinity Tabernacle and later moved to Houston in 1932.
The Bible school division of Shield of Faith 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.
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. The Mississippi District was added to the region in 1979.
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 1984 the School of Distance Education was established. In 1987 the Junior College and Bible College divisions were reunited. In December 1994, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the name change to Southwestern Assemblies of God University. In the same meeting the Board authorized the development of the Thomas F. Harrison School of Graduate Studies providing master’s degree programs.
The vision for a higher level of education was born under the administration of President Dr. Delmer Guynes. In the summer of 1996, Southwestern Assemblies of God University opened its Graduate School. Dr. H. Glynn Hall was appointed as the first Dean of Graduate Studies at SAGU. With conditional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and two masters degrees available— Practical Theology and Education— the graduate school offered its first program in the fall of 1996. The master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Graduate Distance Education courses were still in development when the first twenty-three students registered that fall.
Within a year, the graduate school was named the Thomas F. Harrison School of Graduate Studies (HSGS), as the beneficiary of the estate of the late Dr.’s Thomas F. and Louise K. Harrison. Within two years, the Thomas F. Harrison School of Graduate Studies received accreditation from SACS. By the year 2000, HSGS reached an enrollment of 114. The foundation established under the leadership of Dr. Hall provided for the continuity of the growth rate of HSGS, as well as the expansion of academic programs.
In the year 2000, Dr. Hall relinquished his position as Dean of Graduate Studies. Dr. Robert N. Harden was appointed to carry the vision of growth for the graduate school. That vision includes the addition of diverse programs of study, doctoral degree programs, higher enrollment, and physical plant development. HSGS now offers masters degrees through various formats to put higher education within reach of students: evening/weekend classes, distance courses, and specialized seminars.
Campus and Facilities
Southwestern is located in the heart of the rich blacklands of North Texas in Waxahachie, the county seat of Ellis County (population circa 25,000). This unique city provides an excellent set-ting for a university outside of the big-city congestion, yet it affords the benefits of the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The university occupies 70 acres providing ample area for its present facilities and future growth.
Barnes Student Center
The James L. Barnes Student Center serves as a central social gathering place for students. The facility is home for the administrative offices of Student Services, Student Congress, and Career Services. It also includes a game room, snack bar, lounge, study areas, and student mail boxes.
Bridges Hall
The James K. Bridges Hall houses over 200 students and incorporates the Student Counseling
Department.
Claxton Athletic Center
The physical education program utilizes the Virgil Claxton Athletic Center as well as other facilities on the campus. Outdoor volleyball accommodations are also available.
Davis Hall
F. D. Davis Hall is open during regular business hours. It houses offices for Financial Aid, Information Technology, and the Student Counseling Center.
Ellis Learning Resource Center
The Pearl Ellis Learning Resource Center is a two-story structure that includes classrooms, faculty offices, and the Education Department.
Farmer Administration Building
The Blake L. Farmer Administration Building is a four-story structure of early twentieth century architecture. It houses administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, conference rooms, and the McCafferty Hall.
Foster Music Center
The 14,000 square foot E. R. Foster Music Center contains classrooms, band hall, piano lab, music library, practice rooms, and faculty offices. Sound-proof construction, internet, and audio-visual services make this an outstanding learning environment.
Harrison School of Graduate Studies
The Thomas F. Harrison School of Graduate Studies is located on the second floor of the Sheaffer Full Life Center. It houses offices for the Dean and graduate faculty, as well as classrooms and a lounge.
Information and Security Center
The Information and Security Center (ISC) houses the Department of Security and Safety Services. Campus Security is available 24 hours a day and can be reached by dialing extension 5400 from any on-campus telephone. For on-campus emergencies dial 5555. From off-campus phones contact Campus Security by dialing 972.923.5400. The ISC is located on the north side of the East University Dr. entrance. This is where Lost and Found is located and ID cards, ticket appeals, and vehicle registration concerns are administered. For other available services, contact the dispatch office at 5400.
P.C. Nelson Memorial Library
The P.C. Nelson Memorial Library houses a collection of approximately 107,000 volumes. The library is a member of the international Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) as well as other consortia. The facility is divided into various sections: computer labs for student instruction and research; electronic research computers for on-line databases; audio-visual study area; reserve shelves; leisure reading and current periodical area; periodical room; circulation area; bibliographic section; micrographic area; indexes and bound periodical area; archive section; classrooms and offices.
Also located in the library is the university’s Achievement Center, offering tutorial and instructional assistance to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Sheaffer Full Life Center
The Sheaffer Full Life Center is a 111,000 square foot facility which serves as a center for every-day student activities and special events. It houses a chapel with a 2,500 seat capacity, a 1,000 seat dining commons and food court serving students and guests daily during the academic year, an athletic center with two regulation basketball courts, racquetball courts, weights and training rooms, locker rooms, and spectator seating for sporting events. Additionally, the Full Life Center houses classrooms, faculty offices, and the offices for the Graduate School, Admissions, Student Ministries and the University Chaplain. It also contains the Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center.
Sycamore Place
Sycamore Place is located across the street from the Administration Building. It houses the Founders Bookstore and Assemblies of God Credit Union. The School of Distance Education makes its home here, as well as a University Testing Center.
Teeter Hall
This new facility houses the offices of the Dean of Students, the school nurse, Student Activities, and Student Housing.
University Housing
Southwestern is a residential university. However, graduate students are not required to live on-campus. Affordable apartments are available on campus for graduate students on a first-come basis. Contact the Business Office for information.