Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Nelson University
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, TX – October 24, 2024— Nelson University’s College of Bible and Church Ministries is excited to announce the official renaming of its college to “Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries (SCBCM).” While the University no longer carries the name “Southwestern,” the legacy lives on within one of its cherished internal colleges. This continuation honors the institution’s roots and keeps a piece of its rich history alive, resonating with generations who have a deep connection to the Southwestern name.
Dr. David W. Barnett (MATS 2016), Lead Pastor of New Life Assembly of God in Hurst, Texas and Chair of the Nelson Board of Regents Commission on Academic and Student Programs, says “We are pleased to continue the history of the name ‘Southwestern’ within Nelson University. As we near the century-mark of our school, university leaders and the Board of Regents believe that the name ‘Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries’ honors the legacy of this institution’s missional commitment to preparing students for Kingdom work while communicating to our constituents around the globe that the mission continues. As we like to say, ‘the sun never sets on a Southwestern graduate.’ May this remain true until Jesus comes.”
Dr. Clancy P. Hayes, dean of the new Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries, states, “It is an honor to be the vehicle to carry on the ‘Southwestern’ name. The roots of this University are the training of young men and women for vocational ministry. It is important to remember that in addition to training students for traditional ministry at home and abroad, SCBCM trains students to minister in the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, and criminal justice. We believe that all students educated in our college will enhance the lives of those they interact with because they are deeply committed to Jesus and His purposes.”
Nelson University’s Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries has a longstanding dedication to equipping individuals for effective ministry through a solid biblical foundation. As the SCBCM embarks on this new chapter within Nelson University, we invite students, alumni, faculty, and friends to join us in celebrating this milestone. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by our predecessors while embracing the exciting opportunities ahead.
For more information about Southwestern College of Bible and Church Ministries, please visit www.nelson.edu.
Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.