Nelson University facts for kids

Nelson University, once known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university. It is located in Waxahachie, Texas. Nelson University is officially recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is also supported by the Assemblies of God USA. The university offers many different types of degrees. These include associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. They offer programs in liberal arts, Bible studies, and church ministries.

On August 1, 2024, Southwestern Assemblies of God University changed its name to Nelson University.

History of Nelson University

Nelson University started from three different Bible schools. These schools later joined together.

How the Schools Merged

The first school was Southwestern Bible School. It began in 1927 in Enid, Oklahoma. Reverend P.C. Nelson led this school.

The second school was Shield of Faith Bible Institute. It started in 1931 in Amarillo, Texas. Reverend Guy Shields was its leader. This school had a Bible school, a grade school, and a high school.

The third school was Southern Bible College. It began in 1931 in Goose Creek, Texas (now Baytown). Reverend J. T. Little started it. In 1933, it moved to Houston and was renamed Southern Bible Institute.

In 1935, the Bible school part of Shield of Faith Bible Institute moved to Fort Worth. The high school part moved there the next year. In 1940, Southern Bible Institute also moved to Fort Worth. These schools joined to become South Central Bible Institute. The Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God then owned and ran it.

In 1941, the school from Enid joined South Central. The name changed again to Southwestern Bible Institute. In 1943, the institute moved to its current location in Waxahachie, Texas. In 1944–45, they added a junior college program. This junior college quickly became very popular.

Becoming Southwestern Bible College

Southwestern Bible Institute became a regional school in 1954. Seven districts of the Assemblies of God owned and ran the school. These districts were Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Texas, and West Texas. In 1969, the Rocky Mountain District joined. The Mississippi District was added in 1979.

The school's name changed to Southwestern Assemblies of God College. This change was approved by all seven districts. In 1963, the last two years of the college were called Southwestern College of the Bible. In 1968, the college was split into two parts. The junior college was named Southwestern Junior College of the Assemblies of God. In 1988, the two parts joined back together.

Becoming a University

In the early 1990s, the number of students at Southwestern grew a lot. In 1991, there were 596 students. By 1997, this number had grown to 1492 students. With more students, the school could offer more classes and programs. In December 1994, the school's leaders decided to change the name. It became Southwestern Assemblies of God University. This new name showed that it was a university offering many different studies.

Harrison Graduate School

In 1996, Nelson University added a graduate school. This means students could continue their education after getting a bachelor's degree. Today, there are about nineteen graduate programs available. These programs are offered through Nelson University's Harrison School of Graduate Studies.

Academics

In 2004, the university's academic areas were reorganized. They became two main colleges. These were the College of Bible & Church Ministries and the College of Arts & Professions. Both colleges focus on Bible-based learning. They work to achieve Nelson University's main goals.

Since 2000, Nelson University has added 24 new study programs. This brings the total to over 60 programs. Also, under President Kermit Bridges, the campus has continued to grow. In 2006–2007, Teeter and Bridges Halls were built. The new Alton Garrison Student Wellness Center was added in 2009.

Along with new buildings, Nelson University had record numbers of students. This happened in Fall 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. In 2010, the student count reached 2,064.

Accreditation

Nelson University is officially recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This means it is approved to give out associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Southwestern's Teacher Education Program is also approved by the Texas Education Agency.

Athletics

The sports teams at Nelson University are called the Lions. The university is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They mainly compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) since 2013–14. They are also members of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). They play as an independent team in the Central Region of Division I. Before 2013, the Lions competed in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).

Nelson University has 14 different sports teams. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, eSports, football, soccer, and track & field. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, eSports, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball. There is also a cheerleading squad. The school colors are purple and gold.

Facilities

Nelson University plays its home football games at Lumpkins Stadium. All other home games are played on the university campus.

Accomplishments

The 2012–13 school year was a great year for Nelson Lions Basketball. The Lions achieved a second-place ranking in the NAIA championship.

Judah the Lion

In 1963, Vice President George Brazell got a four-month-old lion cub named Judah. Because of this, Southwestern chose "Lion of Judah" as its mascot.

Notable Alumni

• Gary Elkins (BS '78), a former politician from Houston, Texas. He was a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives.
• Mike Evans, an author, journalist, and commentator on the Middle East.
• Marla Hanson, a screenwriter and former model.
• Jerry Lee Lewis, a famous musician. He was asked to leave the school for playing a boogie-woogie version of a hymn.
• Marlin Maddoux, a conservative Christian radio host. He started Point of View Ministries.
• Mike Murdock, a televangelist and Christian singer-songwriter. He left the school in 1966 after three semesters.

Images for kids

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  Former logo of Nelson University

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  Sheaffer Center at SAGU

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  Nelson University's logo at the time of its renaming

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

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de las Asambleas de Dios Suroccidentales para niños