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Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture.

1935
Founded
Private university
Type
4,646
Total Students
$32K
Tuition (In-State)
$32K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
74%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Graduation Rate
6-year
72%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Kent J. Ingle

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Southeastern University

Southeastern University: Dynamic growth, diverse programs, transforming minds, and engaging culture.

Southeastern University, a vibrant private institution founded in 1935, stands by its inspiring motto: "Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture." With a current student body of 10,000, the university has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, particularly in recent years. Under the leadership of President Kent J. Ingle, it has become a beacon of higher education, offering a wide array of academic programs designed to equip students for impactful careers and lives.

The university's journey began as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute, evolving through several name changes and a pivotal move to its permanent Lakeland, Florida campus in 1946. What started as a Bible institute progressively expanded its academic scope, becoming South-Eastern Bible College in 1956 with the introduction of four-year bachelor's degrees, and later Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God in 1977. Its commitment to academic excellence was solidified with regional accreditation in 1986, setting the stage for its transformation into a comprehensive university.

In 2005, Southeastern College officially became Southeastern University, marking a significant milestone with the launch of its first master's degree programs and the formation of key colleges such as Arts and Sciences, Business, Christian Ministries and Religion, and Education. This expansion continued with the later addition of the Colleges of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Natural and Health Sciences. Today, the university boasts an impressive academic portfolio of 55 bachelor's, 16 master's, and 2 doctoral degrees, alongside a dynamic campus featuring new athletic facilities, a 27,000-square-foot Natural and Health Sciences building, and the innovative 125,000-square-foot Buena Vida Live/Learn facility.

Beyond its main campus, Southeastern University extends its educational reach through an extensive network of 80 extension sites across 29 states, making quality education accessible to a broader student population. This commitment to growth, academic diversity, and a vibrant student experience underscores Southeastern University's dedication to its mission of transforming minds and engaging culture, preparing students to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1935 as a private university with the motto: "Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture."
  • Experienced rapid growth, with student enrollment expanding by 78% from 2,500 in 2012 to 4,538 in 2015, reaching 10,000 students today.
  • Offers a comprehensive academic catalog including 55 bachelor's, 16 master's, and 2 doctoral degree programs.
  • Boasts modern campus facilities including a 27,000-square-foot Natural and Health Sciences building and the 125,000-square-foot Buena Vida Live/Learn facility.
  • Features a robust athletic program, home to the Southeastern Fire football team and new facilities for baseball, soccer, and track.
  • Operates 80 extension sites across 29 states, significantly expanding access to its diverse degree offerings.
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1986.

Timeline

1935
Founded as Alabama Shield of Faith Institute in New Brockton, Alabama.
1936
Renamed South-Eastern Bible Institute (SEBI).
1946
Secured permanent campus location in Lakeland, Florida.
1956
Became South-Eastern Bible College, offering four-year bachelor's degrees.
1986
Granted regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
2005
Officially became Southeastern University and began offering master's degree programs.
2011
President Kent J. Ingle's tenure began, initiating a period of rapid growth and expansion.
2014
Launched its first doctoral program (EdD) and the Southeastern Fire football team played its first home game.
2016
Completed Buena Vida, a 125,000 square-foot Live/Learn facility.
🏛️
91 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Southeastern University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

One of the foundational colleges established in 2005 when the institution became a university.

💼

College of Business

Formed in 2005, offering diverse business programs.

🏫

College of Christian Ministries and Religion

A core college reflecting the university's spiritual heritage, established in 2005.

📚

College of Education

Established in 2005, building on earlier education degree offerings.

🔬

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Formed after 2005, expanding the university's academic scope.

🔬

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Established after 2005, notably including a growing nursing program and new facilities.

Leadership

President
Meghan L. Griffin
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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