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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, Transformative Education, and a Global Reach.

Southeastern University, a private institution founded in 1935, lives by its motto: "Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture." With a vibrant community of 10,000 students, Southeastern is known for its remarkable growth and commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience rooted in its Christian heritage. The university has significantly expanded its academic offerings and campus facilities, positioning itself as a leader in innovative education with a focus on student success and cultural engagement.

Academically, Southeastern offers a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for diverse careers and impactful lives. Students can choose from 55 bachelor's degrees, 16 master's degrees, and two doctoral programs, including the EdD launched in 2014. The university is structured into various colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Business, Christian Ministries and Religion, Education, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Natural and Health Sciences, ensuring a broad spectrum of academic pathways for its growing student body.

Beyond academics, Southeastern provides a dynamic student experience, marked by significant campus development and a thriving athletic program. The university boasts new athletic complexes, including a 3,500-seat stadium for its Fire football team, baseball, and soccer facilities, alongside a new gymnasium and track. Recent expansions also include the state-of-the-art Natural and Health Sciences building and the Buena Vida Live/Learn Facility, which integrates classrooms, faculty offices, student housing, and dining. Furthermore, Southeastern extends its reach through 80 extension sites across 29 states, offering accessible degree programs for a broader community, demonstrating its commitment to transforming lives wherever students are.

From its humble beginnings in New Brockton, Alabama, as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute, Southeastern has undergone a remarkable evolution. After several name changes and relocations, it found its permanent home in Lakeland, Florida. The institution transitioned from a Bible institute to a college offering four-year degrees and eventually achieved university status in 2005, marking a pivotal moment with the introduction of master's programs and the formation of its core academic colleges. This rich history of adaptation and growth underscores Southeastern's enduring dedication to educational excellence and spiritual formation.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Serves a vibrant community of 10,000 students, offering a diverse and engaging campus environment.
  • ✦Experienced rapid growth, expanding its student body by 78% between 2011 and 2015.
  • ✦Offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 55 bachelor's, 16 master's, and 2 doctoral degrees.
  • ✦Operates 80 extension sites across 29 states, significantly broadening access to its educational offerings.
  • ✦Features state-of-the-art facilities, including a 3,500-seat football stadium and a 27,000-square-foot Natural and Health Sciences building.
  • ✦Holds regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, reaffirmed multiple times.
  • ✦Guided by the impactful motto: "Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture."

Timeline

1935
Founded in New Brockton, Alabama, as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute.
1936
Renamed the South-Eastern Bible Institute (SEBI).
1946
Permanent campus location purchased and developed in Lakeland, Florida.
1956
Became South-Eastern Bible College, beginning to offer four-year bachelor's degree programs.
1977
Renamed Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God after adding education 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
Undertook several initiatives that resulted in rapid growth.
2014
Launched its first doctoral program (EdD) and introduced a college football team.
2016
Completed the 125,000 square-foot Buena Vida Live/Learn Facility.
🏛️
91 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Southeastern University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

Formed in 2005, offering a broad range of liberal arts and sciences programs.

💼

College of Business

Established in 2005, providing comprehensive business education.

🏫

College of Christian Ministries and Religion

A foundational college formed in 2005, focusing on theological and ministerial training.

📚

College of Education

Established in 2005, offering various degrees for aspiring educators.

🔬

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Formed after 2005, dedicated to the study of human behavior and societal structures.

🔬

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Formed after 2005, housing programs in nursing, sciences, and health-related fields, supported by a new 27,000-square-foot facility.

Leadership

President
Meghan L. Griffin
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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