Southern Nazarene University

Bethany, OK

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“"Character, Culture, Christ"”

1899

Founded

Private university

Type

1,459

Total Students

1,656

Undergrad

454

Graduate

$59M

Endowment

(2024)

$30K

Tuition (In-State)

$30K

Tuition (Out-State)

$18K

Avg Net Price

49%

Graduation Rate

6-year

92%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: J. Keith Newman

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

About Southern Nazarene University

SNU: Character, Culture, Christ – forging futures with a rich legacy.

Southern Nazarene University (SNU) stands as a beacon of education rooted in "Character, Culture, Christ." This private university, founded in 1899, offers a distinctive academic journey shaped by a rich history of growth and dedication to spiritual principles. With a vibrant student body of over 2,100, SNU provides an intimate and supportive environment for students seeking to integrate faith with learning and develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for impact.

The university's compelling history is a testament to resilience and vision, beginning with the Texas Holiness University in 1899 and evolving from the Beulah Heights Academy and Bible School in Oklahoma City in 1906. What started from the compassionate efforts of Miss Mattie Mallory and her orphanage blossomed through strategic mergers with several fellow Nazarene institutions like Peniel College, Central Nazarene College, Arkansas Holiness College, and Bresee Theological College. This unique journey forged SNU into a central hub for Nazarene education across the Southwest, establishing a deep-rooted legacy of community and academic development.

Students at Southern Nazarene University become part of a community that values holistic development, fostering an environment where academic rigor meets spiritual growth. The institution's commitment to its founding principles ensures an educational experience that extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing ethical leadership and service. While rooted in tradition, SNU has also shown adaptability, navigating historical challenges and continuously refining its academic and institutional practices to uphold its mission and support its diverse student population. SNU offers a unique opportunity to grow intellectually and personally within a faith-centered framework.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1899, tracing its earliest roots back to Texas Holiness University and an orphanage in Oklahoma City.
✦Guided by the enduring motto: "Character, Culture, Christ."
✦A private university with a close-knit community of over 2,100 students.
✦Supported by a significant endowment of $0.1 billion, ensuring robust resources.
✦Became a central Nazarene institution for the Southwest through mergers with four other colleges.
✦Successfully resolved an 18-year censure by the American Association of University Professors in 2005.
✦Operates as a faith-based institution, having been granted a Title IX exception in 2016 for religious reasons.

Timeline

1899

Founding date of Texas Holiness University, a merging institution.

1906

Beulah Heights Academy and Bible School opened, marking SNU's Oklahoman roots.

1909

Renamed Oklahoma Holiness College and relocated to Bethany.

1920

Merged with Peniel College, becoming Bethany-Peniel College.

1955

Renamed Bethany Nazarene College.

1986

Renamed Southern Nazarene University.

2005

Removed from the American Association of University Professors' censure list.

2016

Granted an exception to Title IX for religious reasons.

🏛️

127 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

J. Keith Newman

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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