Mission
The Vision and Mission Statements of Southwestern College
Our Vision
Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, is a learning community dedicated to:
- Intellectual growth and career preparation
- Individual development and Christian values
- Lifetime learning and responsible citizenship
- Leadership through service in a world without boundaries
The Mission of Southwestern College
Southwestern College provides a values-based learning experience that emphasizes intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1885 by Kansas Methodists and now related to the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church, the college offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees on-ground and online.
Southwestern College:
- Prepares students for careers and for graduate studies with courses that foster critical thinking and effective communication and are characterized by meaningful professor-student interaction.
- Employs emerging technologies that promote learning.
- Strives to live by and teach a sustainable way of life.
- Provides preparation for a wide range of church-related vocations and involvement.
- Offers programs that embrace prior learning and facilitate career progression for working adults, members of the armed services, and persons in transition.
- Affords a residential learning experience abundant with co-curricular activities that build social awareness and interpersonal skills and cultivate an ethos of service and leadership.
Statements & Responses
A message from President Andrews in the wake of George Floyd's death
Posted by Brad Andrews (@PresBradAndrews) June 3, 2020
It has been over a week now since the terrifying and tragic death of George Floyd. As our nation and world continue to react, I cannot begin to know what our Black friends, neighbors, and fellow Builders must think and feel watching that video, again witnessing racism manifest as senseless brutality; anger, fear, frustration, profound sadness, deep despair, shock, bitterness? This past week I've been listening, trying to better understand -- it is clear there is much listening and learning to do.
I struggle with figuring out what to say…as a man, a father, a president. While I know that my words will fall short, it is important that I speak my love for you. To all Builders, and especially to our friends and family who are unjustly threatened and oppressed: I love you, I care for you, I believe in you. You have every right to the dignity and respect every child of God, every human being, deserves.
That is my commitment to you, that is Southwestern College’s commitment to you – to treat you with the love, dignity, and respect you deserve; to listen; and to work in the ways we know best to make the world more equitable and just.
A Message for Seniors and Graduating Students Regarding Commencement
Email sent by President Andrews to Seniors & Graduating Students on March 20, 2020
Dear Builders,
I am so sorry that this semester, your last semester, has been so incredibly disrupted. Concerts, trips, competitions, presentations, performances, and an untold number of fun times with your friends have been postponed or canceled. These are unsettled times with little certainty to be found.
As Trish and I have one son graduating from college and another graduating high school this May, we know full well the heartache this situation is causing. There are so many answers we seek about the future, answers that are difficult to find, as our situation continues to unfold and change.
While I wish I could give you all the answers you want, there is one promise I can make to you – you will have a commencement. The date and format and logistics may have to change, but there will be a day that I proudly hand each one of you your well-earned diploma...(Read more)
Statement in Advance of 2019 UMC Special Session:
Affirmation of Southwestern College’s Commitment to Inclusion and Acceptance
Southwestern College is a college that deeply values its connection to the United Methodist Church. As Moundbuilders, and as a Methodist-affiliated institution, we reaffirm our tradition to respect and value each and every individual as a beloved child of God.
In full accordance with our mission as a college, and our historical traditions and strengths, we remain firmly committed to supporting all students, faculty, and staff - a community of individuals with unique and valuable identities; faith, race, sexuality, gender, abilities, socioeconomic class, etc.
Southwestern College is a community that cares about each person, benefits greatly from our collective diversity, and is fully committed to equity and inclusion.
