News Articles

U.S. News & World Report Again Ranks Southwestern Adventist University No. 2 for Social Mobility

September 15, 2021 | Keene, Texas | Tim Kosaka

U.S. News & World Report continues to rank Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) as a top institution. Ranked once again as No. 2 for social mobility within the Regional Colleges West ranking, SWAU continues to stand out amongst top performing colleges and universities in the United States.

U.S. News & World Report utilizes 17 factors to compile the rankings. Higher education institutions are organized into 10 distinct rankings based on academic mission. For the past three years, social mobility has been ranked as a distinct category. The indicator measures an institution’s performance in graduating economically disadvantaged students who received federal Pell Grants.

SWAU ranked No. 3 in the inaugural 2020 rankings, No. 2 for 2021, and once again ranks No. 2 for 2022. Financial support, academic development, and hands-on learning experiences contribute to this ranking.

“Beyond a ranking, social mobility closes the gap of inequity by providing resources, access and support for students to thrive,” shares Ana Patterson, Southwestern Adventist University president. “One example of SWAU’s success is that 32 percent of our 2021 graduating class identified as being the first in their family to graduate from college. That is a statistic to be proud of!”

To learn more about how SWAU supports students regardless of their background or experience, watch this video, which provides further information about the SWAU experience and about how the Office of Student Success is improving academic and career success for students pursing a successful future.

— Tim Kosaka is director of marketing and public relations at Southwestern Adventist University.

What’s in Your Hand? eHuddle Inspires Attendees Toward Creative Evangelism

From February 26 to 28, nearly 200 pastors and other leaders gathered at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida, for the 2024 eHuddle, an annual evangelism and leadership think tank hosted by the North American Division’s (NAD) Ministerial Association. Thousands more tuned in via Facebook and YouTube.

Young Adult LIFE Tour Coming to Portland, Oregon

Many of our local churches love their young adults but are at a loss as to where to begin a thriving ministry with them. The North Pacific Union Young Adult LIFE Tour stop intends to bring insights and relevant, doable steps toward building a flourishing young adult ministry now. The tour’s next stop will be in Portland, Oregon, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Pleasant Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Mardian J. Blair, Former CEO of AdventHealth, Passes to His Rest

Mardian J. Blair, who led AdventHealth (formerly Adventist Health System) from 1984 until 2000, passed away on March 26 at the age of 92 in Apopka, Florida. Blair leaves behind a profound impact on the organization and in faith-based health care, particularly during a time of significant change in the health care industry.

It Is Written Conducts Alaska Evangelism and Mission Trip

This spring, It Is Written will conduct a mission trip and evangelistic campaign in Alaska, culminating in the Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity series. At the end of March, a mission team of 70 volunteers are serving in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, and Bethel, the largest rural community. The evangelistic series begins April 5.

Yamileth "Yami" Bazan Named Next Union College President

The Union College board of trustees has invited Yamileth Bazan to take the reins as Union’s 30th president. Her term will begin on July 1, 2024, soon after the official transition to the new name of Union Adventist University. “Yami,” as she prefers to be called, brings with her a passion for education and ministry combined with a long legacy of supporting and mentoring students, university leaders, and local church constituents.