Southern Wesleyan University (SWU), located in Central, South Carolina, is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Nestled on a picturesque 230-acre campus just minutes from Greenville, SWU serves around 1,400 students through undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Known for its commitment to Christ-centered education, the university emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service. Jobs at Southern Wesleyan University attract professionals passionate about integrating faith and learning in higher education.
The institution traces its roots to 1906 when it was founded as Central Wesleyan College. It evolved into Southern Wesleyan University in 1994, expanding its offerings to include master's degrees and professional certifications. Today, SWU stands out in the United States for its small class sizes (average 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and focus on personalized mentorship. For those seeking higher ed jobs, SWU provides a supportive environment where faculty and staff contribute to shaping future leaders.
Southern Wesleyan University's history reflects a dedication to Wesleyan holiness traditions, emphasizing holy living and social holiness. From its early days serving Methodist communities in the South, it has grown into a modern university while maintaining core values of faith, reason, and service. Key milestones include the addition of graduate programs in 1994 and the launch of online education in the 2000s to reach a broader audience.
The mission statement underscores preparing students to be "dedicated worshippers and dynamic witnesses for Christ, leaders who think critically, live with purpose, and serve with compassion." This guides all jobs at Southern Wesleyan University, requiring employees to align with biblical principles. Historical figures like founder Thomas Barratt influenced its evangelical focus, making it a unique employer in South Carolina's higher education landscape.
SWU offers over 40 majors across schools of Business Administration, Education, Ministry & Leadership, Nursing, and Arts & Sciences. Popular programs include Business Administration (AACSB-accredited), Elementary Education, and Physician Assistant Studies. Graduate offerings feature MBAs, MEd, and MSN degrees.
Faculty jobs often center on these areas, with opportunities in teaching, curriculum development, and program leadership. For instance, the College of Business seeks experts in accounting and finance, while the School of Education hires for teacher preparation roles aligned with South Carolina standards.
This diversity creates varied job openings, from tenure-track professor jobs to adjunct positions. Learn more about university job types.
Jobs at Southern Wesleyan University span faculty, administration, and support roles. Faculty positions include full-time professors, associate professors, lecturers, and adjuncts. Administrative jobs cover deans, directors, HR, and IT. Staff roles involve admissions, student services, and facilities.
Recent openings have included Assistant Professor of Biology (requiring PhD and lab experience), Director of Financial Aid, and Campus Minister. Tenure-track roles emphasize research and teaching loads of 12-15 credits per semester. Adjuncts teach 1-3 courses flexibly. Salaries are competitive for the region, with faculty averaging $60,000-$90,000 annually, per higher ed data.
Explore broader categories like professor jobs or administration jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
To understand jobs at Southern Wesleyan University, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Southern Wesleyan University, a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DBA) in the relevant field is standard. For example, nursing faculty need DNP or PhD; business roles require PhD in Management or related.
Research focus varies: education emphasizes pedagogical innovation; business prioritizes applied studies in entrepreneurship; ministry integrates theology and leadership. Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching, peer-reviewed publications (2-5 minimum for tenure-track), and grant funding. SWU values faith integration, so seminary degrees aid ministry roles.
Essential skills:
Candidates with South Carolina teaching certification excel in education jobs.
To apply for jobs at Southern Wesleyan University, monitor the careers page at swu.edu/about/employment or AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit via online portal: CV/resume, cover letter highlighting faith fit, transcripts, references, and teaching philosophy.
Tips for success:
Process takes 4-8 weeks; background checks and references are required. Use our free resume template for higher ed.
Southern Wesleyan University champions diversity through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, hosting events like Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and Hispanic Heritage Month. The "One SWU" initiative promotes equity, with faculty training on cultural competency. Recent efforts include recruiting underrepresented minorities in STEM and hiring diverse leadership (20% faculty of color). Affinity groups support women and first-gen employees, aligning with Wesleyan social justice roots.
SWU fosters work-life balance with flexible hours, generous PTO (20+ days/year), and family leave. Wellness perks include gym access, counseling, and chaplain services. Campus life buzzes with chapel services, Warrior athletics (NCAA Division II), and community events like fall festivals. Proximity to Greenville offers dining, arts, and trails; low cost of living (20% below national average) enhances appeal. Employees praise the collaborative culture and spiritual refreshment.
Benefits package: Health/dental/vision, 403(b) matching, tuition remission (up to 100% for dependents), and sabbaticals.
Joining Southern Wesleyan University means impacting lives in a faith-filled setting. With low turnover and high satisfaction (90% retention), it's ideal for long-term careers. For career growth, explore higher ed career advice, higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post your profile at post a job. Relevant reads: employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer.
