About Southwest Baptist University

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is an unapologetically Christ-centered liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education and your future success;
• Global service and missions projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and online through SBU Worldwide.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. At SBU, a Christian worldview is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also means a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.

Mission Statement

(Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 1997)

Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.

Vision Statement

(Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 2023)

By its sesquicentennial in 2028, Southwest Baptist University will be a regional institution of choice, known for its transformational student outcomes, excellent return on financial investment, and its vibrant campus culture.

Purpose of the University

In light of its mission and vision, the purpose of Southwest Baptist University is to equip its graduates with:

• a value system that is founded on a biblical worldview.
• a commitment to Christ which equips them to engage with others in a diverse world. 
• practices to promote holistic wellness. 
• an understanding of scientific inquiry and processes which allows them to evaluate the validity of scientific methodology. 
• an understanding of how the past impacts present societal structures which shape individuals, cultures, and civilizations. 
• the ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 
• the enrichment of the human spirit provided through the visual and performing arts.
• an ability to think creatively and critically to engage in research, problem-solving, and life-long learning.

Core Values

In fulfilling the University’s mission and vision through its strategic planning process, Southwest Baptist University is committed to upholding the following core values grounded in Scripture, guided particularly by I Corinthians 13, to prepare servant-leaders for a global society:

Christian Distinctiveness (1 Peter 2:9)

Southwest Baptist University is Christ-centered. From its inception, and continuing today, the University is a distinctively Christian and Baptist institution supporting a Christian worldview. Led by the Spirit, following the example of Jesus Christ, the University family seeks to demonstrate commitment to love, mercy, and grace.

Baptist Heritage (1 Kings 8:57; 2 Timothy 1:14)

Southwest Baptist University’s academic foundations are built on historical Baptist traditions beginning with the Southwest Missouri Baptist Association and continuing today with the Missouri Baptist Convention. This heritage acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all knowledge and truth. It is committed to scholarly endeavor, under God, seeking a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility.

Compassion and Care for SBU Family (Romans 12:9-10)

Southwest Baptist University is a caring community. Scripture teaches that all individuals are worthy in the eyes of God. Therefore, we will honor and serve one another in love.

Academic Excellence (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:23)

Southwest Baptist University is an academic community. The University pursues excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Students are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society through the integration of Christian faith, liberal arts, research, and professional studies. The University recognizes that academic excellence is achieved through continuously striving for improvement.

Social and Spiritual Development (Colossians 2:6-7)

Southwest Baptist University encourages the social and spiritual development of the University family. Students, faculty, and staff are provided intentional opportunities to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally through exposure and response to the needs of the larger community.

Personal Wellness (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Southwest Baptist University recognizes the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the University will offer opportunities for education and activities which promote personal wellness.