SWU Launches School of Nursing
May 29, 2026 | Academics
Local college accepting applications for new BSN program
CENTRAL – After years of planning and celebrating several milestones along the way, Southern Wesleyan University is proud to announce it is officially enrolling students in its new School of Nursing.
The School of Nursing’s launch follows the May 28 approval from the South Carolina Board of Nursing for the pre-licensure program.
South Carolina is projected to have the seventh-largest national nursing shortage of registered nurses by 2036, equating to one in five position vacancies statewide. With approval from the state, Southern Wesleyan University will do its part to begin filling those vacancies in the Upstate and beyond, forming Christ-centered nurses with a deep commitment to quality care.
This approval formally opens the application process for the School of Nursing’s first cohort of students, which is capped at 24. These students will complete clinical rotations in hospitals, community clinics, and rural health settings through partnerships with regional healthcare providers, including AnMed and Prisma Health.
"As dean, my focus is on preparing Christ-centered nurses who are highly skilled and compassionate to directly strengthen the health of our local community and increase access to quality care close to home," Dean Stewart said. "We are deeply grateful for the support from our clinical partners, donors, and community that has enabled this program to move forward."
Dean Stewart joined SWU in January and began her fulltime role in May, guiding the new academic program through a March site visit from the state board to its initial approval this week. A fulltime instructor and clinical coordinator have since been added to the School of Nursing team.
Southern Wesleyan University’s School of Nursing will be housed in Terry Hall, which was renovated from a residence hall into a clinical lab space. Those renovations were celebrated with a March 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are called to shape medical practitioners who will treat every patient not only with clinical expertise but with compassion and dignity,” said Dr. William Barker, Southern Wesleyan University President. “Graduates of the SWU School of Nursing will provide care during times of great vulnerability, and they will do so with a solid grounding in the sacredness of every human life, and a liberal arts education rooted in human flourishing and high standards of excellence.”
Our university’s core values of Purpose, Integrity, Service, and Community align naturally with the mission of a nursing program. Nursing embodies a purposeful life of service, guided by integrity in clinical practice, a deep commitment to caring for others, and collaboration within diverse communities.
The implementation of this program aligns with SWU’s commitment to academic excellence and its mission to develop competent, ethical, and compassionate healthcare professionals.
To align with best practices in healthcare education, the program will incorporate an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration with other healthcare disciplines to prepare students for team-based, patient-centered care models.
The nursing program will be eligible for CCNE accreditation and fully on track for final approval for our first class of graduating nurses in Spring 2029.
For more information, visit the School of Nursing webpage or schedule a campus tour.
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu.
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