Since our founding in 1878, Southwest Baptist University has built a reputation for academic excellence, a firm commitment to biblical principles and a vision for reaching out to a hurting world. Today, our Bolivar campus is home to approximately 1,600 outstanding undergraduate students and 900 graduate students. As a private, four-year Christian university, we offer associate’s, bachelor’s master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 45 academic disciplines including pre-professional programs, business and nursing as well as liberal arts majors. The University first opened its doors in 1878 in Lebanon, Missouri, as Southwest Baptist College. In 1879 the college was chartered by the state of Missouri and moved to Bolivar. The founders, James R. Maupin and Abner S. Ingman, both in their early 20s, faced many difficulties as they rode horseback seeking funds, students and an ideal college site. Each year, the university recognizes our founding fathers by celebrating Founders Day. SBU Mission: Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society. SBU Heritage: From its inception, the University has been a distinctively Christian and Baptist institution in terms of world view and ideological commitments.
