Building for the Future
PHOTOS BY SCOTT PARKER FOR SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SEU
Southeastern University Provides Relevant, Personalized Options
Southeastern University (SEU) — founded in 1935 — became part of the Lakeland community when it relocated from Atlanta in 1946. At the time, it was called South-Eastern Bible Institute. Today, SEU is consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of the fastest-growing private universities in the nation. SEU has continually adapted to the needs of the current day, bringing innovation to higher education in multiple fields while maintaining its identity as a Christ-centered institution.
In addition to ministry and theology degrees, SEU offers degrees in business, communication and leadership, natural and health sciences, behavioral and social sciences, education, arts and communications, music, aviation, technology, and trades. SEU builds educational journeys and diverse learning experiences to prepare students for their future careers—in Lakeland or on a path outside the local area. Whether students learn on campus, online, or at a partner site, they will discover and be equipped to walk in their “Divine Design”—their unique, God-given purpose.
“There’s a shortage of tradespeople, especially within the construction industry. This need within our community—and throughout the country—has been building for quite
a while.”
Glenn Barnard, professor and Executive Director of SEU Trades
The Value of Lived Experiences
SEU President Dr. Kent Ingle and Dr. Meghan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President, have worked alongside the school’s leadership team to expand its vision and mission, including increased opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences in their field before graduation.
“The formative process of the learning experience happens both inside and outside of the classroom,” Griffin said. She was inspired to provide opportunities outside of the classroom based on her own experience in a high school medical class. Although she was intrigued by the subject in the classroom, when she completed the clinical component at a hospital, she realized it wasn’t the right fit for her. “It was because of that realization that I didn’t spend four years of college in a science major, only to discover that working in that field wasn’t what I wanted.”
SEU partners with local, national and international organizations, businesses and churches to give students the chance to find their purpose in real-time, providing experiences that prepare them for their careers.
Filling the Needs of Industries
As part of this commitment to experiential learning, innovation and relevance, SEU has created programs to fill the evolving needs of multiple industries. SEU’s Aviation Pilot Program, based at Lakeland Linder International Airport, is helping address the national pilot shortage by allowing students to complete flying hours and become flight instructors while earning their degree.
The nursing program at SEU (including ADN, BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees) partners with local hospitals for students to complete their clinical rotations, meaning SEU graduates are filling the growing need for nurses.
Students who choose to earn one of the new certifications from SEU Tech —in Software Development, Cybersecurity or Data Science—use what they learn to solve real-world problems.
Through the new SEU Trades program, students combine academic learning with in-person work in local trades businesses.
SEU Trades students can earn degrees in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, project management, or construction technology. “We’ll have labs and lectures from professionals in these fields and students can also take on apprenticeships,” Barnard said.
Through these experiential programs, students will be equipped to fill industry needs.
We recognize that more and more students who are entering college for the first time aren’t sure of their major or career path,” Griffin explained. “That is why SEU’s new Divine Design Core gives students opportunities to explore their interests without losing time in their academic journey.”
In fact, SEU recently revamped all undergraduate programs to provide students with the space to add additional electives, experiential learning, minors or double majors.
SEU is also innovating higher education by recognizing that effective learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Whether it’s your first time in college or you’re going back after any length of time, SEU has a program for you,” Griffin said. "We believe that when students are co-creators of their degree journey, they are set up for a higher level of success."
More than 115 customizable degree programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Additional learning options include dual enrollment (both traditional and via Classical Conversations), academic certificates, internships and study abroad." Students can learn on SEU’s Lakeland campus or earn a degree fully online or at more than 250 partner sites nationwide.
As SEU continues to take intentional steps to bring students an education that focuses on their Divine Design, students can create a learning experience that is as unique as they are.
“Students at all stages deserve the opportunity to discover their calling,” Griffin said. “And at SEU, we are committed to being with them every step of the way.”