SAGU to become Nelson University

WAXAHACHIE – During the 2023 spring meeting of Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s Board of Regents, members enthusiastically voted to change the name of the university from Southwestern Assemblies of God University to Nelson University.

This change represents a pivotal moment as the university choose to boldly identify with its visionary founder, P.C. Nelson, and prepare to embark on its second century of Kingdom impact. Nelson’s vision and values have inspired and guided the institution for nearly a century. 

The choice of Nelson University represents the university’s unwavering commitment to its rich heritage, characterized by an innovative, Spirit-empowered learning environment.

This momentous decision was the culmination of a rigorous process that began in 2020, soliciting input from a wide variety of stakeholders. 

A professional firm specializing in naming and verbal identity was hired to assist the university in discovering a name worthy of the heritage and history built over the last hundred years.
The outcomes of these discussions, along with the data, surveys, and focus groups, yielded many possibilities, all thoughtfully considered.

Extensive input was received on the leading names emerging from the process from the following constituent groups – members of the board, those serving in the alumni association and women’s auxiliary, the faculty and staff, the student body, and a number of supporting alumni and donors.

While those surveyed had various opinions on particular names, a substantial majority was confident that the university would benefit from a name change as it approaches its centennial celebration in 2027 and prepares to step into the next hundred years.

Along with the significant support for change among all stakeholder groups, the overwhelming position of those surveyed was the institution must remain devoted to its parent church and its doctrinal tenets, which, had been established as a non-negotiable condition by its board of regents, given a majority of members are district officials making up eight owning districts and nine affiliated districts of the Assemblies of God.

Those surveyed expressed their desire a new name would not only position the university toward the future but also retain a connection to its heritage. 

Dr. Gaylan Claunch, Superintendent of North Texas Assemblies of God, and a member of the board of regents remarked, “Nelson University is a fitting homage to Reverend P.C. Nelson. God gave him a vision for the establishment of a Christian university that would equip Spirit-empowered leaders with career and ministry skills based on solid, biblical training better enabling them to influence the world for Christ.”