SEU President's Report 2022

MAKING A GLOBAL IMPACT

2022 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

OUR MISSION

Equipping students to discover and develop their divine design to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning and leadership.

“We continue to expand our reach by providing affordable and accessible Christian education to students around the globe.”

From Our President

The heartbeat of everything we do at Southeastern University (SEU) is to serve the local church — in the U.S. and around the world. We are empowering the next generation to use the giftings God has placed on their lives in their field of study and vocation.

We continue to expand our reach by providing affordable and accessible Christian education to students around the globe. Since 2018, we’ve partnered with local churches internationally, starting with Uganda and expanding to Brazil, Moldova and soon Argentina.

While we invest in students overseas, we also want to ensure that our students in the U.S. are missions-minded. Our goal is for our students to not only know what the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) is but also to see it as part of God’s calling on their lives.

In 2021, we partnered with OneHope and established our Hoskins School of Mission. We want every student, no matter their major, to graduate with a missional mandate. Our desire is for SEU to be the university students want to attend because they know they will acquire the knowledge and experiences they need to serve the church locally and globally.

Our students continue to show us that they have the desire to reach the world around them and be a part of what God is doing overseas. This year alone, more than 800 students were interested in participating in missions trips — a university record.

While we have reached new heights and expanded as a university, our mission will remain centered on equipping students to live out their divine design to serve Christ and the world.

Kent J. Ingle, DMin President of Southeastern University

SEU Highlights

Top 1%

of the fastest-growing private universities nationwide, based on enrollment data from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Top Performer in Social Mobility & Diversity

SEU was ranked as a top college in both social mobility and diversity by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022–2023 rankings.

At a Glance

Since our founding in 1935, Southeastern University has been committed to providing premier Christian education while partnering with the local church. It is our dedication to innovation that propels us to provide affordable and accessible programs that meet the growing demands of the workforce. To meet those needs, SEU offers more than 100 degree programs from the associate to the doctoral levels. The university is able to award these degrees due to our accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

10,044 Total enrollment as of fall 2022

1,132 Entering freshman class, fall 2022

27:1 Student-to-faculty ratio

100+ Degree programs

3.56 Average GPA for incoming freshmen

67.5% Instructional faculty with terminal degrees

126 Instructional faculty members

SEU Network

To meet the changing landscape of higher education, SEU opened its first extension site in 2012. The partner-site model, known as the SEU Network, was designed to provide students with a high-quality learning experience at an affordable price. Since then, we have launched more than 200 sites in 42 states with an enrollment of 2,078 students.

SEU’s rapid growth is a direct reflection of our efforts to reinvent education and make a college degree affordable and accessible for all students. Students in these programs not only have the benefit of earning degrees from an accredited institution at a discounted cost — they also have the opportunity to study where they live and work.

LEADING CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS

SEU has partnered with some of the most prominent and culture-setting churches in the nation.

Bayside Community Church | Bradenton, FL

Central Christian Church | Henderson, NV

Christ Fellowship | Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Dream City Church | Phoenix, AZ

Free Chapel | Gainesville, GA

Seacoast Church | Mt. Pleasant, SC

Thriving Churches International | Roseville, CA

VOUS Church | Miami, FL

DREAM CITY CHURCH

CHRIST FELLOWSHIP

SEU by the Numbers

ENROLLMENT HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL AID

98% of traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid

$68.2 million All types of financial aid awarded to traditional undergraduate students for 2022–2023

$5,554

Average federal grant awarded to traditional undergraduate students for 2022–2023

$31,035

Average aid amount for traditional undergraduate students in 2022–2023

SEU’S GLOBAL IMPACT

SEU exists to serve the local church. Our goal is to empower the next generation to use the gifts that God has given them in the vocation they are called to — whether it’s ministry, business, art, education, behavioral sciences or natural sciences. We want our students to leave SEU with a worldview that is missions-minded and kingdom-focused. It is with this vision in mind that we have continued to expand our reach by partnering with ministries, churches and organizations around the world.

SEU Latin America

In alignment with SEU’s mission, SEU Latin America is committed to the integration of faith, learning and service. By collaborating with local churches and organizations, SEU provides an education that is accessible, affordable and contextual for the Latin American community.

SEU Latin America’s goal is to nurture and unleash each student’s divine design through faculty and staff, relationships within their local communities, the rigor of scholarship, diverse learning experiences and the discipline of spiritual formation. The result will be students who are propelled into a lifetime of serving the world in the Spirit of Christ.

“SEU is partnering with one of the fastest-growing groups of American Evangelicalism and in global Pentecostalism, Latinos. SEU is collaborating with the churches throughout Latin America to provide affordable, accessible, highquality education and experiential learning opportunities where students can sharpen their skills and knowledge for sustainable ministry,” said Dr. Ben Gomez, chair of SEU Latin America and professor of Christian studies and theology.

Under the SEU Latin America umbrella, there are currently four partner sites in Brazil with plans for more. Recently, SEU announced the establishment of a partner site in Argentina. The university is also working to extend educational opportunities across Latin America through church-based extension sites and online strategies.

SEU provides an education that is accessible, affordable and contextual for the Latin American community.

First Evangelical University in Argentina

In the fall of 2022, SEU and our global ministry partner, OneHope, participated in cabinet-level meetings with the government of Argentina to discuss the establishment of the first Protestant evangelical university chartered by the country.

This results from decades of ministry, community engagement and relationship building with Pastor Osvaldo Carnival. Carnival is the founding and senior pastor of Cathedral of Faith and president of the Assemblies of God (AG) in Argentina.

“We believe the evangelical university partnership with SEU can be the open door to delivering Christian higher education in Argentina and to the rest of the countries in Latin America,” said Pastor Carnival.

Cathedral of Faith is an AG church of 50,000 people and 20 campuses spread across Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas. The church has a separate, fully-equipped, fivestory building in Buenos Aires where they provide biblical, theological and vocational education; community engagement; and other essential social services to their

community. This building will house the new evangelical university. The charter for the university can only be established by the president of Argentina. The project charter was recently presented to the Minister of Education, and a presidential decision should be reached by the spring of 2023.

Future goals include using the Buenos Aires location as the main campus and extending educational opportunities across Latin America through church-based extension sites and online strategies.

Other Global Partnerships

In addition to establishing sites across Latin America, SEU has also partnered with churches in Uganda and Moldova to provide a premier Christian education that is affordable and accessible.

WATOTO PARTNER SITE

In 2018, SEU introduced its first international partnership in East Africa at Watoto Church in Kampala, Uganda. Planted during a civil war in 1984, Watoto Church was created to bring hope and life to the nation of Uganda.

Since then, Watoto has placed thousands of orphans into families, empowered vulnerable women to reach their communities, rescued babies and former child soldiers, and sent children’s choirs across six continents. The church currently has 13 campuses across Uganda and in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan.

This local church-based partnership provides Christ-centered online professional certificates, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees. Fields of study include business, human services, digital media and design, communication and ministerial leadership. There are 68 students enrolled within the site.

SEU students, staff and faculty members have also been able to participate in multiple missions trips to Uganda in partnership with Watoto Church.

SEU AT UNIVERSITATEA MOLDO-AMERICANĂ

During the fall of 2022, a new partner site was launched at Universitatea Moldo-Americană (UMA) in affiliation with Fildelfia Church in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, which borders Ukraine. As a result of this partnership, UMA is a Christian school that now serves families from kindergarten through college with Christ-centered education. The site officially launched with a total of 20 students, made up of eight undergraduates and 12 dual-enrolled students.

Student Missions

As the missions movement at the university, SEU Missions empowers students to thrive in their giftings and discover the unique purpose God created them for. Through student-led missions trips, students are given hands-on experience to serve, to share the love of Jesus, and to meet the needs of both the local and global communities. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff travel around the world each year through SEU Missions.

2022 MISSIONS OVERVIEW

29 Missions Trips

300 Students on Trips

30 Countries and 7 States Visited

1,823 Volunteer Hours

MISSIONS TRIPS HIGHLIGHTS

Fiji | Built water filters for villages with limited access to clean drinking water.

Greece | Served Afghan refugees in a camp.

Hungary, Croatia and the Netherlands | Met practical needs of Ukrainian refugees.

Nepal | Ministered to unreached villages in the Himalayas.

Utah | Worked at the former headquarters of a cult leader, which now acts as a recovery home for drug addicts and those who have suffered from trafficking.

“During our missions trip we saw firsthand that the Great Commission is just as important now as it was when Jesus first gave it to us.”

— MIA GOLDING, CREATIVE WRITING, ’25

WHAT’S NEW AT SEU

Leadership Changes on Campus

NEW MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

VICE PRESIDENT OF SEU CREATIVE

In the spring of 2022, SEU welcomed Jamie Anderson as the vice president of SEU Creative. As a full-service digital agency owner with over 25 years of experience in multi-specialty, multichanneled organizations, Anderson brings a unique perspective in marketing and branding to higher education. Prior to his new role, Anderson served as the site director for SEU’s The Belonging Co College and led the most successful launch of any SEU partner site to date. Anderson oversees SEU’s brand strategy by developing marketing campaigns that drive engagement and brand awareness.

VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION AND COMMUNICATION

Dr. Michael Steiner was appointed the vice president of innovation and communication in June of 2022. Steiner previously served as the chief of staff since 2017. Steiner oversees the start-up of new university initiatives and seeks funding for these projects through grant resources. Steiner also cultivates relationships with local, state and federal representatives. Additionally, he is responsible for the creation and development of the SEU Media Network.

New Degree Programs

DOCTOR OF MISSIOLOGY

In the fall of 2022, SEU launched a Doctor of Missiology (DMiss) program within the Hoskins School of Mission. The program was designed to enhance the missiological, strategic and educational leadership practices for national, multinational and global leaders who work in faith-based, missional contexts. The degree consists of a total of 30 credit hours and is intended to be completed in three years through an online learning format.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

SEU’s new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered fully online for working nurses who require flexibility and accessibility while furthering their education. The program offers concentration tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. The Nursing Administration track provides current and aspiring nurse managers and clinical nurse leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide daily operations in a wide range of healthcare settings. The Nursing Education track is designed to prepare nurses to teach in either an academic or healthcare setting by providing them with expertise in teaching strategies and curriculum design.

SEU Awarded Grant for Program Development

In 2022, SEU was awarded a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., as a part of the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. SEU was one out of 21 theological schools across the United States and Canada to be approved for a grant. The funds will be used to finance Project Ostiarius, which aims to equip the next generation of pastors through research, design and implementation of a new Competency-Based Education (CBE) modality. Through the CBE modality, SEU will focus specifically on providing competency-based, contextualized graduate education for current and aspiring Hispanic and Latin ministers and pastors.

“Our vision for Project Ostiarius is to come alongside the Hispanic church and provide them with access to educational content and experiences that are innovative and relevant to their communities,” said Dr. Michael Steiner, one of the principal investigators on the project.

The CBE learning format will allow the university to dramatically reduce the cost of course instruction and allow content to be continually adjusted to remain socially, culturally and theologically relevant. SEU looks to launch the pilot program in the fall of 2023.

Faculty at Carnegie Hall

Two faculty members from the School of Music, Dr. Shudong Braamse and Dr. Charles Hulin, had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City in February of 2022. Braamse provided vocals and Hulin accompanied her on the piano in a voice recital featuring a variety of classical works. They performed pieces by composers such as Mozart, Debussy and Schubert, in addition to Chinese folk songs.

Braamse was invited to perform at Carnegie by Sheng Huang, the chair of the American International Culture and Art Exchange Center. He had previously met her through a mutual friend and listened to some of her recordings on YouTube.

“I never could have imagined that I would have this opportunity. It was truly a blessing from God. As a musician, it is a dream come true to perform at Carnegie Hall.”

— DR. SHUDONG BRAAMSE

STUDENTS IMPACTING THE WORLD

“I now see nursing as my mission field. When I was younger, I always had this inkling to be in the medical field and had a spirit for helping so I always knew I would be in this field; I didn’t know the impact God was going to allow for me in that.”

— NAMIAH SIMPSON

NAMIAH SIMPSON

Namiah Simpson is a 10-time NAIA All-American, a twotime Academic All-American, a 12-time Sun Conference Champion and the 2019 Sun Conference Track Athlete of the Year. Simpson was also a part of the 4x400 relay team who won the program’s first NAIA national championship in 2021. Off the track, she is a nursing student who feels called to use her vocation as her mission field. During one of her nursing classes, Simpson was presented with the opportunity to go on a two-week medical missions trip to Uganda, where they worked with Watoto Church. She and her team helped mentor medical staff in various areas of Uganda, in addition to serving the neglected, orphaned and widowed of the country. The trip confirmed that God called her to the medical field. Simpson graduated in December and is now pursuing her master’s in nursing while completing her eligibility in track. She plans to work in a general practice and potentially move to labor and delivery in the future.

LANDON HAYS

What started as a passion and desire to use his talents for God’s kingdom has led Landon Hays to become a Rubik’s Cube artist and ambassador. By using Rubik’s Cubes, Hays creates portraits of trending topics, sports figures and celebrities. The first portrait he made was for his senior high school project. He made a portrait of Jesus, and it was shared all over the county’s school district. As Hays continued to create portraits

and share them on social media, he gained the attention of Rubik’s Cube, who contacted him to be an official ambassador and content creator. Since then, he’s seen God open doors for him to use his talent. During his freshman year at SEU, Hays was asked by Elevation Church to make portraits of the guest speakers for one of their youth conferences. This past summer, Bleacher Report asked to share the portrait Hays created of former NBA legend Bill Russell. It garnered more than two million views on Instagram. This led to one of the largest soccer organizations in the world, FC Bayern Munich, reaching out to him to design a portrait of one of their summer signings, Sadio Mané. As a junior and graphic design major, Hays wants to continue to use the talent he has with Rubik’s Cubes to glorify God.

“My life is a testament to Psalm 37:4. God knows my heart, and my heart is to honor and glorify him in everything that I do. I started with a crazy dream and now I am living my dream. I’m thankful for the opportunities God has given to me.”

— LANDON HAYS

ATHLETICS AT SEU

SEU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in The Sun Conference and the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

CHAMPIONSHIPS AND HONORS

The Fire claimed their third consecutive Sun Conference Commissioner’s Cup and posted a fifth-place finish in the Learfield IMG College Directors’ Cup, which is based on NAIA National Championship finishes, for their highest ranking ever.

SEU baseball won its second national championship and posted an incredible 59–4 season record, which marked the fewest losses by an NAIA National Championship baseball team since 1965.

Individually, Gage Braun became the third Fire wrestler in program history to win a national championship — claiming the 285-pound title by securing three pins and a technical fall.

Glenn Rodgers became the first male individual national champion in track and field in school history by winning the 110 Hurdles in a program-record time of 13.83.

The Fire softball team posted a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Softball World Series, winning the Lawrenceville Bracket of the opening round and advancing to the World Series for the first time since 2016.

Women’s basketball advanced to the national semifinal for the second time in program history and finished the season with a 33–2 overall record.

For the first time in program history, both Fire tennis teams made the national tournament, and both won their first match.

In all, the Fire won 11 Sun Conference championships. The women’s golf team won the conference title for the first time in

program history, coming back from a two-shot deficit heading into the final day of play to upset second-ranked Keiser.

A total of 201 athletes were named to an all-conference team with 59 All-Americans, 113 Academic All-Conference selections and eight conference Champions of Character honorees.

Unprecedented success during the spring helped SEU have one of its best competition years in program history.

MEN’S SPORTS

Basketball Beach Volleyball Cheerleading Cross Country Golf

SEU ANNOUNCES BASS FISHING

SEU will launch its 20th athletic program, Bass Fishing, in the fall of 2023. The team will compete in the Bassmaster College Series, where boats of two anglers will fish in a tournament on a given weekend with each boat weighing in its five best fish. The program will be led by Weston Marsh ’13, who is currently in the process of gathering sponsors and his first roster of 10 anglers. The team will begin competing on August 23, 2023.

Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf

Soccer Tennis Track & Field Wrestling

Soccer Softball Tennis Track & Field Volleyball

ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“That was probably the best prayer I have ever prayed in my life. Before I started the internship, I had told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to pray for the president or vice president, I would take it.”

— JOSH COMINS

JOSH COMINS

During his senior year at SEU, Josh Comins ’19 took a leap of faith that placed him in the White House and provided him with the unique opportunity to pray for then-Vice President Mike Pence. As a part of the White House Internship Program, Comins worked directly with the White House photographers in the Office of Management Administration, where he documented the presidency by photographing the president and vice president. It was during this time that he asked Pence if he could pray for him. After graduation, Comins landed a job at Fox News in New York City as a web video producer. He currently is an associate editor, where he writes news articles, produces videos for the channel and publishes content on their social media.

MATIAS PERTTULA

In November of 2022, Matias Perttula ’13 (MBA) joined the Center for American Values at the America First Policy Institute. In his role, he empowers key stakeholders to stand up for their religious freedoms, the rights of the unborn and the rights of parents. Prior to this, Perttula worked as the director of advocacy at International Christian Concern (ICC) — one of the largest non-governmental organizations advocating for persecuted Christians around the world. Perttula oversaw the government relations side of the organization where he helped grow the advocacy sector for persecuted Christians. Perttula met with members of the U.S. Congress, non-government organizations, the State Department and the ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom to discuss how they can partner to help persecuted Christians. He also advocated for Christians who have been imprisoned because of their faith.

“It’s an amazing privilege to serve Jesus and the local church in the various organizations that advocate for core American values both at home and abroad.”

— MATIAS PERTTULA

Matias pictured on the left.

“For me, [speaking at the United Nations] wasn’t about being in front of everyone, it was about being able to be heard. We can use our story to make a difference.”

— JOY BISHARA

“I love sharing my story because it shows how God has worked out everything for my good. Despite all that has happened in my life, I am proud to say I am still standing firm in God’s plans for my life and still choosing to further my education. This is true because of God’s unconditional love and support and the wonderful people He has placed in my life.”

— LYDIA POGU

JOY BISHARA AND LYDIA POGU

Joy Bishara ’21, ’22 (MSW) and Lydia Pogu ’21, ’22 (MA) were never meant to graduate from high school, let alone college. Among the 276 Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014 at their boarding school, Bishara and Pogu’s story made national news and is often remembered with the campaign #BringBackOurGirls. Bishara and Pogu have shared their story with the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Watch. Now having graduated with a master’s in human services, Pogu is a case manager for Lutheran Services and is studying for the LSAT so she can eventually enroll in law school. Her goal is to become a human rights and international lawyer so she can defend the most vulnerable and voiceless. Bishara plans to use her master of social work degree to serve as a social worker in a hospital setting. In the future, she would like to own a nonprofit organization that assists the homeless population, and eventually, start a nonprofit in Nigeria to support those affected by Boko Haram.

“It was such an honor to receive this award. We are just a bunch of church people that have come together to make music for God, and somehow, it’s impacting others! We pray these songs continue to bless people and allow them to encounter God in a real way.”

— TIFFANY HUDSON

“Maverick City is the first Christian group to perform at the Grammy Awards in 20 years. Being a part of this history is something that I don’t take for granted.”

— SAM SIMON

ALUMNI AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS

In April of 2022, Tiffany (Hammer) Hudson ’17 and Sam Simon ’20 attended the Grammy Awards, the music industry’s most highly acclaimed awards show. As a member of Elevation Worship, Hudson was a part of winning Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for the group’s collaborative album with Maverick City Music, titled “Old Church Basement.” That night, Simon played the keys for Maverick City Music’s performance.

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

SEU Hosts Renowned

Speakers and Artists

SEU CONFERENCE

Every year, SEU holds a multiple-day conference, known as SEU Conference, to help students grow in their faith. The event is open to the public and consists of messages intended to inspire, teach, challenge and encourage the attendees. Speakers from 2022 featured:

Jimmy and Irene Rollins | Apostolic Leaders at Union Church in Maryland

Charlotte Gambill | Teaching Pastor at Church of the Highlands, International Speaker and Author

Mark Batterson | Best-selling Author and Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.

Mike McClure, Jr. | Gospel Recording Artist and Pastor of Rock City Church in Alabama

THE FORUM

The Forum at SEU brings some of the nation’s most respected and inspirational leaders to campus to help leaders in Central Florida and around the United States develop and make an impact within their spheres of influence. Speakers at the October 2022 event included:

Cathie Wood | Founder and CEO at ARK Investment Management

Kayleigh McEnany | Former White House Press Secretary, Trump Administration

Brian Wesbury | Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P.

Chris Heaslip | Entrepreneur

Scott Williams | Best-selling Author, Speaker and Chief Solutions Officer of Nxt Level Solutions

Degree Programs

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Accounting

Aviation Management

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Biochemistry

Biology

Dentistry, General, Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine

Business Administration

Business & Professional Leadership

Commercial Music

Communication

Broadcasting & Digital Production, Human Communication, Multimedia

Journalism, Public Relations, Sports Media

Communication & Mass Media*

Communication Sciences & Disorders

Creative Writing (BFA)

Criminal Justice**

Criminal Justice/Legal Studies

Criminal Justice/Organizational Leadership

Criminal Justice/Psychology

Criminal Justice/Social Work

Digital Design & Production

Digital Media & Design*

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education

Exceptional Student Education (4+1)

Film Production

Finance

Global Education*

Graphic Design

Health Science & Business

Historical & Literary Studies

English, History, or Writing

Human Services*

Crisis Assistance

Humanitarian Compassion*

International Business

Kinesiology

Exercise Science, Physical Education, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy

Legal Studies

Management Marketing

Mathematics Actuarial Science

Ministerial Leadership

Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, Family Ministries, Humanitarian Ministry, Missional Leadership, Pastoral Care & Counseling, Production Ministry, Worship Ministries

Multidisciplinary Studies

Music

Music Education Nursing (BSN)

Organizational Leadership

Political Science

Professional Pilot (AAS)

Psychology**

RN to BSN*

Secondary Biology

Secondary English

Secondary Mathematics

Secondary Social Sciences

Sport Management

Tourism & Hospitality Management

Visual Art

Worship Studies

MASTER’S DEGREES

Art of Design Management

Biblical Studies

Family Ministry

Global Ministry Design

Human Services

International Community Development

International Family Ministry

Kinesiology

Leadership

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Master of Education

Educational Leadership, Educational Therapy, Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, Literacy Education, TESOL

Master of Social Work (MSW)

MBA

Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Missional Leadership, Sport Management

Ministerial Leadership (MAML)

Nursing (MSN)

Pastoral Care & Counseling

Professional Counseling

Theological Studies

DOCTORAL DEGREES

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Doctor of Missiology (DMiss)

Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL)

PhD in Organizational Leadership

*Online only

** Available in-person and/or online