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SNU's History, Vision & Values

Our rich history as a Christian liberal arts university dates back to 1899. Serving the mission of the Church of the Nazarene, we believe in the inherent worth of all people. We work to help every student find their unique purpose. Our 44-acre main campus is just west of Oklahoma City and grew out of several small colleges committed to training people to achieve their highest potential. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve the mission of God throughout the United States and the world.

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SNU's History, Vision & Values

Our Commitment to Adult Students

Returning to school as an adult learner can be life-changing. It can also be difficult. We support adult students with flexible schedules, an innovative cohort model, a one-class-at-a-time approach, and a deep understanding of the challenges they face. We want to see you succeed, and we will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

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Our Commitment to Military Students

SNU believes in a life of service to others. That’s why we honor those who have already served our nation with a veteran-friendly approach to online education. Our award-winning VETS Center offers comprehensive support to veterans, from veterans. We are here for you before enrollment, as you chase your dreams, and after you graduate.

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Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At SNU, diversity and inclusion are more than mere buzzwords. They are at the heart of our mission. We believe that each person brings something unique to our campus community. We endeavor to help students realize their full potential by cultivating a welcoming campus in which diversity is valued. Different perspectives make us better, so our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative embraces all perspectives and experiences.

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Southern Nazarene University by the Numbers

122 years of history
32,000+ SNU alumni
3 campuses throughout Oklahoma
22 degree programs built for adult students
7 accreditations and awards

Our Campuses

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SNU Bethany (Main Campus)

Our main campus is conveniently located in Bethany, Oklahoma. This suburb of Oklahoma City is a welcoming and diverse region, with plenty to do on campus and off. Members of the Church of the Nazarene originally founded this community, and the location continues to pay homage to our deep roots.

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SNU Tulsa

The SNU Tulsa campus is the heart of our professional and graduate programs. Located in the second-biggest economic hub in Oklahoma, our satellite campus is a vital part of the local community, having been in Tulsa for more than three decades.

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Various Satellite Locations

Our other satellite locations serve our Master of Arts in Educational Leadership students wherever they are. With classrooms in Sallisaw, Broken Bow, Duncan, McAlester, Oklahoma City Schools, and Putman City Schools, we are expanding our reach with a mission to support adult learners.

SNU’s Core Values

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Character

Character matters in every interaction we have and role we fill. We are shaping characters to build a better world.
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Culture

Our culture of accountability and character also means embracing cultures from across the globe. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are cores of our culture.
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Christ

Christ’s loving message guides everything we do. We prepare learners to live this mission in all areas of their lives.

Meet our PGS Faculty

Stephoni Case GSEL

Dr. Stephoni Case

Education
Scott Drabenstot

Dr. Scott Drabenstot

Counseling
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Dr. Anne Ghost Bear

Tulsa
Sylvia Goodman MASMAES

Dr. Sylvia Goodman

Rehabilitation & Sport Sciences
Christiana Horn

Dr. Christiana Horn

Education
Michael Houston MOL

Dr. Michael Houston

Leadership
Cathy Hutchings-Wedel OL

Dr. Cathy Hutchings-Wedel

Organizational Leadership and Business Administration
Delilah Martin FSG

Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin

Family Studies & Gerontology
Paul Jones GPC

Dr. Paul Jones

Counseling
Melissa Lewis AA

Dr. Melissa Lewis

VP Academic Affairs
Scott Marsee IDT

Dr. Scott Marsee

Instructional Design & Technology
Loren McElroy PTA-1

Dr. Loren McElroy

Rehabilitation & Sport Sciences
mark moran

Dr. Mark Moran

Physician Assistant
2022.03.22 - Shawn Pendley

Dr. Shawn Pendley

Education
Shawna Richardson GSEL

Dr. Shawna Richardson

Education
Scott Secor GPC

Dr. Scott Secor

Counseling
Kent Shellenberger

Dr. Kent Shellenberger

Education
Faculty Logo

Prof. Jeff Slattery

Cybersecurity
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Dr. Leah Spurlock

Rehabilitation & Sport Sciences
Kieth Toles MBA

Dr. Keith Toles

Business
Ron Wright

Dr. Ron Wright

Counseling

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