Southeastern University has been training servant leaders since our founding in 1935 as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute. Through the 20th and into the 21st century, we have changed locations, expanded programs and buildings, and graduated some of the most talented, dedicated servant leaders in the world— who have engaged the culture and made an influence for Jesus Christ.
1935–1942
Founded in New Brockton, Alabama, as Alabama Shield of Faith Institute
Name changed to South-Eastern Bible Institute
First graduating class
Campus moved to Atlanta and renamed Beulah Heights Southeastern Bible Institute
Relocated to Capitol Avenue in Atlanta and renamed South-Eastern Bible Institute
1943–1999
Campus moved to Lakeland, Florida, at the former site of Lodwick School of Aeronautics, located at the current Tiger Town/Joker Marchant Stadium facility
Relocated to the current campus site on Longfellow Boulevard between Lake Bonny and Lake Holloway in Lakeland
Renamed South-Eastern Bible College
Bush Chapel dedicated and opened for worship
Renamed Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God
Received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Joined the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU)
2000–Present
Construction began on new residence halls, beginning with Aventura and followed by Esperanza and Destino
Construction completed on Sportsplex and Pansler Alumni-Student Union
Renamed Southeastern University
Tuscana Ristorante (on-campus restaurant) opened
Fire Athletics joined The Sun Conference of the NAIA
Longfellow Boulevard entrance renovation completed
Announced addition of new degree programs and multiple sports, including football, to begin play in 2014
Construction began on our new football stadium (later named Victory Field) and the College of Natural & Health Sciences building
Mi Casa Café renovated to accommodate Chick-fil-A Express; construction began on the choral rehearsal hall
Football kicked off at Victory Field, earning the Fire a 31-7 win at our inaugural home game
Plans approved for another major campus expansion, including new residence halls, classroom space and athletic venues
Construction began on Buena Vida 125,000-square-foot live/learn facility and the Student Activities Center expansion
Construction completed on the College of Natural & Health Sciences building, including a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab, patient exam rooms, and laboratory classrooms
Student Activities Center expansion completed, enabling SEU to add wrestling to our available athletics
Construction of dormitories, classrooms and offices of Buena Vida completed
Pathways School of Excellence, a school dedicated to middle and high school students with disabilities, opened in the College of Education building
SEU’s second doctoral degree, the Doctor of Ministry, launched with our first cohort
The Buena Vida Food Court opened, featuring Back Yard Burgers, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Papa John’s Pizza
The SEU Welcome Center opened; the building serves as the official front door to the campus and connects to Addison Hall
