Our History

For nearly a century, Nelson University has been dedicated to combining academic excellence with Spirit-led education. Our story is one of growth and unwavering commitment to our mission: equipping students to pursue their God-given callings. Join us as we look at the journey that has shaped who we are today.

1927: A Vision Begins

Southwestern Bible School was established in Enid, Oklahoma, under the leadership of Reverend P.C. Nelson. This foundational school laid the groundwork for what would become a legacy of Spirit-led education.

1931: Expansion and Growth

Two additional schools were established:

Southern Bible Institute, operating in conjunction with the Richey Evangelistic Temple, began in Goose Creek, Texas, under the direction of Reverend J.T. Little, later relocating to Houston in 1933.

Shield of Faith Bible School in Amarillo, Texas, founded by Reverend Guy Shields, offering education from grade school to Bible school.

1954: Joint Leadership

Several Assemblies of God districts, including Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Texas, and West Texas, took ownership of the institution, ensuring its continued growth and stability.

1963: Southwestern Assemblies of God College (SAGC)  

The institution adopted the name Southwestern Assemblies of God College (SAGC) to reflect its expanded mission.

1968-1987: Academic Expansion and Accreditation 

During this time, the school identified part of its curriculum as Southwestern Junior College of the Assemblies of God alongside SAGC. This era marked the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, culminating in achieving full regional accreditation by 1989.

1982-1984: The March of Bibles

In the 1980s, the university borrowed federal funds to complete a major renovation in the Farmer’s Administration Building. While the improvements were vital, the loan’s terms prohibited Bible-related classes from being held in the building, restricting its use to non-religious purposes.

When Dr. Delmer Guynes became president in 1982, he led the effort to repay the federal debt years ahead of schedule. This achievement paved the way for a defining moment in the university’s history. During Homecoming 1984, representatives from the university’s founding schools marched the Bible back into the administration building in a powerful ceremony. Singing as they processed, participants signed four historic Bibles as a commitment to keeping God’s Word central to Nelson University’s mission. These Bibles remain on display today.

1994: Becoming a University

Recognizing its growth and expanded mission, the institution was renamed Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). Graduate programs were introduced in 1996 under the Harrison Graduate School (now Nelson Graduate School).

2004-2015: Restructuring for the Future

To meet the needs of its growing student population, the university underwent significant academic restructuring:

The College of Music and Communication Arts

 2004: Two colleges were established under the university umbrella:

The College of Bible and Church Ministries

The College of Arts and Professions

 2013: Expanded into three colleges:

The College of Bible and Church Ministries

The College of Business and Education

In 2015, the university received approval from regional accreditation as a Level V institution with authorization to offer doctoral programs, awarding its first doctorate in 2019.

2024: Honoring the Founder

In 2024, the institution was renamed Nelson University after members of the Board of Regents enthusiastically voted to change the name in honor of the founder, P.C. Nelson. Nelson’s vision and values inspired and guided the institution for nearly a century. The name change was deemed appropriate as the university prepares to carry this same vision into the next hundred years. The university’s core identity and dedication to the Assemblies of God fellowship remain unchanged, and the university continues to be committed to empowering students in a Spirit-led learning environment to pursue their God-given callings.

P.C. Nelson Biography

P.C. Nelson, Founder of Nelson University by renowned author Bob Burke offers a captivating look into the life and legacy of P.C. Nelson, the visionary behind Nelson University. This compelling biography chronicles Nelson’s journey from a Baptist preacher to a transformative figure in the Pentecostal movement after a miraculous healing experience. 

Now available on Apple Books for digital readers, this book is a must-read for those inspired by stories of faith, resilience, and enduring impact. For those who prefer a hard copy, a donation of $19 (book: $13.99 + $5 shipping) can be made through sagu.edu/give by including “P. C. Nelson Biography” in the comments. 

Explore the life of a man whose dedication to preaching “the whole gospel to the whole world” continues to inspire generations. Get your copy today! 

Accreditation  

Nelson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Nelson University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).