Southwestern Adventist University was founded in 1893 as Keene Industrial Academy. Junior college level work was first offered in 1916 and the name was changed to Southwestern Junior College. In anticipation of offering baccalaureate work, the name was changed to Southwestern Union College in 1963. The first bachelor level classes were offered in 1967. In 1977, the college was renamed Southwestern Adventist College, reflecting its denominational affiliation. Graduate level work was begun in 1987; nine years later the institution changed its name to Southwestern Adventist University. The University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1958; first as a Level I institution (associate degrees), then in 1970 as a Level II (baccalaureate degrees), and since 1989 as a Level III institution (graduate degrees)
Southwestern Adventist University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone number is 404-679-4501) to award: Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees.
In addition, the University is currently accredited by the following accrediting bodies:
- Council on Social Work Education
- General Conference Accrediting Association of SDA Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
- Texas Education Agency
- Texas Board of Nurse Examiners
- National League for Nursing
The University is a member of the following:
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas
- Association of Texas Colleges and Universities
Southwestern Adventist University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, disability, race or ethnic origin. The University President is responsible for compliance. The University believes in the interpretation and implementations of all government laws and regulations are subject to constitutional guarantees against unreasonable entanglement with or infringement on the religious teachings and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Any regulation or change in regulation adopted by the Board of Trustees or the faculty at any time shall have equal authority as the regulations printed in the Bulletin or the student handbook. Each student is responsible for knowing and observing the regulations of the University and is responsible for fulfilling the requirements for his or her degree as defined by the University bulletin.