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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 35,000 alumni have worked and served the mission of God throughout the United States and the world.

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A family gathers during SNU New Student Institute to move in their student.

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.

Southern Nazarene University by the Numbers

126 years of history
35,000+ SNU alumni
65+ Degrees offered
151 Student Faculty Ratio

Our Commitment to Traditional Students

At Southern Nazarene University, we are deeply committed to creating a vibrant, Christ-centered experience for our traditional undergraduate students. Whether you're studying alongside classmates in faith-integrated classrooms, worshiping in chapel, grabbing coffee with a mentor, or making memories at campus events, SNU is a place where you’ll be known, valued, and supported. Here, you'll grow spiritually, academically, and personally as part of an authentic Christian community that feels like home.

Students on Campus

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 Belonging

In accordance with the values of the Church of the Nazarene, SNU endeavors to foster a campus culture where every individual, regardless of nation, race, color, or gender, experiences a sense of belonging and is empowered in their pursuit of higher Christian education. We believe that God is the Creator of all people and calls us to a higher standard of love, understanding, respect, and harmony. As a community, we seek to honor the God-given dignity of every person and cultivate an environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive together.

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See What Our Students Have to Say About SNU

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“The adult studies program—and its emphasis on creating an adult learning environment—was designed so brilliantly. It offered us an opportunity to fit higher education into our already busy lives, giving us flexibility and manageable tasks.”

Cheryl Hanson
B.S. in Business Administration graduate
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“[This program] was perfect because I could work and finish my degree in a reasonable amount of time … SNU is a small university, and they care. You are not just a student. You are not just a number. The instructors cared, and you took classes with a group of people that really became family.”

Stan Chase
M.S. in Management graduate
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“SNU has been instrumental in reminding me that it’s never too late. Our class has a group chat going with daily affirmations and support for each other. We share in celebrating the birth of children, grandchildren, and weddings, as well as mourn losses. It’s amazing.”

Twyler Earl
Ed.D in Administration and Leadership
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“The model of prayer and having devotionals and having teachers that are available—a chaplain that is available at your leisure and is there to help you with your own self-care as an adult—definitely helped sway my decision toward SNU."

Dorsey Ramsey
B.S. in Family Studies and Gerontology graduate, M.S. in Counseling Psychology graduate, current MBA student
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“I chose SNU for a few reasons. They offered something a lot of other colleges didn’t: They offered a place where I could go to school in the evening times, after work, and still be able to complete my degree in a reasonable amount of time. When I saw the VETS Center on the website, I immediately gave them a call.”

Stephen S.
B.A. in Organizational Leadership graduate
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“I truly believe that my education and experiences at SNU not only prepared me for the job, but gave me the confidence that I could succeed … Thank you for investing in the graduate students personally and professionally and providing insightful professors that can share their passion for education.”

Kaelyn Cole
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership graduate

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