Much has happened in Southern’s 130-year-history. What began as a small country school has expanded beyond what the founders could have imagined, as God has continued to bless. Here are a few highlights through the years, although this is not intended to be an exhaustive history. For a more in-depth look at Southern’s past, visit southern.edu/columns. —Research by Tanya (Johnson) Jansen, ’93, and Helen (Case) Durichek, ’56 and ’58
1940
1933 Approximately 75% of students worked their way through school by holding jobs in the dairy creamery, hosiery mill, College Press, and furniture shop.
In preparation for World War II, Southern offered the first Southern Union-sponsored Medical Cadet Corps. The two-week course provided training in military discipline, first aid, map reading, signal communication, self-defense, and the Seventhday Adventist philosophy of military service. The next year, the first Southern students were drafted into the armed forces.
1930
1955 Southern introduced intramurals, still a thriving tradition on campus today. Recreational and organized activities took place in the field down the hill from Lynn Wood Hall—where Wright Hall is now located—and in the gymnasium area of the Tabernacle.
1940
1950 1944-1982
1916-1944
Southern Missionary College
Southern Junior College
1934
1990
1926 The first issue of the Southern Accent (under the name The Southland Scroll ) was printed. The weekly student newspaper is still in print nearly 100 years later.
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The Tabernacle opened, becoming the new center for student life activities, such as roller skating, basketball, commencements, and church services. It burned down in 1989.
2000
1944 Southern became a four-year institution offering bachelor’s degrees (accredited in 1950), and its name changed to Southern Missionary College.
2010
2020
1957 McKee Baking Company outgrew its downtown location and moved to Collegedale. Many students earned their way through Southern by working at the bakery. Fall 2022
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