This fall, Southwestern Christian University and Emmanuel University are celebrating significant milestones as both institutions enter the 2026–2027 academic year with encouraging signs of growth and renewed momentum.
From historic enrollment numbers to increased generosity and expanding global reach, the beginning of the fall semester offers much to celebrate. More importantly, behind every statistic is a student with an opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education, discover their calling, and be equipped to serve wherever God leads them.
Southwestern Christian University
In the spring of 2024, SCU had fewer than 300 undergraduate students. This fall, the university welcomed 430 traditional undergraduate students and reached a total enrollment of 480, including graduate and online students. SCU is also celebrating its largest traditional undergraduate class in more than a decade and the highest number of students living on campus in university history.
SCU President Otis Garrison pointed to the university’s Indigenous/Native American Initiative and growing international reach as contributors to that growth. This semester, SCU welcomed students from nations including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Slovakia, and Japan.
“We believe God has brought each of them here for more than an education—that during their time at SCU, they will encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and be equipped to impact their communities and nations for His Kingdom,” Garrison said. “With every student, no matter where they are from, is a life God loves—a person with a unique calling, a purpose, and a future that He is shaping.”
As the new academic year begins, Garrison is looking ahead with expectation for what this growth will mean in the lives of SCU students.
“My prayer is that every student would grow—not only in knowledge, but in wisdom; not only in skill, but in character; and above all, in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I truly believe God has incredible things in store for the future of Southwestern Christian University.”
Emmanuel University
Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs, Georgia, is also entering the fall semester with historic momentum.
For the third consecutive year, Emmanuel has set a new fall semester enrollment record. This fall, the university reached a total headcount of 1,012 students, marking the first time in Emmanuel’s history that enrollment has reached or surpassed 1,000 students.
For Emmanuel University President Greg Hearn, the milestone represents something greater than setting a new institutional record.
“While we are thankful for this milestone, we are even more grateful for the opportunity to impact young lives this number represents,” Hearn said. “Please pray that we will be good stewards of the students God sends to us for ministry.”
For Hearn, the progress provides an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness to Emmanuel, not only during the current semester, but throughout the university’s history.
“Only by God’s miraculous blessings and grace were we able to see the progress we have seen in the last ten years, and in fact over the past 107 years,” Hearn said. “God’s divine preservation of Emmanuel University reminds us of the importance of the calling we have to fulfill God’s purposes for His institution.”
More Than Numbers
The milestones at Southwestern Christian University and Emmanuel University tell an encouraging story for IPHC higher education.
SCU is welcoming its largest traditional undergraduate class in more than a decade while reaching new highs in residential enrollment and expanding its reach among Indigenous and international students. Emmanuel has crossed the 1,000-student threshold for the first time in its history while recording its third consecutive year of record fall enrollment.
Yet the greatest reason to celebrate is not found simply in the numbers.
Every new student represents another opportunity for an IPHC institution to educate, disciple, and prepare the next generation. In classrooms, residence halls, chapels, athletic programs, and communities, students are being given the opportunity to pursue academic excellence while growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
As both universities look toward the future, their continued growth serves as an encouraging reminder of God’s faithfulness and the enduring importance of Christ-centered higher education.
The IPHC celebrates with Southwestern Christian University and Emmanuel University and remains grateful for the faculty, staff, leaders, supporters, and students who continue to advance the mission of these institutions.
