Southwestern College: A Legacy of Building Minds in Kansas

Southwestern College, a private Methodist institution nestled in Winfield, Kansas, boasts a rich history interwoven with academic excellence, community engagement, and unique traditions. From its humble beginnings as Southwest Kansas Conference College to its current status as a leading liberal arts college, Southwestern has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the wider world.

Founding and Early Years

The seeds of Southwestern College were sown in 1884 when the Southwest Kansas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church recognized the need for a higher education institution within their district. The Board of Trustees of the Southwest Kansas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church filed incorporation documents for “The Southwest Kansas College” with the Kansas Secretary of State. The college location would be at “College Hill” in Winfield. The Southwest Kansas Conference affirmed its connection with the college project at its April 1885 annual meeting at El Dorado. There the regional division of the church formally decided to establish a college within the district, selecting a committee of 7 headed by Rev. N.S. The vision quickly materialized, and construction of the main college building began in the fall of 1885, based on a plan designed by W.A.

The college officially opened its doors as Southwest Kansas Conference College and graduated its first class of three students in June 1889. In April 1886, Dr. John E. The early years were marked by dedication and community support. Designed by Willis A. SC President Dr. Milton E. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with an elaborate reception at the college. Friends and patrons who attended were invited contribute books and money to begin a college library. These early efforts laid a strong foundation for the institution's future growth.

Traditions and Transformations

Southwestern College is known for its unique traditions that foster a sense of community and belonging.

The Mound

Perhaps the most iconic tradition is "The Building of the Mound Ceremony." Instituted in 1927 by Dean Leroy Allen, this custom is unique among colleges. At the beginning of every school year, each of the Southwestern students, faculty, and friends places on this mound a rock bearing his name, thus signifying his desire to be a Builder. The college's nickname, "Moundbuilders," (frequently shortened to just "Builders") has inspired the creation of a large pile of rocks on the college campus, called "The Mound." Participants are invited to decorate their rocks with paint, and some are decorated quite creatively. Nobody but Moundbuilders can build mounds. Although rocks are never removed from the Mound, the Mound itself was moved from the upper campus to the lower campus in the 1970s when Darbeth Fine Arts Building was built on the original site of the Mound. The Order of the Mound is the official Honor Society for Southwestern College graduates. Although the society was formally organized in 1917, membership in the Order of the Mound includes graduates from 1889 onward.

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The nickname Moundbuilders originated in 1910 when students wanted to be called something other than "Preachers" or "Methodists." Editorialists toyed with various suggestions based on the fact that Southwestern students lived on "the hill." The name "Cliff-dwellers" was suggested but was ultimately scrapped for "Moundbuilders" after student Harry Hart wrote that "anybody could just dwell there, but 'builders' shows action."

Athletics and the "Jinx"

Southwestern's athletic teams, known as the Moundbuilders, have a storied history. The Southwestern athletic teams are called the Moundbuilders. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) since the 1958-59 academic year; which they were a member on a previous stint from 1902-03 to 1922-23. Southwestern competes in 19 intercollegiate sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and track & field.

A particularly memorable moment in Southwestern's athletic history involves a rivalry with Fairmount College (now Wichita State University). For the first time in history, the Fairmount Wheatshockers are beaten 41-3 by the Moundbuilders on November 11, 1912. A Southwestern student prepared a tombstone with the figure of a black cat at the top and the score underneath. SC continued to beat Fairmount for the next 14 consecutive years. The black cat came to be called the "Jinx."

Other Traditions

The Southwestern Moundbuilder yearbook is launched. It is to become the written legacy of Southwestern’s history. The Southwestern Alma Mater first appears in a college yearbook. Written by Florence M. Eleven members of the Southwestern College Dramatic Class, along with their teacher, Miss Martha Lee, lay the foundations for the Campus Players for the purpose of furthering the amateur standards of the school. The first intercollegiate debate tournament is held on the Southwestern College campus. Southwestern is a charter member of Pi Delta Kappa, the national debate fraternity. Pi Gamma Mu, which would grow to become the international Social Science society with chapters in colleges and universities all over the world, is started by Dean Leroy Allen at Southwestern College.

Challenges and Resilience

Throughout its history, Southwestern has faced challenges. Sonner Football Stadium, gift of P.J. Richardson Hall, built in 1910, burns on April 16, 1950. At this time, the college had only three main buildings, Richardson Hall, Stewart Field House, and North Hall- and North Hall had been condemned and was in the process of being torn down. The college’s future was very much in doubt. However, the college has consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to its mission. The Board of Trustees approves the “Campaign for Greater Southwestern” to raise money to offset operational deficits that tuition does not cover. Peace returns to the world and men return to the college.

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Academics and Campus Life

Southwestern College provides a comprehensive educational experience. AcademicsFor nearly two centuries, Southwestern University has been a destination for academic excellence. Southwestern professors are known for their high level of scholarship, but they are also known for their serious dedication to teaching and close collaboration with students. Our 26 academic departments offer 43 majors and 36 minors that prepare students for success in any field or endeavor.

Laptop Learning Community

The main campus is a laptop learning community, with laptop computers provided to all incoming students. Southwestern is the first college/university in the region to issue laptops to all new students. This initiative ensures that students have access to the technology they need to succeed in their studies.

Service Learning and Professional Studies

An emphasis on service learning has led to nationally recognized programs in leadership, discipleship, and sustainability (green issues). Southwestern College's professional studies programs focus on degree completion for working adults. Six professional studies sites in three states allow students to earn their bachelor's degrees and selected master's programs in either a traditional classroom setting or online. A Professional Studies Center opens in downtown Winfield for learners completing college degrees.

Arts and Culture

Southwestern College has fostered a vibrant cultural environment. The highlight of SC's 80th Founders Day was the laying of the cornerstone for the Darbeth Fine Arts Center. Controversial sculpture of “Whoopsie Daisy” arrives on campus. On October 23, 1971 The Walnut Valley Folk Festival is born on Southwestern’s campus. The Cultural Arts Board and SAA sponsor the festival. The Walnut Valley Horsefeathers and Applesauce summer theatre program is born through the fertile imagination of Norman Callison.

Facilities and Milestones

Over the years, Southwestern College has expanded its facilities to enhance the learning and living experience for its students. Affectionately known as “Bill’s Parthenon” in honor of SC’s director and coach of Athletics and Physical Training, Willis S. Bates, Stewart Field House is completed and ready for use. Stewart Field House, built in 1924, is the oldest field house still in use for its original purpose. Five oil wells are drilled on the Southwestern College campus; four are good producers. President Kirk asks Miss Helen Graham to direct a Christmas play for the final chapel before Christmas vacation. Buckton. Dr. Kirk is so pleased that he asks for a repeat performance the next year.

The Norman Hege Educational Center at Southwestern College's Floyd and Edna Moore Biological Field Station is dedicated on November, 14, 2009. The Richard L. Jantz Stadium is dedicated on October 2, 2010. On April 21, 2012 the newly-renovated Reuters Organ is dedicated with an organ concert featuring retired SC professor of music Dr. James H. Strand and James M. The George and Inez Hayward Gateway to Success is dedicated on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Southwestern University will operate on a normal schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Classes will resume as scheduled, and University offices will be open as usual.

Alvin the Alligator

The campus' unofficial mascot for four decades became affiliated with SC when members of the Pi Epsilon Pi fraternity brought a pair of six-inch alligators back from vacation. Before long an SC biology professor became the keeper of Pi and Ep (names of the original pair.) When Pi ate Ep, the survivor was renamed "Alvin” and soon became a highlight of campus tours. Alvin the Alligator dies on January 13, 2000, and an autopsy reveals that he is really a she.

History Programs at Southwestern College

Southwestern College offers a variety of history programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. Interdisciplinary & IntegrativeDiscover unexpected connections across the arts, humanities, sciences and life itself. Classroom learning comes alive when you are free to apply your knowledge wherever curiosity leads. You will collaborate with students and faculty from a variety of disciplines, engaging communities and cultures in addressing the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, all the while building the knowledge and skills that will lead you to your life’s passion.

Southwestern College, located in Winfield, KS has 7 students majoring in History.

Outcomes and Affordability

Alumni turn a Southwestern degree into lifelong success. From launching meaningful careers to pursuing advanced degrees, Southwestern graduates show the lasting value of a liberal arts education. Southwestern Alumna Gives the Gift of Life Through Compassionate and Expert Fertility CareErika (Sehne) Munch, M.D.

Financial AidWe are committed to making higher education accessible. Southwestern strives to make a world-class education accessible to students from all backgrounds. “Southwestern University helped me challenge myself, explore my found and unfound passions, and learn what I was truly capable of. SU is a special place where thinking and learning lead to developing skills that will last you a lifetime.

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