Southwestern University was founded as Southwestern Colleges in the summer of 1946, when the entire country was in the process of rehabilitation from the destruction that resulted from the Second World War. The founders were Don Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II and his wife, Doña Anunciacion Barcenilla Aznar, both pharmacists, who wanted to establish a school that was within the reach of the common people.
SWU Located in the middle of Cebu city, the 2nd biggest city in South Philippines and closer to countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
At the time of the founding, the University had only three two-story buildings on an approximately two hectare lot. But then there were only 18 faculty members, 509 students and the following programs: Elementary, High School, Liberal Arts, Education and Law.
Today, Southwestern University offers over 50 degree programs in the graduate and undergraduate levels, with an enrolment of more than 10 thousand. It has increased to more than 400 faculty members and more than 400 non-teaching personnel. Impressive buildings have replaced the old structures and the land area has increased several-fold. In addition to its more than 20 colleges, the University includes a tertiary hospital, a drug rehabilitation center, and a multimilion peso museum that gives a quick look at Cebuano art and lifestyle from the pre-historic era to modern times.
Since its acquisition of the University status in 1959, Southwestern University has maintained its thrust for academic excellence and continues to strive for the accreditation of its programs. In 1994, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools , Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), a prestigious accrediting agency in the Philippines, granted formal accreditation to the College of Nursing, the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. Four colleges - the College of Commerce, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering and the College of Computer Studies have already passed the preliminary survey. Other colleges are being prepared for the same survey.
Southwestern University is an educational community committed to the pursuit of world-class academic excellence and the upliftment of the quality of life of those we touch.
We are recognized as the leader in medical, paramedical, teacher education, business and entrepreneurship, information technology, and language proficiency. Our academic programs, curricula and research are relevant to the needs of the industry.
Our competent, dedicated and motivated professionals promote synergy in the pursuit of sustainable growth and development.
Our proud alumni are our life-long partners in a global network. They are instrumental to our success and the fulfillment of our social responsibility.
We forge strong partnerships with like-minded institutions. These result in lasting and rewarding relationships that offer global competitiveness to our students and faculty.
We inspire our students to achieve their fullest potential and provide tangible opportunities to shape their destiny.