Over the past five years, Southwestern University has experienced a period of remarkable transformation, one shaped by bold vision, strategic investments, and an unwavering commitment to the liberal arts. At the heart of this evolution is President Laura Skandera Trombley, who has led the institution through some of the most challenging moments in recent history. Under her leadership, Southwestern strengthened its mission, innovated where needed, and upheld the core values that define its liberal arts tradition.

These accomplishments have been made possible by the dedication, expertise, and unwavering support of Southwestern’s faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees. This shared leadership is the foundation for Southwestern’s success over the past five years and has positioned the University for long-term success.

A Clear Focus on Financial Health and Growth

Over the past five years at Southwestern, over $83 million has been raised, culminating in the successful completion of the $150 million Thrive Campaign, the largest in the University’s history. This momentum increased financial aid, funded paid internships, endowed faculty positions, and supported capital improvements across campus.The University has had balanced budgets every year of her tenure and generated over $1.2 million in new revenue through the new auxiliary sales team, transforming underused spaces into valuable assets, and in 2023, realized a $28 million return on a property gifted to the University in the 1930s.

Strategic Direction and the Tactical Plan

Southwestern’s progress is due to the five-year Tactical Plan, developed collaboratively by faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni to align with the University’s strategic goals. Within four years, 89% of the plan has been achieved. The strategy focused on building campus community culture, increasing student retention and success, enhancing academic and co-curricular programs, modernizing infrastructure, and establishing comprehensive salary benchmarking studies. For students, this translated into paid high-impact experiences, richer co-curricular offerings, and more inclusive spaces and programs. For faculty and staff, the Tactical Plan brought meaningful investments in support and well-being.

A Campus Reimagined

In addition to fundraising, an $80 million bond was carefully leveraged to address deferred maintenance and support capital improvements. The newly renovated Mood-Bridwell Hall blends 21st-century technology with its rich history. Built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building now features electronic classrooms, performance and gathering spaces, a coffeehouse, and a reopened upper terrace for outdoor seminars and events. New construction is also underway. A Welcome Center will house Admission and Financial Aid offices, Southwestern’s first-year advisors, an art gallery, and a film theater, creating a vibrant hub for incoming students and visitors. Two new mixed-use residence halls are also under construction and will be ready by 2026.

A Game-Changing New Facility

Southwestern has been a champion of investments that strengthen the connection between athletics and campus life. Construction is expected to begin on a donor-funded $9.2 million multi-purpose sports complex in August 2025. Located on the current football practice field, the facility will feature grandstands, a stadium press box, a synthetic turf field, scoreboards, and modern locker rooms. It will support a variety of sports and large-scale University events, such as Commencement—and will bring football back to campus for the first time since 1950, restoring a powerful tradition and deepening the sense of pride and connection across campus.

Academic Expansion for a New Era

Southwestern has placed renewed emphasis on academic innovation, with a strong focus on expanding student opportunities and responding to workforce needs. With her encouragement and support, faculty and staff developed new graduate and professional school partnerships with Rice University (Accounting), Texas Tech University (Mechanical Engineering), Baylor University (Nursing), and Texas A&M University (Business), creating clear pathways for students pursuing advanced degrees. In addition, Southwestern’s faculty has endorsed the creation of certificate programs in emerging areas such as Legal Studies, Spanish for Health Care Professions, and 3D Printing, backing faculty-driven efforts to equip students with practical skills in growing fields.

A new academic strategic plan is currently under development, designed to expand academic offerings and respond to student interests and workforce demands. Beginning in Fall 2025, students will have the opportunity to explore new pre-professional pathways in Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistant. Planning is also underway for a new major in Mechanical Engineering, with faculty hiring and curriculum development already in progress.

Campus Life Renewal

Campus life at Southwestern is active and far-reaching. The University launched Pirate Adventures and the Outdoor Adventure program, initiatives that have redefined the student experience by encouraging exploration, discovery, and community-building. Students now have access to unforgettable experiences ranging from local museum visits to kayaking, caving, and hiking trips across Texas and beyond. Greek Life has also experienced a strong resurgence, growing 70% since fall 2023 and contributing to a renewed sense of connection, leadership, and pride among students.

Building for the Future: The SU 560 Development

Looking ahead, Southwestern will launch one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking projects: the development of 560 acres east of campus. The SU 560 initiative embodies a bold, long-term vision to establish a vibrant intellectual and cultural hub grounded in the liberal arts and founded on the values of connection, creativity, and purpose. More than a land project, SU 560 is designed to directly support Southwestern’s students by enhancing the academic experience, creating new opportunities for community engagement, and generating a sustainable source of revenue to strengthen financial aid, educational programs, and campus resources.

Rising Reputation

The results of this deeply collaborative work are being recognized at the national level. Southwestern rose 19 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, a record, reaching #83 among national liberal arts colleges in 2025. It was named the #2 liberal arts college in Texas by Forbes—its highest placement since 2018—and was recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the “Best Colleges for 2025,” with a #2 national ranking for Career Services.

Southwestern also became a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), making it the only top-85 liberal arts college in the country—and the only member of the Associated Colleges of the South—to hold that status. This designation unlocks new opportunities for grant funding, student support, and programming.

A Legacy of Purpose and a Future of Possibility

With this strong foundation in place, Southwestern will continue to build on its momentum. The next five years promise even more opportunities for progress, creativity, and meaningful impact, guided by the same thoughtful leadership and shared sense of purpose that have brought the University to this pivotal moment.