News

The Thomsen Observatory at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) has recently received a generous $13,350 grant to upgrade its equipment and facilities. This investment furthers our mission to provide an exceptional viewing and educational experience for the surrounding communities. Visitors to the observatory not only gain a deeper appreciation for the science of astronomy but also for the Creator of all that we can see and beyond.

Mickynzie Ramsey graduated from SWAU in December of 2022. After graduating, she worked as a PCU nurse at Medical City Fort Worth for a year before transferring to Baylor Scott & White Surgicare to work in Pre-op. Currently, she is working at Texas Health Huguley Hospital, and has felt progressive growth at each stage of her nursing career. Mickynzie says that the many doors and opportunities that have opened for her have been "answers to prayer".
"When I graduated, I thought that I had a pretty good work-life balance," Mickynzie says, reminiscing on the expectations she had for life after college. "After getting my first job, I realized just how hectic being a nurse really was! I even considered whether or not it was my calling." Mickynzie says that the experience of overcoming adversity helped shape her, not only as a nurse but as a person. "Sometimes, your expectations will get overruled or need to change," she says. "In those situations, you need to be flexible, adaptable, and be able to keep going forward!" 
Mickynzie is set to be in the first cohort of the brand-new Master of Science in Nursing Education Program at SWAU, and she says that her expectations are pretty high. "My experience in undergrad set me up for a great learning environment, one where I knew the professors wanted me to succeed. I also found that after graduating, I had all the tools I needed to be successful and had formed connections that benefit me even today. That's what I'm hoping to get out of a SWAU MSN program!" 
Mickynzie is motivated to continue her education by a strong desire to teach and help others. During her undergrad, she felt she was doing her best when she was helping to lead: be that in a study group, tutoring, or other nursing events. Coming from a family of educators, Mickynzie knows the value of learning and understands that a nurse can never learn too much. "It is unwise (even dangerous) for a nurse to stop asking questions," Mickynzie says. "Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned nurse, everyone can learn from everyone."

In the fiftieth anniversary year of the nursing program, Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is proud to announce the launch of the Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) program, an innovative and flexible option designed to meet the growing need for nurse educators. Texas is facing a shortage of nurse educators, with hundreds of positions still unfilled. SWAU's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program equips experienced nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in clinical, hospital, and academic settings. This program addresses a critical gap in nurse education while also offering nurses an opportunity to enhance their careers and become leaders in the field. The program is set to launch in Fall 2025, pending full accreditation.

The Biology Department at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) has been awarded two generous grants from Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) totaling $45,000. These grants are designed to further support the department’s research efforts, the Dino Dig scholarship program, and the educational experiences offered to students.
Dr. Art Chadwick’s Research Supported
The first grant, valued at $20,000, will support Dr. Art Chadwick, Emeritus Research Professor of Biology, in his ongoing research, travel, presentations, and publications. Dr. Chadwick is one of the leading authorities in the Adventist Church on Creation, the Biblical flood, and dinosaur theories. For over 25 years, he has led research efforts in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming, one of the world’s most productive dinosaur fossil sites. His work has resulted in the discovery of over 35,000 fossils, many of which are now housed in the SWAU Dino Museum.
The grant will also enable Dr. Chadwick to continue teaching his Philosophy of Science class at SWAU each spring, providing students with unique insights into both science and faith. “We are grateful to ASI for their ongoing support of this important research and the opportunity it provides for students to engage with the vast world of creation science,” said Dr. Chadwick. “This funding helps us continue to make significant contributions to the understanding of our world and God’s plan.”
The Dino Dig Scholarship Program
The second grant, valued at $25,000, will fund the Dino Dig Scholarship program, offering students the opportunity to participate in a one-month excavation experience at the Hanson Field Station in southwestern Wyoming. The funding will cover most of the expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, and visits to historical and natural sites, while also allowing students to earn four semester hours of college credit.
This program provides students with practical, hands-on experience in excavation, along with lectures on dinosaurs and origins presented by Dr. Chadwick and other researchers. The Dino Dig scholarship is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in both scientific research and faith-based exploration of Creation.
A Continued Partnership with ASI
These two grants demonstrate the continued partnership between ASI and SWAU. The grants are a vital part of the department’s efforts to nurture the next generation of creation scientists, offering students opportunities to engage in world-class research while strengthening their faith.