Southern Eastern University (USA) has been offering world class, distance learning degree courses in the United Kingdom since 2002.

Southern Eastern University (USA) is a comparatively new University with old foundations:

SEU started life in 1899 as ‘The Pioneer Theological Seminary’ in the State of Illinois, USA.

During the 1890’s a Baptist Theological Seminary, supported by the forty or so different Baptist Associations that had sprung up in the area, formed an alliance and in about 1895 this alliance of Associations was integrated into the University of Chicago where it assumed the status of its School of Divinity

However, there was dissention amongst many of those that were in the former alliance which resulted in a breaking away and the outcome of this was the formation and setting up of the ‘Pioneer Theological Seminary’ in 1899. To this present day, Southern Eastern University (USA) still maintains a lot of the high academic tradition that was the driving force of the Seminary; It still has a thriving theological faculty and its academic hoods differ slightly from the average University academic hoods in that they are more similar in shape to the ecclesiastical hoods worn by monks. The University still retains the original Seminary motto – “De Profundis ad Lucem” – ‘from the Depths to the Light’, based on a Biblical text.

As time went on the Pioneer Theological Seminary dismantled its exclusive connection to the Baptist tradition and its campus-based institution, in its quest to equip students over a wider denominational spectrum and a wider geographical location, by switching over to become a purely correspondence college. This enabled the college to resume teaching students with the same academic standards but by distance learning, a system that was becoming increasingly popular in America during the 1920’s -1950’s.

It subsequently aligned itself with the Albert Schweitzer Society in America, based in the State of Florida, but over the years the work of the college diminished as its Principals became more involved in charitable ventures in third word countries. In the early 1990s it became apparent that there was a need for a new and wider approach to education in general and higher education in particular, especially (but not exclusively) in the under-developed countries.

As a result of this the college underwent a total re-construction and in 1993 Southern Eastern University (USA) emerged, as it exists today, having been chartered by the Secretary of State of Arkansas in Southern USA pursuant to Act 958 of 1987 of the Corporation Laws of the State of Arkansas. Its legal identity of incorporation, under the State’s Chartered Corporation Division, is 106650 of 1993. Its International Charter sets out the objects of the University as being:

“To organize and hold study classes and carry on general academic programs both in residence and by correspondence. To have satellite schools in various locations where the need for higher education is indicated. In cooperation with other institutions, to offer courses of study in various areas or fields via satellite communications, especially to third world countries where university accommodations are not available. To have and maintain campuses where needed with administration buildings, class rooms, laboratories and libraries; also training centres and broadcast facilities.”

Dr. John Johnson, LLD, MA, BSc, F.PLL

It was a legal requirement in the State of Arkansas that the incorporation of the University and the objects of the Charter itself be submitted for approval to the State Circuit Court. In August 1993 the Honourable Judge Charles H. Eddy in the Circuit Court of Logan County, found and so ordered, that the University was lawful and that its Charter was in the best interests of the public. The Order was made under Case Number CIV-93-26, Division 1, dated the 23rd August 1993.

In August of 2002, the University established a branch in the United Kingdom. Pursuant to the requirements of Schedule 21A of the (UK) Companies Act 1985, it was duly registered at Companies House under the Official Seal of the Registrar of Companies, through the Department of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who, in conjunction with the Office of the Privy Council, approved its UK operating title of ‘Southern Eastern (SEU). The UK Registration number of Southern Eastern University is FC 023251 and the UK Branch was registered under its UK approved operating title above, under Branch number ‘BR 06097.’

Southern Eastern University (USA) is an American private non-profit organisation conducting and awarding first and higher degree programmes together with non-degree certificate and diploma programmes through distance learning and/or full or part time class attendance, private study and academic research. All its faculties afford part credit transfer from other universities, colleges, professional bodies and chartered or non-chartered business organisations, towards a First or Higher Degree.

The University maintains its long historical tradition of educational excellence and its strong policy of quality control ensures high academic standards across the board in various Faculties. Each Faculty maintains a unique academic policy that ensures quality qualifications that meet the demands of a modern global audience. It is Southern Eastern University’s strict policy that no degrees are awarded purely on ‘life/work’ experience and no student can gain exemption from Part 2 of any degree programme.

All degrees are awarded by Southern Eastern University (USA). SEU does not have a located campus either residential or non-residential. Its campus is a world-wide e-campus with Administrative Offices.