Southern Adventist University

Date: Oct 31 2011
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
I went to this school for almost two years. I didn't graduate here because I had to move to another state. I was a double major: history/biblical archaeology. I finish my undergrad in my present school in 2012.

I want to start by saying that I understand the frustrations people might have with this school.

In most areas, besides the snack shack in the wellness center, the food is not very healthy, which is ironic because Adventists are supposed to have the best healthy lifestyle. However, the Wellness Center was not a mistake. We profess to be a healthy community and not having a good health facility brought us down. So constructing it, which took decades in planning and getting it approved (I know the professor responsible for accomplishing that), was a good call. I really enjoyed using it almost everyday and it was included in the tuition. I found it awesome that I the aerobic classes were included in the cost, which you can't find in any gym you go to.

When it comes to the campus, we all have to agree it's absolutely beautiful. You only see that kind of landscaping in major universities. Having said that, I believe they do need to spend less money on it. We could probably save some money on tuition if the school didn't plant so many flowers every season. But it is more beautiful even than Andrews University in Michigan.

When it comes to academics it depends what you are going to study. If you want a biblical or nursing degree, then you are in for a treat. There are many hard-working students in these schools and superb professors. The programs are competitive and set you off to a promising career. I was an archaeology major and I loved the biblical studies in this school. My favorite professors were Dr. King (the dean when I was there) and Dr. Hasel, but I've been told most professors were top notch. They weren't easy but also not unreasonable. They expected enough from students that you worked pretty hard to get a good grade. They tried to get to know their students especially those with a biblical major and many were humble and kind. Dr. Hasel was my biblical archaeology professor and he was really good. I loved this degree because almost every summer archaeologists in training get to go to other countries and have a tour or go on a dig. I went on a tour in '09 to Paris and Turkey and that was life changing. When it comes to nursing, I had a lot of friends in this field who got jobs even before graduating. The program is competitive and well prepared.

However, if you are going to study something else, then be ready for average. I was also a history major and I can say I only really enjoyed one professor, a young lady in like her 30s. She really had spunk and fire for history and that made me really enjoy her class. I could see other students (who weren't history majors) really participating and engaging in the conversation because she made us a big part of it. Other professors however talked at us instead of to us. I can't say much more about that because I didn't get to know each one personally. There is not much variety in the courses offered so you are better off getting this degree elsewhere if this is the only thing you are interested in. Same thing goes for any other degree besides nursing and biblical studies. The language department is the same, the literature, the arts, the sciences, business, etc. However, if you are looking for an overall good experience then you can find it here if you are willing and think positively.

When it comes to the dorms, just be happy they are the way they are. They are not superb but they are not trash either. I was surprised to see that Andrews University dorms were more horrible than at Southern. SO, believe me when I say that although they are small they are better than most that I've seen given their age. Once you are a junior you can apply to live in the upperclassman housing. However, if you can rent a room in a home nearby, go for it. There are many homeowners in the area willing to rent if you take good care of their homes. The dorms are very strict, I think it's because some parents still can't believe their babies are all grown up so they influence the decisions made about the rules. So, if you want more leniency, then rent off-campus. It's WAY cheaper, you can save like $250 or more, you can pick your roommates, and you can get your own room and share the bathroom with less people. For some places you only need a bike to get to and from school, for others you may have to get a car, for it will be like 5 to 10 minutes to school.

When it comes to the people, get ready for all types. Remember we are living in a sinful world. So you will see drugs and alcohol, not in public, are a part of Southern. However, you can easily avoid them if you decide to. You will find nice and mean people, genuine and fake, humble and arrogant, self-righteous and god-loving. So, I believe it is the attitude one takes and the people who you hang with that make the difference. Loving everyone is the most important part of who we should be as Christians, no matter the faults and qualities. The Bible says even the evil-doers love those who love them; we must learn to love our enemies because that is Christ-like. My point to all this, is that I've seen people who struggled in this school because they decided to do things wrong and were not ready for the pressures of being without their parents who had to constantly remind them they were Christians. Then there were others that flourished as adults and Christians because that's what they decided to do and weren't swayed by just any "advice." I met some wonderful well-meaning individuals in this place and others who were impaired in the path they were taking.

The options for attending church are many. I'll only name a few. I am Hispanic so I attended the Hispanic church behind the school. However, the pastor in the large Collegedale church is good and gives good sermons. I really like the church in the Collegedale Academy. It was geared more towards youth and a little more contemporary when it comes to music, which I loved! I enjoy a good hymn but mix it up with some praise music and I'm really feeling the worship. There is also the Collegedale Community Church, and I've been told it is large but an engaging and familial church with members who really love the lord and each other. They organize a lot of events and programs too, so the church keeps busy and provides its members and visitors with useful resources. If you are Korean there is also a church for you not far from the university. So, when it comes to attending church, students have more than enough options.

If you love sports then Southern has a lot of options for you. However, if you want to be proud of a school team and have a mascot, then be ready for a sad reality. Southern has no official teams and only engages in intramurals.

Chattanooga is not very far and has an adequate amount of entertainment, restaurants, and especially outdoor activities. So you don't have to be bored on weekends.

Overall, unless you are going to Southern for biblical studies or nursing be ready for more of a life-experince than a superb education. The professors are hard-working, they work more and harder than any professors I've ever encountered, and you know they are there because they really want to be there. (Most of the professors there have their PHDs and they earn a meager salary compared to other professors of the same caliber in other institutions; you should see some of their homes, sad.) It depends on you to have the experience you are expecting. The food is not very healthy but is vegetarian. The dorms are adequate, but the fitness facility is AWESOME! There is good variety in sports and in the churches available to attend. Even though you can acquire alcohol and drugs, if you are looking to drink, do drugs and party, this is not the school for you. You will be miserable because surprisingly most people don't want to engage in drinking or drugs. I'm not saying you won't find them, I'm just saying that this is not the school if that's what you are expecting from your college experience.

I know this review was lengthy and full of details but I think I have given all a better sense of what it is like to attend SAU. Not perfect, but surely for me, a place that gave me good memories and life experiences I wouldn't change for the world.