Southwestern University is probably the only school in the Philippines that started operation in summer. It was founded as Southwestern Colleges in the summer of 1946 when the country was still reeling from the destruction of the Second World War. The Founders were Don Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar, II and his wife Doņa Anunciacion Barcenilla Aznar, both pharmacists.

The country then was in the process of rehabilitation, and the philanthropic couple saw the difficulty of the masses in the pursuit of an education that was disrupted by war. Therefore, they decided on establishing a school within the reach of the common people.

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 Teachers College 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.

Mission-Vision

1. Excellence in Instruction

Objectives:

a. Offer curricular programs that will meet the needs of the Filipino people and the International community;
b. Enhance classroom instruction through intensified faculty development and accreditation; c. Continuously upgrade facilities and equipment; d. Maximize the linkages with different sectors to enrich instruction

2. Dynamic Research Program

Objectives:

a. Undertake studies together with local and international institutions towards development of knowledge in culture, arts and sciences; b. Utilize research outputs for the improvement of education and the quality of life.

3. Effective and relevant Community Services

Objective:

Undertake social services with a strong sense of commitment to the upliftment of the community and nation.