Southwestern reached a major milestone in 2026, achieving 60 years of operation. Since its inception, the college has served as an educational anchor for southwest and south central Iowa. In 2025, Southwestern proudly provided opportunities for nearly 2,000 students to pursue their educational goals, played a critical role in helping 230 businesses and industries build and train their workforces, and continued to offer lifelong learning experiences to nearly 4,500 community members across its eight-county service region.
With growing momentum, the college has reached a pivotal point. A recent capital campaign feasibility study demonstrated strong support for Southwestern. The college is embarking on a multi-year capital campaign to shape the institution’s future with the valuable assistance of all stakeholders. The campaign reflects Southwestern’s unwavering commitment to student success and regional economic vitality. Nearly 91 percent of Southwestern’s graduates remain in the state after graduation, contributing their talents to local businesses and industries, organizations, and communities. The capital campaign recognizes when students succeed, the region’s communities prosper.
Campaign projects were determined through in-depth research and will come to fruition through broad collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The plan reflects a shared vision – one honoring Southwestern’s legacy while investing boldly in projects identified as top priorities during master facilities planning:
- Initiative I - Skilled Trades Project
- Initiative II – Athletic Practice & Wrestling Training Center
- Initiative III – Baseball & Softball Complex Improvements
- Initiative IV – Student Life Experience
More information coming soon.