Former SWU president Newby Dies
April 10, 2009
CENTRAL, SC – April 10, 2009 – Dr. John Newby, president of Southern Wesleyan University from 1979 to 1994, entered into the presence of the Lord on April 6, 2009, after an extended illness.
Newby is survived by his wife of 60 years, Becky, and together they served the university with distinction, said current SWU President David Spittal. Newby’s passing is deeply felt and condolences and prayers have been expressed by the Southern Wesleyan community, he said.
Funeral services will be held at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, 120 W. Main St., Spring Arbor, Mich., on April 11 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Southern Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 1020, Central, S.C., 29630 and designated to the Newby Scholarship Fund.
Newby was respected by the university and the community and during his tenure as president of Southern Wesleyan University, Newby contributed much to the advancement of the university and Wesleyan Higher Education, Spittal said.
“He was a man of deep faith and courage who led the university though some of its most difficult and challenging years,” Spittal said. “His vision and foresight lifted the institution toward opportunities that came through his leadership. He worked tirelessly on the reduction of university debt and construction of the Jennings Campus Life Center.”
Spittal continued, “Under his leadership, the Adult and Graduate Studies Program was initiated for working adults, which currently enrolls 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, he led in the purchase of 110 acres of valuable highway frontage land which has provided the university with room for expansion now and in the future. His vision and foresight provided a solid foundation for the continued growth and advancement of the university.
“John Newby was clearly a powerful man of faith whose love for his people and for students was only exceeded by his love for his family and his God,” Spittal said. “I was honored to follow his presidency and consider my relationship with this great man of God to be a significant aspect of my own experience. He will be greatly missed by all who know and respect him.”
During his term as president, Newby was active in the Rotary International, a commitment that was continued for 50 years. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow and was honored by the state of South Carolina with the award of the Order of the Palmetto. He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Southern Wesleyan University. And in 2004, he was further honored with the naming of the John M. Newby Education Center in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the university.
The Southern Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students extend their condolences and prayer to Becky Newby and to his family and his many friends, Spittal said.
