Southern Wesleyan University Receives Major Gift

Southern Wesleyan University’s Nicholson-Mitchell Ministry Center campaign took a big step forward as the result of a $182,000 gift from one Alumnus, the Rev. Albert Payne.

The center, to be located in the current First Wesleyan Church/ALIVE building, located on the campus in central, will train future generations for Christian service.

Payne, an alumnus of Southern Wesleyan University, remembered his alma mater in his will and estate plans. The estate gift was presented to Rev. Jim Wiggins, vice president for development (now retired) and Mary Costello, executive director for development by Mr. Herschel Smith, Payne’s brother-in-law and executor of the estate. Smith is also a member of Southern Wesleyan’s board of trustees.

“Southern Wesleyan University is proud of its alumni, and indeed grateful to Rev. Albert and Mrs. Hazel Smith Payne for the blessing of this tremendous gift at this time,” Wiggins said. “It’s a wonderful gift. I’ve known this family and how much they’ve meant to Southern Wesleyan University.”

Rev. Payne was an ordained minister and both were teachers for several years in the North Carolina public school system.