Southwestern University

Southwestern students Layla Hoffen and James Cosman are with the club BEE-Co. short for Beekeeping Education and Engagement Community. Layla Hoffen founded the group. Photo by Linda Dwyer

Southwestern students Layla Hoffen and James Cosman are with the club BEE-Co. short for Beekeeping Education and Engagement Community. Layla Hoffen founded the group. Photo by Linda Dwyer

Club creates a buzz at Southwestern University

Linda Dwyer
Friday, May 8, 2026
Layla Hoffen graduates from Southwestern University in a week. She will leave behind cherished friendships, familiar routines, school traditions and her beloved bees! Layla is founder of BEE-Co. short for Beekeeping Education and Engagement Community.
Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. This was during the first of two services. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. This was during the first of two services. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Southwestern Candlelight Service keeps 100-year tradition alive

Andy Sharp
Friday, December 5, 2025
The Service of Lessons and Carols was held at Southwestern University's Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the candlelight service has been held at the university since 1915.Photos by Andy Sharp.
A close up shows a large broken limb that’s harmed the Story Tree on the Southwestern University campus.

A close up shows a large broken limb that’s harmed the Story Tree on the Southwestern University campus.

Science will try to save Southwestern's historic Story Tree

Williamson County Extension Office
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The famous and majestic live oak Story Tree is located on the Southwestern University campus in Georgetown. This tree has partially succumbed to the effects of its age, pathogenic fungi, bacterial infections, and who knows what over its 100 years of life.
The cast of Men on Boats performs at Southwestern University. Photo by Anthony Warner

The cast of Men on Boats performs at Southwestern University. Photo by Anthony Warner

Playtime: Southwestern kicks off theatre season

Linda Dwyer
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Southwestern University opened its theater season November 7 with Men on Boats. The story centers on an American expedition. Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus calls her comedic retelling of events “true-ish”.
Kelly Trietsch, chief development officer, left, presents the Southwestern University 560 zoning change to Georgetown City Council. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Kelly Trietsch, chief development officer, left, presents the Southwestern University 560 zoning change to Georgetown City Council. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

First phase of SU 560 plan gets commercial zoning approval

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Southwestern University will have to conduct a traffic mobility study exploring possible traffic impacts caused by its proposed SU 560 redevelopment plan. Georgetown City Council approved a rezoning request by the university on Tuesday, October 14.
This map shown to the P&Z Commission during their September 16 meeting shows phase 1A and 1B of the first stage of development. It includes retail, office, multi-family, hotels and conference space, a cultural venue and open space.

This map shown to the P&Z Commission during their September 16 meeting shows phase 1A and 1B of the first stage of development. It includes retail, office, multi-family, hotels and conference space, a cultural venue and open space.

Southwestern plan moves forward

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, September 18, 2025
New development is indeed coming to the vacant land east of Southwestern University. Georgetown’s Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday, September 16, unanimously approved an amendment to the university’s Planned Unit Development, which will allow commercial development on 68.
This map outlines the boundaries of the Southwestern University Public Utility District, with the development first phase of the SU 560 plan highlighted in red.

This map outlines the boundaries of the Southwestern University Public Utility District, with the development first phase of the SU 560 plan highlighted in red.

First phase of SU 560 plan heads to P&Z

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Right next to the quiet Southwestern University campus lies an opportunity for both the school and the city. A sprawling 560 acres is available for development that will give space for entertainment, commercial, office space, green spaces and residential housing.
Rendering of potential Phase 1 of SU's 560 Plan.

Rendering of potential Phase 1 of SU's 560 Plan.

Southwestern unveils early plan for vacant 560 acres

Katherine Hamilton
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
A mixed-use development — with offices, retail, apartments, music venue, hotel/conference and open green space — could be built on part of the 560 vacant acres of Southwestern University's campus. Southwestern’s “560 Plan” outlines ideas and initial plans for the university’s undeveloped space.
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