[1] Sami Shamoon College of Engineering started out as part of a program to expand academic studies in Israel's geographic periphery.

It was founded by faculty from Ben Gurion University, and originally named Negev Academic College of Engineering.

In 2004 the name was changed to Sami Shamoon [he], after a British-Israeli businessman who donated over US $10 million to the college.

Shevah remains involved in the college's overall architectural planning, along with Haim Dotan.

SCE takes an active role in empowering students from unrepresented groups in the Israeli society, such as Haredim, students from the social periphery, and Arabs, by giving dedicated scholarships, social programs, and additional financial support.