Southern Virginia University News

Feature Story

Finding & Creating a Home at Southern Virginia University

Caleb Palmer (‘26) moved to Buena Vista, Virginia while in high school when his dad accepted the position as the director of the Southern Virginia Institute of Religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Taking a gap year after high school to move away and look at various college options, Palmer felt Southern Virginia University calling him back.

Feature Story

New Sport Performance Major Announced, Beginning Fall 2025

President Bonnie H. Cordon and the President’s Council are pleased to announce that beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, Southern Virginia University will offer a bachelor’s degree program in sport performance that emphasizes reflective participation in competitive sports. A minor and several related concentrations will also be available.

Feature Story

Thriving as a Student–Athlete at Southern Virginia University

Abigail Klusman (‘26) feels like she has grown the most at Southern Virginia University by learning to balance soccer, school, work, and having fun. As a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team, the skills she’s learned combining sports and academics has allowed her to thrive at the university and prepare for her future.

Spotlight

Growth, Joy, Connection–Reflecting on Sarah Jane Carraher’s Freshman Year

Sarah Jane Carraher (‘28) glows with the happiness and confidence many freshmen have after finishing out their first year at Southern Virginia University. She explained that she has found a place at the university where she feels loved and accepted, and she is excited by her growth.

Spotlight

How Curiosity Led to the Discovery of a New Species of Bacteria in North America

When Veronica Andersen (‘25) decided to collect her own bacteria samples for the microbiology class she served as a teacher’s assistant in January 2024, no one expected it to lead to the discovery of a new brand of bacteria, a team of students and professors embarking on over a year of research, and an upcoming submission slated to become the university’s first peer-reviewed scientific paper.

Spotlight

Associate Professor of Art Doug Himes Retires After 19 Years With Southern Virginia University

After 19 years of dedicated teaching and mentorship, Associate Professor of Art Doug Himes retired at the end of the 2024–25 academic year. Honored with the designation of professor emeritus of Southern Virginia University, Himes spent his duration at the university teaching fundamental art classes and inspiring hundreds of students.

News Release

Building Upon a Foundation of Success: Southern Virginia University’s 2025 Commencement

On May 9, family, friends, faculty, and professional staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for the university’s annual Commencement to celebrate the Class of 2025—the largest graduating class in university history of 184 students.

Spotlight

Class of 2025 Heading Towards Internships, International Trips, and Masters Programs

As graduation approaches this weekend, many seniors at Southern Virginia University are preparing to launch into their chosen career paths. Below are several students who are pursuing exciting opportunities through internships with major companies, international courses, and masters programs.

News Release

Coming to Terms with One’s Past in Theatre’s Emotional Performance of “Kindertransport”

Delving into the consequences of sending Jewish children away to safety before World War II and the dynamics of hiding or accepting one’s past, the university’s theatre program performed Diane Samuels’ “Kindertransport,” on April 18-19 and 24-26 in the Performing Arts Center.

Speeches

Class of 2025 Encouraged to Continue Learning at the Annual Graduation Celebration

As a precursor to Southern Virginia University’s upcoming Commencement ceremonies, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on April 25 for the annual graduation celebration–and last university forum of the academic year–to honor the Class of 2025, recognize senior awards, and hear from professors and a graduating senior.

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