Southern Virginia University News

Feature Story

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.

Spotlight

Learning to Understand Others and Oneself: Sydney Bassett’s Perspective

Sydney Bassett (’25) has learned that life offers many lessons that only adversity and diversity can teach. By moving to unfamiliar places, becoming the captain of Southern Virginia University’s women’s volleyball team, and pursuing knowledge and self-discovery, Bassett understands that learning is central to the life she wants to live.

Spotlight

History Professors Utilize Student Conversations to Deepen Scholarship

Bringing their academic passions to the forefront in recent book projects, three professors in the Southern Virginia University history program are utilizing classroom experiences to develop their scholarly works.

Spotlight

Third SVU Student Jasmine Rios (‘26) Receives Sigma Delta Pi’s Prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award

Today, the national collegiate Spanish honors society Sigma Delta Pi awarded Jasmine Rios (‘26) the Gabriela Mistral Award, making her the third consecutive recipient of the award at Southern Virginia University.

Spotlight

Preparing to Protect Wildlife Species at Southern Virginia University

Chase Pope (‘25) is a big fan of wildlife diversity, and the desire to protect wildlife from a current mass extinction of animals has led him to study biology, which will prepare him for his desired career in wildlife conservation.

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