Southern Virginia University News

Feature Story

Finding Common Ground: SVU Students Gain New Perspectives at Democracy360

From Oct. 15–17, three Southern Virginia University students–Janet Brame (‘26), Nathaniel Boone (‘27), and Abigail Hansen (‘26)–traveled to Charlottesville to attend University of Virginia’s biennial Democracy360 conference. Hosted by the Karsh Institute of Democracy, the event gathered leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, artists, and students to examine the state of American democracy.

Speeches

Becoming World Class: James Nelson Encourages Students to Rise Above the “Gravity of Mediocrity”

On Nov. 21, James Nelson, retired co-founder and CEO of Sunworks, Inc., visited Southern Virginia University and encouraged students to become world class in whatever they choose to do in their lives–by pursuing excellence with intention. He outlined three key elements that are often shared by people who achieve world-class performance: ignition, deep practice, and master coaching.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Receives SCHEV Grant to Expand Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Southern Virginia University has been awarded a $25,000 Vision Grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Impact Grants initiative. The funding will strengthen the university’s ability to expand hands-on, work-based learning opportunities for students—including internships, shadowing, and real-world projects.

Spotlight

Psychology, Leadership, and Football: Spike Adams Embraces Every Opportunity at SVU

When psychology major Spike Adams ('27) decided to attend Southern Virginia University, it was a split-second decision resulting from an unshakable feeling that SVU is where he is meant to be. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Adams is now in his junior year, and that decision has evolved into a deep commitment to the school and a powerful spiritual confirmation that he belongs there.

News Release

SVU Announces Wendy Kimber as Board of Trustees Chair and Nelson Knight as Vice Chair

The Southern Virginia University Board of Trustees has elected Wendy Kimber as the university’s fourth board chair and alumnus Nelson Knight (‘05) as vice chair. These appointments follow the recent term completions of former board chair Hugh Redd and vice chair Ann Christensen and come at a meaningful moment as the university prepares to celebrate its landmark 30th year.

Spotlight

Recording More Than Ordinances: Kyle Tetterton’s Meaningful Work in the Richmond Virginia Temple

For Kyle Tetterton (‘20), working in the temple isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that has reshaped both his career and his faith. As recorder for the Richmond Virginia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tetterton says he feels a deep sense of purpose each day, one that reminds him of the connections, lessons, and community he found during his time at Southern Virginia University.

Speeches

Reversing the View: Brett Anderson’s Challenge to Look Upward, Forward, and Outward

As the featured Forum speaker on Oct. 24, tech entrepreneur and pilot Brett Anderson challenged the Southern Virginia University community to reconsider the direction of their thoughts and attention. Drawing on his experiences in the air and in everyday life, he encouraged attendees to shift their focus from looking "inward, backward, and downward" during personal struggles or moments of stress to instead looking "upward, forward, and outward" with faith and purpose.

Spotlight

Finding Meaning through Poetry: Alumna Ella Foutz’s Debut Book Prepares for Release

When Ella Foutz (‘24) was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school, she turned to writing as a way to make sense of her experience. One night, in a rush of creativity, she began putting her thoughts into words–a moment that would later inspire her debut poetry collection, “Lullabies for the Insomniacs,” set to be released November 4, 2025 by Lerner Publishing Group.

Spotlight

Learning That Lasts: SVU Alumna Stephanie Tuttle Wins National Award for Innovative Teaching

Southern Virginia University alumna and Fairfield Elementary School teacher Stephanie Tuttle (‘15) was recently named one of only two educators nationwide to receive the 2025 John Larmer Lifelong Learning Award, a prestigious and national honor recognizing excellence in Project Based Learning (PBL).

Speeches

A Life Led by Promptings: Alumnus Captain Larsen’s Homecoming Message to Southern Virginia University

At Southern Virginia University’s annual Homecoming forum on Oct. 17, Captain Hayes C. Larsen—U.S. Navy judge and SVU alumnus—testified how following promptings from the Lord has guided and protected his life, and how even missed promptings can become moments of learning.

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