Southern Virginia University News

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Josh Monsen Steps Down; Southern Virginia University Initiates Search For Next Director of Athletics

BUENA VISTA, Va. - After nine years in athletics administration at Southern Virginia University, including the last three as director of athletics, Josh Monsen has announced his departure to accept the role of deputy athletic director at Division ll Colorado Mesa University.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Names Clint Bishop Vice President of Marketing

President Aaron Hale has named Clint Bishop Vice President of Marketing for Southern Virginia University. In this role, Bishop will lead the university’s marketing strategy, brand, and enrollment marketing efforts, working to share SVU’s mission with prospective students, families, alumni, and supporters across the country.

Speeches

Trust That the Lord Has a Plan for You: Forum with SVU Board Member Greg Scott

On Oct. 23, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena for a forum with Board of Trustees member Greg Scott, who will complete his service on the board this year after serving since 2017. During the Q&A-style forum, Scott responded to questions submitted by the student body covering spiritual survival, navigating the "decade of decisions," discerning political truth, and trusting in God’s plan.

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“Nothing You Learn is Ever Wasted”: Rick and Ellen James on Faith, Business, and Capitol Hill

On Oct. 16, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Rick and Ellen James, who have served in the U.S. Senate and the White House for over 15 years. There they spoke about what navigating career paths and life’s unexpected turns have taught them about gratitude, preparation, and being ready when opportunities come.

News Release

SVU Theatre Honors Amaree Cluff with Benefit Concert Reading of “Treasure Island”

On Oct. 9, members of the Southern Virginia University and local community gathered for a special benefit concert reading of “Treasure Island,” an original play adaptation written by Professor of Theatre Amaree Cluff. The evening honored Cluff’s years of service, celebrated her designation as professor emeritus, and offered support following her recent retirement as she focuses on treatment for pancreatic cancer.

News Release

SVU Breaks Ground for Beach Volleyball Court Generously Donated by the Elam Family

On Friday, Sept. 18, Southern Virginia University officially broke ground on a new beach volleyball court that will give the university’s beach volleyball team a dedicated place to practice on campus and provide another recreational space for students.The court is made possible by a generous gift from the Elam family, whose daughter, Celestial, spoke at the university’s forum earlier that morning.

News Release

Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Moments: Theatre Performs Pulitzer Prize Winner “Our Town”

In a moving production exploring the joys, simple pleasures, and everyday moments of life in a small town, Southern Virginia University’s theatre program performed Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” on Sept. 25–26 and Oct. 1–3 in the Performing Arts Center.

Speeches

Seeking Wisdom, Uncovering Truth: Professors Lee and Silver Speak at Annual Professor of the Year Forum

On Oct. 9, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Dr. Jared Lee and Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, who were named as Professors of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. As the inaugural recipients of the Kenneth F. MacDonnell Endowment Professor of the Year award, Lee and Silver spoke about scientific discovery, literary research, and the search for truth, identity, and wisdom.

News Release

Southern Virginia University’s Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi Earns National Award for Third Consecutive Year

Press release from the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi

Speeches

Beloved From the Beginning: Overcoming Shame and Reclaiming Divine Worth with Kurt Francom

On Oct. 2, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Kurt Francom, the host and executive director of Leading Saints, a non-profit organization and podcast dedicated to helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. There, Francom spoke about grace, divine identity, and one of mortality's most universal questions: "Is God disappointed in me?"

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