Southern Virginia University News

Feature Story

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.

Feature Story

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

Feature Story

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?"

Spotlight

More Than Resources: Why Paysen Grandy Chose Southern Virginia University Over SCAD

In 2023, Paysen Grandy (’26) was studying illustration on a full scholarship at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the top art institutions in the country. But as the year progressed, she began to realize she wanted something more from her college experience.

Speeches

Finding Joy and Identity After a Life–Altering Trial with Celestial Elam

On Sept. 18, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from 26 year-old Celestial Elam, who shared her powerful journey of faith, resilience, and discovering true identity following a life-altering car accident at age 16.

Speeches

SVU Convocation Encourages Students to Find Purpose and Think for Themselves

On Sept. 11, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in Knight Arena for the annual Convocation to mark the start of a new academic year. Provost Brent Yergensen and professors Michael King and Kim Anderson challenged students to consider what will guide them through the year, and how purpose, community, and careful thinking can help them navigate an unpredictable world.

Spotlight

SVU Student and Alumna Named First President and Secretary for LDSPMA’s New NextGen Program

It started with an email from the Launch Center. When Aurora Johnson (‘27) and Paysen Grandy (‘26), opened a message highlighting new opportunities for artists, neither knew it would lead to transformative national leadership roles in a national initiative for young creators.

Speeches

“You Are the Fulfillment of That Prophecy”: Celebrating SVU’s History and Heritage

In celebration of the history, faith, and growth that defines Southern Virginia University, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Friday, Sept. 4, for a special forum focused on the university’s origins, student journeys of belonging, and an invitation to share SVU with the world.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Expands Teacher Licensure Program with New PreK-12 Theatre Track

Southern Virginia University’s teacher licensure program has announced the addition of a new PreK-12 Theatre endorsement track beginning Fall 2026. In this track, students can earn a nationally recognized Virginia teaching license to instruct all aspects of theatre—including acting, stagecraft, choreography, and makeup—across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Speeches

Give What You Have to the Lord: A Welcome Back Forum With the Hales

In celebration of the new academic year, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena for the annual Welcome Back forum with President Aaron Hale and Becky Hale, where they shared the series of spiritual promptings that led them to SVU.

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