Southern Virginia University News

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Press Release: Southern Virginia University Launches Credit for Recognized Experience, Service, or Training Program Recognizing Missionary and Military Service

New initiative formally recognizes competencies developed through full-time service

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Spring 2026 President’s and Provost’s Lists

Southern Virginia University recently announced its Spring 2026 President’s and Provost’s Lists. These lists are compiled at the end of each semester and recognize students who have excelled academically.

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Southern Virginia University Receives Two SCHEV Grants to Support Student Work-Based Learning

Southern Virginia University has been awarded two grants totaling $400,000 from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) initiative. Each distributed as $100,000 annually for two years, the grants will be utilized to establish and strengthen data collection systems and reduce financial and structural barriers for student participation in work-based learning.

News Release

One Year In, SVU’s Sport Performance Major Builds on a Historic Launch

When Southern Virginia University unveiled the Sport Performance major in the fall of 2025, it initiated a movement within higher education — one built on the idea that athletic competition can be at the center of a college education, not on its sidelines. One year later, founding program coordinator and professor of philosophy Dr. John Armstrong says the program is delivering on its promise — and universities around the country are looking to SVU to show the way.

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A Legacy of Faith, Vision, and Growth: Celebrating President Bonnie H. Cordon

At the conclusion of her tenure as President of Southern Virginia University, SVU honors Bonnie H. Cordon and her husband Derek, who left an indelible mark on the University and the students it serves. President Cordon’s life is highlighted by her love for the rising generation — evident in her years of service in the Primary General Presidency and as Young Women General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her unwavering commitment to helping young men and women build faith in Jesus Christ.

Speeches

Overcome Fears and Fulfill Your Mission: Southern Virginia University’s 2026 Commencement

On May 1, family, friends, faculty, and staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for the University’s annual Commencement ceremonies to celebrate the graduation of over 150 students.

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Professors Karen Walker, Lora Knight, and Arlene Fuentes Retire After Two Decades of Dedicated Service

After over 60 combined years of excellent teaching and dedicated service at Southern Virginia University, Professor of Family and Human Development Karen Walker, Professor of History Lora Knight, and Assistant Professor of Spanish Arlene Fuentes each will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Alumni Spotlight

Southern Virginia University Alumna Chrissy Egbert Is on the Front Line of the Fight Against Cancer

When Chrissy Egbert ('15) walked across the Southern Virginia University stage a decade ago, she had no idea she would one day be helping build the next generation of cancer treatments. As a senior scientist in TechBio Discovery Biology at Recursion — a Salt Lake City-based pharmaceutical company — that is her reality today.

Spotlight

Four-Year Streak: Lauren Madsen Continues University Trend Receiving Sigma Delta Pi’s Gabriela Mistral Award

The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society Sigma Delta Pi announced today Lauren Madsen (’26) as a recipient of the prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award, becoming the fourth consecutive Southern Virginia University student to receive this award.

Speeches

Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Future: Highlights from the 2026 Graduation Forum

Leading up to Southern Virginia University’s upcoming Commencement ceremonies on May 1, the campus community filled the Knight Arena with cheers at the annual graduation forum on April 17 as they celebrated the Class of 2026. The event recognized senior and Professor of the Year awards, welcomed President-elect Aaron Hale, and honored President Bonnie H. Cordon’s leadership.

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