2023

News Release

Theatre Takes to the Seas With Original Adaptation of “Treasure Island”

Oct. 6, 2023 — In a high seas adventure filled with pirates, treasure, and sea shanties, Southern Virginia University Theatre performed Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” with an original adaptation by Associate Professor of Theatre Amaree Cluff, on Sept. 22–23, 28–29 as the first production of the 2023–24 academic year.

News Release

University Trustee Bianca Lisonbee Passes Away

Oct. 5, 2023 — The Southern Virginia University community is deeply saddened at the loss of trustee, Bianca Lisonbee, who passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, surrounded by her husband, children, and loved ones, after bravely battling a rare and aggressive cancer.

Speeches

Former Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon Testifies of the Blessings of Walking with the Lord

Oct. 3, 2023 — On Sept. 29, the university community gathered for a devotional to learn from Bonnie H. Cordon—former young women general president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—as she shared her testimony of the blessings of walking with the Lord and trusting His guidance.

Spotlight

Alum Researches Genetic Variant in Polynesian Populations in Investigational Lab

Sept. 26, 2023 — For Jacob Taloa (‘23), going to college wasn’t originally in his life plan. Now, after graduating from Southern Virginia University with a 4.0 GPA, he is currently working as a research associate in the Summers/Holland Investigational Lab in the University of Utah molecular medicine program. With plans to become a doctor, Taloa hopes to be an example to Polynesians unsure about pursuing higher education.

Speeches

Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna on the Blessings of Making Learning a Priority

Sept. 22, 2023 — On Sept. 22, the Southern Virginia University community gathered to hear Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna speak on the blessings of pursuing learning and growth continuously.

Speeches

Letting God Prevail: Executive Editor of Church News Sarah Jane Weaver’s Personal Witness

Sept. 11, 2023 — On Sept. 8, the Southern Virginia University community gathered for a devotional to hear from Sarah Jane Weaver, the executive editor of the Church News for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as she spoke on the miracles of letting God prevail in our lives.

News Release

Preview: Southern Virginia University Theatre Presents Swashbuckling Tale “Treasure Island”

Sept. 11, 2023 — Southern Virginia University Theatre will present the well-known tale, “Treasure Island,” by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, on Sept. 22–23 and 28–29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

Spotlight

First Design Graduate Secures Position at Multinational Design Agency

Sept. 7, 2023 — Aly Day (‘22), one of the first graduates in Southern Virginia University’s new Design major, has joined Oliver Agency, a multinational design agency, as a junior graphic designer and credits her design classes and professor in helping develop her skills, experience, and confidence as a designer.

News Release

Your Path to Student Success: Celebrating the New Academic Year

Aug. 28, 2023 — On Friday, Aug. 25, students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Knight Arena for Southern Virginia University’s annual convocation and faculty processional to celebrate the beginning of the 2023–24 academic year and learn about the path to student success.

News Release

Michael Griffiths and Jared McBride Join Southern Virginia University as New Full-time Faculty Members

Aug. 24, 2023 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Michael Griffiths as visiting assistant professor of computer science and Jared McBride as assistant professor of mathematics.

News Release

Marie Withers, Hyrum Arnesen, and Eric Nielsen Join Southern Virginia University as New Visiting Faculty Members

Aug. 23, 2023 — With a new academic year beginning, Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome three new full-time visiting professors—Eric Nielsen, Marie Withers, and Hyrum Arnesen—to join in its mission to Gather, Lift, and Launch students.

Spotlight

Calling the Tune: How Three Music Majors’ Summer Experiences Are Cultivating Their Future Careers

Aug. 17, 2023 — With professors dedicated to Southern Virginia University’s mission to Gather, Lift, and Launch, Knights have the opportunity to receive personalized mentorship from their professors for their chosen careers. Through these professional relationships, several music students were connected to jobs and internships this summer that allowed them to further develop their skills as musicians.