2024

News Release

Bonnie H. Cordon Inaugurated as the 10th President of Southern Virginia University

Sept. 13, 2024 — Buena Vista, Va.—On Friday, Sept. 13, Bonnie H. Cordon was officially installed as the tenth president of Southern Virginia University, marking a significant milestone and the largest campus gathering in the university’s history. Hundreds of distinguished visitors attended the ceremony, including Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who delivered the final address.

Speeches

Finding Lasting Success and Purpose in Life Through Christ

Sept. 11, 2024 — On Sept. 6, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Provost James Lambert and Brother Neil Carpenter, an instructor for the Southern Virginia Institute of Religion, speak on finding success and purpose through Christ.

Speeches

Finding Ways to Serve One Another: A Welcome Back Forum with the Cordons

Sept. 5, 2024 — In celebration of a new academic year, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena on Aug. 30 for a Welcome Back forum. President Bonnie H. Cordon and Derek Cordon taught about creating community and supporting one another.

Spotlight

From SVU Lacrosse to NFL Design: Natalie Yule’s Journey to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Creative Team

Aug. 15, 2024 — Among the first graduates of Southern Virginia University’s design program, Natalie Yule (‘22) is about to embark on the next big step in her career as a production designer for the Kansas City Chiefs, the 2024 Super Bowl champions.

Spotlight

Football Team Captain Receives Prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship

Aug. 7, 2024 — The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, recently awarded a $8,500 Fellowship to Jacob Wood (‘23) to pursue dental school at the University of Utah this fall. Wood is the third Southern Virginia University student in four years to receive this prestigious award.

Spotlight

Barbara Crawford’s Artistic Journey Around the World

Aug. 2, 2024 — On June 16, Professor of Art Barbara Crawford traveled to the picturesque hills of Sanquhar, Scotland, to set up her latest art exhibition at the Crawick Multiverse—a 55-acre land art project—in honor of the local celebration of the summer solstice.

Spotlight

Creating Peace in a Divided World: Students and Faculty Attend Braver Angels Convention

July 24, 2024 — For the weekend of June 27–29, ten Southern Virginia University students and Professors John Armstrong and Todd Brotherson traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin to attend the fourth national convention of Braver Angels—a grassroots movement that addresses political polarization—by invitation of the organization.

Spotlight

Switching Gears: How Alex Cox Found His Path in Law at Southern Virginia University

July 11, 2024 — Although a major or career-path switch is common among undergraduates, the change can still feel daunting or unsettling. Alex Cox (’24) found himself in this situation when he decided mid-studies to pursue law instead of medicine. 

News Release

Carrie Brotherson Named Vice President of Student Life

June 27, 2024 — Buena Vista, Va. — Today, President Bonnie H. Cordon announced Carrie Brotherson as Southern Virginia University’s Vice President of Student Life, effective July 25, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, including more than two decades at Southern Virginia, Brotherson will oversee the Office of Student Life as it strives to provide the best student experience anywhere.

Spotlight

Hurricanes, Lost Transcripts, and Turning Setbacks into Success

June 20, 2024 — Growing up, Luis Ortiz (‘09) had always been interested in attending Southern Virginia University. But, he was hesitant to leave his hometown of New Orleans. It took a hurricane, lost high school transcripts, and a spiritual prompting to take the leap to Buena Vista and start building a foundation for his future.

Spotlight

How a Campus Job Led to a Career: Emily Donbrosky’s Story

June 6, 2024 — Emily Donbrosky (‘24) didn’t expect her student job at the Von Canon Library to set the course for her future career. Now, three years later, and with a bachelor’s degree in history under her belt, Donbrosky is headed to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science with a focus on archival management.

News Release

Southern Virginia University’s Teacher Education Program Recognized for National Excellence

May 23, 2024 — The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) recently announced the accreditation renewal for the Rockbridge Teachers Education Consortium (RTEC), a partnership between Southern Virginia University and Washington and Lee University.