2026

Feature Story

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

May 7, 2026 — 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.

News Release

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

April 28, 2026 — 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

April 27, 2026 — 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

April 24, 2026 — 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

April 23, 2026 — 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.

Official Statement

Sports and Entertainment Executive David W. Checketts To Address Graduates at Commencement

April 13, 2026 — Southern Virginia University is honored to welcome David W. Checketts as our 2026 Commencement Speaker. 

Speeches

A Life of Consistent Correct Choices – Celebrating Jim Skeen at Third Annual Founder’s Day Forum 

April 13, 2026 — The Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on March 27 to celebrate the annual Founder’s Day Forum and honor board of trustees member Jim Skeen.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Announces Dr. Brent Yergensen as New University Provost

April 10, 2026 — Southern Virginia University today announced Dr. Brent Yergensen as provost, effective July 1, 2026. Yergensen succeeds former provost James Lambert and interim provost Samuel Hirt.

Spotlight

SVU Theatre Takes Flight with World Premiere of FLY

April 8, 2026 — When the curtain rose at the SVU Performing Arts Center in February, it marked more than opening night. Southern Virginia University Theatre was staging the world premiere of Fly, a new musical based on the extraordinary true story of the 1929 National Women's Air Derby, the first ever cross-country air race for women.

Spotlight

SVU Alumna Tayma Vanek Johnson (’23) to Publish Book on Women’s Decision to Serve a Mission

March 30, 2026 — When Tayma Vanek Johnson ('23) enrolled at Southern Virginia University, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wasn't part of her plan. But new friendships sparked conversations about her future and missionary service in ways she never anticipated.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Football: DuPaix Announces Staff Updates; Pickup Named OC, Ehorn Jr. Promoted

March 25, 2026 — Buena Vista, Va. – Southern Virginia University head football coach Joe DuPaix has announced key updates to his coaching staff, highlighted by the addition of Travis Pickup as offensive coordinator and the promotion of Chris Ehorn Jr. to associate head coach.

News Release

Press Release: Southern Virginia University Names Aaron Hale as Next President

March 9, 2026 — The Southern Virginia University (SVU) Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Aaron Hale as the University's 11th President. Hale succeeds President Bonnie H. Cordon, whose term concludes on May 6, 2026.