2026

Feature Story

Michael Griffiths Named Vice President of Online Operations

Aug. 7, 2026 — President Aaron Hale has named Michael Griffiths the Vice President of Online Operations for Southern Virginia University. In this role, Griffiths will lead the design, accreditation, and launch of the university’s online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Feature Story

Michael King, Tyson Sadleir, and Kim Anderson Join Southern Virginia University as Faculty Members

Aug. 4, 2026 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome three accomplished professors to its faculty this fall, adding expertise in family and human development, history, and English. Michael King, Tyson Sadleir, and Kim Anderson each bring impressive teaching experience, active research programs, and a desire to help students grow inside and outside the classroom.

Spotlight

A Consecrated Journey: Jacob Taloa Earns Prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship for Medical School

July 28, 2026 — For Jacob Taloa (‘23), becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college was a remarkable achievement. He never imagined that milestone would be followed by medical school and one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors from Phi Kappa Phi.

News Release

Caleb Dransfield Joins Southern Virginia University as Lead Librarian for Academic Engagement

July 27, 2026 — Caleb Dransfield joins Southern Virginia University as the lead librarian for academic engagement. In this role he will partner with faculty to provide research and information literacy skills while leading student outreach and programming and managing the Von Canon Library reference team.

News Release

Newly Elected Alumni Association Executive Committee Announced

June 30, 2026 — Southern Virginia University and Alumni Association President J.D. Drasbek (‘16) are pleased to announce the newly elected officers of the Alumni Association Executive Committee. The four new officers are Adam Cubbage (‘08), Amy Nuzman (‘07), Crissy Egbert (‘15), and Jenna Anderson (‘08). Paul Candland (‘22) will continue in his role as vice president of leader–servantship and Kamryn Meyer (‘25) as the advancement and alumni coordinator.

Spotlight

From SVU’s Hill to Buena Vista’s Valley: How Ally Haney is Designing the City’s Future

June 15, 2026 — Art has always been a passion for Ally Haney ('23), but she never expected it to become her degree, let alone her career. Now, three years after graduation, Haney is helping shape the future of Buena Vista by serving as an economic development and marketing assistant, a role that for the past two years has allowed her to leverage her passion and degree to modernize the city’s identity.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Takes First Step Toward Nursing Pathway with New Pre-Nursing Curriculum

June 1, 2026 — President Aaron Hale and the President’s Council have announced that Southern Virginia University will launch a new pre-nursing curriculum beginning in Fall 2026, marking the first phase of a broader effort to create a nursing pathway for students interested in one of the nation’s most in-demand professions.

News Release

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

May 18, 2026 — New initiative formally recognizes competencies developed through full-time service

News Release

Spring 2026 President’s and Provost’s Lists

May 17, 2026 — 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.

News Release

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

May 16, 2026 — 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

May 7, 2026 — 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.

News Release

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

May 7, 2026 — 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.