2026

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.

Speeches

Between Two Mountains: Dr. Jason Olson’s Journey of Finding Faith Without Leaving His Jewish Heritage Behind

April 3, 2026 — Dr. Jason Olson, director of deradicalization for the Board of Peace, addressed the Southern Virginia University community on April 3, sharing his deeply personal journey of honoring his Jewish heritage after his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.

Speeches

Turning Trials to Glory: CEO Justin Knight on Finding Purpose through Adversity

March 27, 2026 — On March 6, the campus community gathered to hear from Justin Knight, chief executive officer of Apple Hospitality REIT and son of Southern Virginia University’s founder, Glade Knight. Drawing on personal experiences, he shared five lessons that helped him navigate adversity and find greater happiness during some of the most challenging years of his life.

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.

Spotlight

Finding God in Her Interests–Leigh-Anne Verburg’s (‘26) Growth at Southern Virginia University

Feb. 5, 2026 — Leigh-Anne Verburg (‘26) is making the most of her time at Southern Virginia University by being involved in as much as possible and finding the Savior in every aspect of her busy schedule.

Spotlight

Forever Feeling at Home: Bethany Laural Anderson Young and the Lasting Bonds of SVU

Feb. 3, 2026 — Long after classes end and degrees are framed, some connections refuse to fade. For alumna Bethany Laural Anderson Young (‘07), the relationships she formed as a student at Southern Virginia University have stood the test of time and, in the process, strengthened her connection to the university she first arrived at nearly 25 years ago.

News Release

Press Release: SVU Board Commends President Bonnie H. Cordon as Leadership Transition Begins

Jan. 29, 2026 — The Board of Trustees expresses deep gratitude to President Bonnie H. Cordon for her devoted service as Southern Virginia University's 10th president. As her three-year term concludes at the end of this academic year, we join the campus community in recognizing her leadership and the foundation she has helped strengthen.