Feature StoryNews Release
Southern Virginia University Announces Dr. Brent Yergensen as New University Provost
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.
Yergensen brings more than a decade of academic leadership experience to SVU, spanning faculty development, program innovation, and institutional partnerships. He most recently served as professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at Tyler, where he increased graduate enrollment and launched certificate programs in disciplines ranging from communication leadership to AI writing.
“As we approached this critical hire, it was important to allow additional time in the process so incoming leadership could be part of the conversation,” said President Bonnie H. Cordon. “That collaboration strengthened the outcome, and we are pleased to welcome Dr. Yergensen to the University.”
SVU President-elect Aaron Hale echoed that confidence and shared his support for the appointment.
“After a thoughtful national search, President Cordon and the president’s council recommended Dr. Yergensen without reservation,” Hale said. “I’m grateful for their work and fully support this decision. Brent will be a strong partner in shaping the future of academics and faculty at the University and I look forward to his expertise and cooperation.”
Prior to his time at UT Tyler, Yergensen served as Associate Professor of Communications at Brigham Young University–Hawaii from 2018–2022. He also held senior administrative roles at Utah Tech University, including associate dean of communication and media, university curriculum chair in the provost’s office, and chair of the Department of Communication.
A scholar of media theory, rhetorical criticism, and organizational communication, Yergensen earned his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His scholarship has appeared in Communication Quarterly, Review of Communication, Film & History, and Journal of Communication and Religion, among other publications. His forthcoming book, “Out of a Deep Sleep: A Voice from the Dust and the Destiny of Societies,” (Wipf & Stock), offers a sociological examination of the Book of Mormon’s insights into the trajectory of civilizations.
Yergensen has served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), helping oversee the distribution of millions of dollars in research grants, and holds an executive leadership certification from Cornell University. A Teacher of the Year honoree at Utah Tech University and recipient of a Distinguished Service Award, he is known for building consensus and championing the integration of faith and professional formation in student learning.
About Southern Virginia University: Located in Buena Vista, Va., SVU is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn more at svu.edu.