Lacy Rodriguez

Feature Story

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.

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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.

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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. 

Spotlight

Combining Mission Experiences with Psychology to Help Others Reach Their Full Potential

May 22, 2024 — When Grant Johnson (‘24) first arrived on campus in 2019, he had no idea how much his life would be changed by his peer’s examples, his mission, and a psychology class at Southern Virginia University.

News Release

Spring 2024 President’s and Provost’s Lists

May 16, 2024 — Southern Virginia University recently announced its Spring 2024 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

Moving Forward Grounded in Faith; Southern Virginia University’s 2024 Commencement

May 6, 2024 — On May 3, over 1200 family, friends, faculty, and professional staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for the university’s annual Commencement to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2024.

Spotlight

Discovering the Expansive World of an Art Degree in a Museum Studies Class

April 24, 2024 — When Nina Dreiling (‘11) first came to Southern Virginia University to pursue an art degree, she had no idea the impact her professors and a museum studies class would have on her life and career.

News Release

The Prince is Having a Ball! The Classic Tale of Wishes, Love, and Acceptance in “Cinderella”

April 24, 2024 — Student actors took to the stage for singing, dancing, hopeful wishes, and glass slippers as the Southern Virginia University Theatre program presented the beloved Broadway adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Cinderella” on April 11, 13, and 19–20.

News Release

General Authority Seventy Vaiangina Sikahema to Speak at Commencement May 3

April 11, 2024 — Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, a member of the General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will address graduates, faculty, staff, students, and friends of Southern Virginia University at Commencement honoring the Class of 2024 at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.