Lacy Pullan

News Release

Southern Virginia University Receives SCHEV Grant to Expand Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Nov. 19, 2025 — Southern Virginia University has been awarded a $25,000 Vision Grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Impact Grants initiative. The funding will strengthen the university’s ability to expand hands-on, work-based learning opportunities for students—including internships, shadowing, and real-world projects.

Spotlight

Psychology, Leadership, and Football: Spike Adams Embraces Every Opportunity at SVU

Nov. 15, 2025 — When psychology major Spike Adams ('27) decided to attend Southern Virginia University, it was a split-second decision resulting from an unshakable feeling that SVU is where he is meant to be. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Adams is now in his junior year, and that decision has evolved into a deep commitment to the school and a powerful spiritual confirmation that he belongs there.

News Release

SVU Announces Wendy Kimber as Board of Trustees Chair and Nelson Knight as Vice Chair

Nov. 14, 2025 — The Southern Virginia University Board of Trustees has elected Wendy Kimber as the university’s fourth board chair and alumnus Nelson Knight (‘05) as vice chair. These appointments follow the recent term completions of former board chair Hugh Redd and vice chair Ann Christensen and come at a meaningful moment as the university prepares to celebrate its landmark 30th year.

Speeches

Reversing the View: Brett Anderson’s Challenge to Look Upward, Forward, and Outward

Oct. 29, 2025 — As the featured Forum speaker on Oct. 24, tech entrepreneur and pilot Brett Anderson challenged the Southern Virginia University community to reconsider the direction of their thoughts and attention. Drawing on his experiences in the air and in everyday life, he encouraged attendees to shift their focus from looking "inward, backward, and downward" during personal struggles or moments of stress to instead looking "upward, forward, and outward" with faith and purpose.

Spotlight

Learning That Lasts: SVU Alumna Stephanie Tuttle Wins National Award for Innovative Teaching

Oct. 22, 2025 — Southern Virginia University alumna and Fairfield Elementary School teacher Stephanie Tuttle (‘15) was recently named one of only two educators nationwide to receive the 2025 John Larmer Lifelong Learning Award, a prestigious and national honor recognizing excellence in Project Based Learning (PBL).

News Release

Honoring the Broadway Legend Stephen Sondheim in a “Sondheim Tribute Revue”

Oct. 10, 2025 — Dancing and singing through many of Stephen Sondheim’s most well-known and famous songs, the university’s theatre program performed a “Sondheim Tribute Revue” in recognition of the composer's lasting impact on modern Broadway on Sept. 26–27 and Oct. 1–3 in the Performing Arts Center.

News Release

Andy Harris Joins SVU Faculty as Assistant Professor of Family and Human Development

Sept. 12, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Andy Harris as an assistant professor of family and human development, where he will teach courses covering marriage and family, family process, and men in families.

News Release

SVU Alumni Association Appoints J.D. Drasbek (’16) as New President

Sept. 8, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to announce the appointment of J.D. Drasbek ('16) as the new president of the university's alumni association. Drasbek succeeds inaugural alumni president Scott McKeon ('01), who recently completed his three-year term.

Speeches

Embracing Detours and Life’s Opportunities with Chad and Crystal Hirschi

Sept. 8, 2025 — On Sept. 5, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Chad and Crystal Hirschi, the owners and founders of Hirschi Companies, where they shared their story of creating the company, embracing detours in life, and jumping at opportunities.

Speeches

The Changing Power of the Lord in Your Life: A Welcome Back Forum with the Cordons

Sept. 3, 2025 — To kick-of the 30th year of Southern Virginia University, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Aug. 29 for the annual Welcome Back forum with President Bonnie H. Cordon and Derek Cordon, who shared the importance of serving one another and trusting in the Lord during all times of life.

News Release

James Ballstaedt Named Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Growth

Aug. 27, 2025 — President Bonnie H. Cordon has named James Ballstaedt as Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Growth for Southern Virginia University. In this role, Ballstaedt will spearhead fundraising and strategic development for the university’s athletic programs, as well as drive strategic growth initiatives, with a focus on innovation, student experience, and long-term sustainability.

Spotlight

Russell Watson’s Unexpected Dental Journey and SVU Connection

Aug. 8, 2025 — Russell Watson (‘23) wasn’t planning on becoming a dentist when he started his undergraduate, but after several unexpected series of events, he is now part of the inaugural class at Lyon College's brand new School of Dental Medicine. A program that coincidentally is being shaped by another Southern Virginia University alumnus: Burke Soffe, the school’s inaugural dean.