Lacy Rodriguez

News Release

Spring 2023 President’s and Provost’s Lists

May 26, 2023 — Southern Virginia University recently announced its Spring 2023 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

The Journey of Learning: Southern Virginia University’s 2023 Commencement

May 15, 2023 — On May 12, over 1400 family, friends, faculty, and professional staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for Commencement to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2023—the largest graduating class in University history.

News Release

Chairman Redd Commends President Wilcox; Announces Presidential Search

May 11, 2023 — During the Southern Virginia University Board of Trustees meeting on April 14, 2023, President Reed N. Wilcox shared his intent to complete his illustrious tenure as the university's longest-serving president at the conclusion of his six-month medical leave granted on Jan. 6, 2023.

Official Statement

Our Commitment to a Healthy, Inclusive, and Safe Campus Culture

May 11, 2023 — Today, Acting President Eric Denna shared the following letter with the Southern Virginia University community.

News Release

Celebrating the Class of 2023 and Senior Awards with Elder Robert C. Gay

April 28, 2023 — On April 28, students, faculty, and professional staff gathered in the Knight Arena to celebrate the Class of 2023, recognize senior awards, and hear from the Emeritus General Authority Seventy Elder Robert C. Gay. As the keynote speaker, Elder Gay addressed graduates on the importance of keeping God in their lives and serving others with their skills and talents.

News Release

Bringing “Saint Joan” to Life in an Immersive Audience Experience

April 25, 2023 — In an emotional performance on the life, legacy, and trial of Joan of Arc, Southern Virginia University Theatre provided their audience with a unique and immersive experience of George Bernard Shaw’s, “Saint Joan,” in honor of the hundred-year anniversary of the play on April 14-15 and 21-22.

Speeches

Church Historian Richard Turley Jr.: “The Power is Not in the Object, But in God”

April 24, 2023 — On April 21, the campus community gathered to hear from Church historian Richard Turley Jr., the managing director of the Public Affairs Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he spoke on God’s use of physical objects to help build and focus our faith in Him.

News Release

MaKenzie Cox Named Managing Director of Admissions

April 24, 2023 — Chief Marketing & Enrollment Officer Chris Pendleton today announced MaKenzie Cox as the Managing Director of Admissions for Southern Virginia University. 

Spotlight

Preparatory Academy Director Crystal Cleveland (‘17) Reflects on the Impact of Her SVU Professors

April 18, 2023 — From an undergraduate student to academy director in just five years, Crystal Cleveland (’17), who serves as director over grades K–6 for the newly opened Charter One Wake Preparatory Academy in North Carolina, attributes the learning environment and professors at Southern Virginia University for helping her impact the lives of her students.

Speeches

Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety with Dr. Tim Clark

April 12, 2023 — On April 7, the campus community gathered for university forum to hear from organizational anthropologist Dr. Tim Clark. As founder and CEO of global consulting organization LeaderFactor and author of the best-seller, “The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety,” Clark spoke on the importance of creating psychologically safe environments and culture to allow innovation and growth to thrive.

News Release

Emeritus General Authority and Humanitarian Robert C. Gay to Speak at Graduate Celebration on April 28

April 10, 2023 — Elder Robert C. Gay, emeritus general authority seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, humanitarian, and private equity business leader, will address the campus community in a forum celebrating the Class of 2023 and student accomplishments from past academic year on Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m. in the Knight Arena.

Spotlight

Elevating Higher Learning in Science through the Honors Program

April 5, 2023 — Taking higher education to the next level as members of the Honors Program, seniors and biochemistry majors Emma Miller, Jaden Nelson, Clayton Tacker, and Janna Tidwell are diving deep into the scientific process for their honors thesis project—changing the color of yeast from green to red using the gene editing tool CRISPR.