Lacy Pullan and Sarah Hughes

Spotlight

Four-Year Streak: Lauren Madsen Continues University Trend Receiving Sigma Delta Pi’s Gabriela Mistral Award

April 24, 2026 — The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society Sigma Delta Pi announced today Lauren Madsen (’26) as a recipient of the prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award, becoming the fourth consecutive Southern Virginia University student to receive this award.

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.

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.

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

Recording More Than Ordinances: Kyle Tetterton’s Meaningful Work in the Richmond Virginia Temple

Nov. 5, 2025 — For Kyle Tetterton (‘20), working in the temple isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that has reshaped both his career and his faith. As recorder for the Richmond Virginia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tetterton says he feels a deep sense of purpose each day, one that reminds him of the connections, lessons, and community he found during his time at Southern Virginia University.

Spotlight

Finding Meaning through Poetry: Alumna Ella Foutz’s Debut Book Prepares for Release

Oct. 24, 2025 — When Ella Foutz (‘24) was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school, she turned to writing as a way to make sense of her experience. One night, in a rush of creativity, she began putting her thoughts into words–a moment that would later inspire her debut poetry collection, “Lullabies for the Insomniacs,” set to be released November 4, 2025 by Lerner Publishing Group.

Spotlight

Studying Counterpoint in Paris: Alumna Julia Evans Attends European American Musical Alliance

Sept. 29, 2025 — Recently returned from Paris, France, Julia Evans (‘24) spent this past July immersed in music tradition and history at the European American Musical Alliance (EAMA), building her career as a composer for choral and instrumental works.  

News Release

Ammon Hepworth, Matthew Crandall, and Amy Uber Join Southern Virginia University Faculty

Aug. 19, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Ammon Hepworth as assistant professor of computer science, Matthew Crandall as assistant professor of political science, and Amy Uber as instructor of economics.

Spotlight

Trusting in God’s Guiding Hand in Personal and Career Aspirations

Aug. 8, 2025 — Consistently striving to recognize God’s hand in his life, psychology major Lucas Martin (‘27) feels strongly that he was guided to attend Southern Virginia University after his mission and is seeking to learn the most he can while there.

Spotlight

Finding a Spiritual Brotherhood on the Basketball Court

Aug. 6, 2025 — From San Clemente, CA, Kade Harrick (‘27) came to Southern Virginia University looking to play basketball and live in a Christ-centered environment. During his freshman year, he was supported by his teammates to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he has since rejoined the men’s basketball team for a record-breaking season.

News Release

Ben Gaughran, Brady Hanson, and Donnie Tapp Join Southern Virginia University as Assistant Professors

July 25, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Ben Gaughran as assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, Brady Hanson as assistant professor of biology, and Donnie Tapp as assistant professor of art.

Spotlight

Becoming a Full-time Artist: Allison Walker (‘13) and the Pillars She Developed at SVU 

July 25, 2025 — Ignited at Southern Virginia University, Allison Walker Gaughan’s (‘13) artistic career has led her from studying at Scotland’s University of St. Andrew’s and working at national museums, to recently making the leap to open her own studio in New York.