Sarah Hughes

Feature Story

Successful Spring Giving Campaign Raises Over $1 Million for Scholarships

June 27, 2025 — Thanks to the many generous contributions from the Southern Virginia University community, including a dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000 from an anonymous donor, Southern Virginia exceeded the full match and raised over $1,000,000 for scholarships.

Feature Story

Launching Towards a Career in Sports Management 

June 25, 2025 — Tate Rusick (‘25) is using his college education, the support of his professors, and his experience as the first director of football video and technology at Southern Virginia University to prepare him to turn his love of sports into a career.

Feature Story

From University Motto to Life Motto: Taking “Learn that Life is Service” to Heart

June 25, 2025 — When Major Jake Johnson (‘11) stepped on campus as a freshman, Southern Virginia University’s motto “Learn that Life is Service” resonated deeply with him, impacting him and his wife not only during their time as students but years later as he has served around the world in the U.S. Army.

Spotlight

Finding & Creating a Home at Southern Virginia University  

June 20, 2025 — Caleb Palmer (‘26) moved to Buena Vista, Virginia while in high school when his dad accepted the position as the director of the Southern Virginia Institute of Religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Taking a gap year after high school to move away and look at various college options, Palmer felt Southern Virginia University calling him back. 

Spotlight

Thriving as a Student–Athlete at Southern Virginia University 

June 10, 2025 — Abigail Klusman (‘26) feels like she has grown the most at Southern Virginia University by learning to balance soccer, school, work, and having fun. As a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team, the skills she’s learned combining sports and academics has allowed her to thrive at the university and prepare for her future. 

Spotlight

Growth, Joy, Connection–Reflecting on Sarah Jane Carraher’s Freshman Year

June 10, 2025 — Sarah Jane Carraher (‘28) glows with the happiness and confidence many freshmen have after finishing out their first year at Southern Virginia University. She explained that she has found a place at the university where she feels loved and accepted, and she is excited by her growth.

Spotlight

Associate Professor of Art Doug Himes Retires After 19 Years With Southern Virginia University

May 30, 2025 — After 19 years of dedicated teaching and mentorship, Associate Professor of Art Doug Himes retired at the end of the 2024–25 academic year. Honored with the designation of professor emeritus of Southern Virginia University, Himes spent his duration at the university teaching fundamental art classes and inspiring hundreds of students.

News Release

Building Upon a Foundation of Success: Southern Virginia University’s 2025 Commencement

May 9, 2025 — On May 9, 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 Class of 2025—the largest graduating class in university history of 184 students.

Spotlight

Class of 2025 Heading Towards Internships, International Trips, and Masters Programs

May 7, 2025 — As graduation approaches this weekend, many seniors at Southern Virginia University are preparing to launch into their chosen career paths. Below are several students who are pursuing exciting opportunities through internships with major companies, international courses, and masters programs.

Spotlight

History Professors Utilize Student Conversations to Deepen Scholarship

April 29, 2025 — Bringing their academic passions to the forefront in recent book projects, three professors in the Southern Virginia University history program are utilizing classroom experiences to develop their scholarly works.

Spotlight

Third SVU Student Jasmine Rios (‘26) Receives Sigma Delta Pi’s Prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award

April 25, 2025 — Today, the national collegiate Spanish honors society Sigma Delta Pi awarded Jasmine Rios (‘26) the Gabriela Mistral Award, making her the third consecutive recipient of the award at Southern Virginia University.

Spotlight

Preparing to Protect Wildlife Species at Southern Virginia University

April 23, 2025 — Chase Pope (‘25) is a big fan of wildlife diversity, and the desire to protect wildlife from a current mass extinction of animals has led him to study biology, which will prepare him for his desired career in wildlife conservation.