News Release

Fall 2025 President’s and Provost’s Lists

Jan. 2, 2026 — Southern Virginia University recently announced its Fall 2025 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

Southern Virginia University Appoints Brant Brown as Director of Admissions

Dec. 19, 2025 — Associate VP of Strategic Enrollment Kenzie Cox has named Brant Brown as Director of Admissions. In this role, Brown will lead the university’s recruitment strategy, outreach initiatives, admissions processes, and partnerships in support of the university’s enrollment goals.

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.

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.

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

Southern Virginia University and Southern Utah University Partner in Offering Pathways to SUU Graduate Programs

Sept. 16, 2025 — In an effort to provide meaningful educational pathways into graduate programs at Southern Utah University (SUU), the university has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southern Virginia University (SVU) to admit recent graduates with bachelors degrees into masters programs with the Utah-based university.

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.

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.

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.

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.