Spotlight

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.

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.

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. 

Spotlight

Going Overseas–Henry Pullan (’26) Prepares for Diplomatic Internship to Belgium for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

July 8, 2025 — This September, Henry Pullan (‘26) will gain valuable career experience as he travels to Brussels, Belgium as a European Union & Diplomatic Outreach Intern for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Spotlight

270 Pyramids, 10 Hours: Professor Barbara Crawford Leads Landmark Red Rocks Amphitheatre Installation

June 26, 2025 — After two years of preparation, Professor of Art Barbara Crawford completed her largest art installation yet at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on April 7—the theatre’s first installation—with some of the local staff and a group of Southern Virginia University students, professors, and alumni.

Spotlight

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.

Spotlight

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

How Curiosity Led to the Discovery of a New Species of Bacteria in North America

June 4, 2025 — When Veronica Andersen (‘25) decided to collect her own bacteria samples for the microbiology class she served as a teacher’s assistant in January 2024, no one expected it to lead to the discovery of a new brand of bacteria, a team of students and professors embarking on over a year of research, and an upcoming submission slated to become the university’s first peer-reviewed scientific paper.