Spotlight

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.

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.

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

Learning to Understand Others and Oneself: Sydney Bassett’s Perspective

April 29, 2025 — Sydney Bassett (’25) has learned that life offers many lessons that only adversity and diversity can teach. By moving to unfamiliar places, becoming the captain of Southern Virginia University’s women’s volleyball team, and pursuing knowledge and self-discovery, Bassett understands that learning is central to the life she wants to live.

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.

Spotlight

How SVU Changed My Life

April 21, 2025 — The following essay was shared by the author at Southern Virginia University’s annual Founder’s Day forum on April 18.

Spotlight

Turning a Political Science Degree into a Career in Healthcare

April 18, 2025 — Majoring in political science, Cameron Gabrylczyk (‘25) originally planned to become an attorney after graduation. But after discovering an interest in healthcare administration, Gabrylczyk is utilizing the support of his professors to apply his major to his new career path.

Spotlight

How Tennis Shaped Mason Pitcher’s Student and Mission Experience

April 8, 2025 — While exploring college options after graduating from high school, Mason Pitcher (‘27) found himself drawn to Southern Virginia University because it not only provided him the opportunity to continue playing tennis, but also allowed him to stay closely connected with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an essential factor for him.

Spotlight

Taking Advantage of Every Experience and Opportunity on Campus

April 4, 2025 — Preparing to enter her senior year, Lauren Fowler (‘26) has fully embraced the opportunity and ability to participate in everything that interests her at Southern Virginia University, both in her studies and extracurriculars.