2025

Feature Story

Rekindling Faith and Purpose Through Teammates and Institute: Harrison Moore’s Story

March 25, 2025 — After experiencing an injury that benched him from playing baseball in junior college and some family difficulties, Harrison Moore (’25) found himself unsure of what he wanted or which path to take in his life. After deciding to attend Southern Virginia University at his sister’s invitation, Moore found belonging and purpose through his teammates and institute classes.

Feature Story

Finding New Opportunities to Pursue Art at Southern Virginia University

March 24, 2025 — Amelia Osterman ('27) is a double major in design and fine arts with a business minor who has created her own unique art education at Southern Virginia University by actively seeking opportunities to develop her skills on campus and learn of new career opportunities.

News Release

“Oklahoma!” Hits the Stage in a High-Energy Production

March 24, 2025 — Student and alumni actors took to the stage for a rip-roaring, high-energy western musical as Southern Virginia University’s theatre program performed the historic production of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Oklahoma!” on March 7, 8, and 13-15. 

News Release

“The Sermon on the Mount” Stained Glass Unveiled at Southern Virginia University

March 21, 2025 — On Tuesday, March 11, the campus community, university friends, and special guests gathered in the Main Hall Ballroom for the unveiling ceremony of the stained glass “Sermon on the Mount,” generously donated to the university by the Brent and Bonnie Jean Beesley family.

Spotlight

How Kevin Salins is Investing in His Eternal Family at Southern Virginia University

March 20, 2025 — Looking for a way towards his next steps in life, design major Kevin Salins (‘25) started looking into colleges and heard about Southern Virginia University from a family friend who was a current student. He felt a spiritual prompting that it would be the right school to go to, and since coming to Southern Virginia University, he has found confidence in himself and an eternal family.

Speeches

Finding Fulfillment through Gratitude, Growth, and Giving with Entrepreneur Lloyd Roberts

March 19, 2025 — On Friday, March 14, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to entrepreneur Lloyd Roberts speak on finding fulfillment through gratitude, growth, and giving.

News Release

Josh Monsen Named Director of Athletics

March 12, 2025 — Southern Virginia University President Bonnie H. Cordon has named Josh Monsen the university’s director of athletics. Monsen, who has been serving as the interim director of athletics since September 2024, will now formally take on the role, continuing his leadership within the athletic department.

Speeches

Leading Without Losing Yourself: Lessons from Reporting in Washington with McKay Coppins

March 7, 2025 — On March 7, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena for a University Honor’s forum to hear McKay Coppins, author and staff writer for The Atlantic, speak on upholding principles while pursuing personal ambitions.

Speeches

The Difference is in Christ with Tracy Browning of the Primary General Presidency

March 6, 2025 — On Feb. 28, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to Sister Tracy Browning, counselor in the Primary General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, speak on creating a distinct life by centering the use of personal gifts on Jesus Christ.

News Release

Sheri Dew, Executive VP of Deseret Management Corporation, to Speak at Commencement May 9

March 5, 2025 — Sheri Dew, the executive vice president and chief content officer of Deseret Management Corporation, will address Southern Virginia University graduates, faculty, staff, students, and friends at Commencement, honoring the Class of 2025, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2024.

Speeches

Finding a Testimony as a Skeptic with Judge Thomas Griffith

Feb. 26, 2025 — On Feb. 21, the Southern Virginia University community gathered for a devotional with Judge Thomas Griffith, former judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, as he spoke about how skepticism helped him develop his testimony of God and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Spotlight

Discovering and Combining Counseling, Spirituality, and Teaching into a Career

Feb. 20, 2025 — After graduating from Southern Virginia University with a degree in business, Kenson Hiatt (‘12) started his career as an insurance agent. Soon realizing he had little passion for it, Hiatt prayed for direction and received an answer to switch to marriage and family therapy when he saw a family walking into a temple.