Feature Story
SVU Alumni Association Appoints J.D. Drasbek (’16) as New President
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.
“I am so grateful for Scott’s service and look forward to working with J.D.!” said VP of Advancement Deidra Dryden. “We have incredible alumni, and we look forward to welcoming them to campus as well as engaging with them on the continued success of the university.”
After graduating cum laude from Southern Virginia University in 2016, Drasbek has served in multiple leadership roles, including as a board certified fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and healthcare executive at HCA Healthcare for five years, senior partner at Culture Partners, and co-founded WorkFitDx in 2024. He also volunteered for the International Rescue Committee, where he connected the global community to educational resources.
While a student at Southern Virginia, Drasbek majored in philosophy, was elected student body president his senior year, served as the junior class president, and participated in football and wrestling. He then earned a master’s degree in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I’m extremely passionate about Southern Virginia University. It helped teach me what the gospel of Jesus Christ is truly all about, a life of service and Christ-like love for all,” Drasbek said. “I fell in love with the people, the mission, the academics, and the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am extremely grateful and humbled by this opportunity to give it my all through giving back to a university and community that has given me so much.”
As president of the alumni association, Drasbek will lead the vice presidents and other association leaders in identifying core objectives to continue to strengthen the organization and deepen connections with the alumni with the phrase “All In” at the center of their work.
“I believe the association’s purpose is to help provide a connection to one another and that special spirit felt through Southern Virginia University, which comes through selfless servant leadership. This is best accomplished by providing alumni with opportunities to give of their time and talents—more than just financially—and connecting them to the wonderful resources the university continues to provide,” said Drasbek. “Going ‘all in’ means choosing a few good things and giving them all you’ve got while not spreading yourself too thin. Because truly by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass.”
“I’m quite excited to get to know our incredible alumni even better and look forward to building and strengthening relationships with as many of them as possible,” Drasbek continued. “One of the responsibilities I strive to take most seriously is to be the voice of the alumni and to represent them well. I believe the best way to do that is by having communication with them, one-by-one.”
Drasbek’s appointment follows a successful launch period under Scott McKeon. During his presidency, McKeon led the building of a board of advisors for the association, established the constitution and bylaws, and strengthened communication through a semiannual alumni newsletter and annual alumni gatherings in Utah with President Cordon. McKeon also served on the search committees that helped select Drasbek as his successor and President Cordon as university president.
“J.D. has a ton of enthusiasm and excitement, and I know he’s going to do really well,” McKeon said. “We had a strong kick off, and I’m really grateful for everyone that came together, especially the officers and advisory board, for their time, effort, and commitment to launching this association. I’m excited to see it continue to grow and serve our alumni under J.D.’s leadership.”