2026

Feature Story

SVU Student and Alumna Named First President and Secretary for LDSPMA’s New NextGen Program

Sept. 16, 2026 — It started with an email from the Launch Center. When Aurora Johnson (‘27) and Paysen Grandy (‘26), opened a message highlighting new opportunities for artists, neither knew it would lead to transformative national leadership roles in a national initiative for young creators.

Feature Story

“You Are the Fulfillment of That Prophecy”: Celebrating SVU’s History and Heritage

Sept. 14, 2026 — In celebration of the history, faith, and growth that defines Southern Virginia University, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Friday, Sept. 4, for a special forum focused on the university’s origins, student journeys of belonging, and an invitation to share SVU with the world.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Expands Teacher Licensure Program with New PreK-12 Theatre Track

Sept. 3, 2026 — Southern Virginia University’s teacher licensure program has announced the addition of a new PreK-12 Theatre endorsement track beginning Fall 2026. In this track, students can earn a nationally recognized Virginia teaching license to instruct all aspects of theatre—including acting, stagecraft, choreography, and makeup—across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Speeches

Give What You Have to the Lord: A Welcome Back Forum With the Hales

Sept. 3, 2026 — In celebration of the new academic year, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena for the annual Welcome Back forum with President Aaron Hale and Becky Hale, where they shared the series of spiritual promptings that led them to SVU.

News Release

Southern Virginia University to Offer Expedited Admission to Valley Forge University Students

Aug. 20, 2026 — Buena Vista, VA— Southern Virginia University and its community offer their empathy and support to the students, faculty, and staff at Valley Forge University at the unfortunate news of the university’s suspension of academic operations.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Announces First Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

Aug. 20, 2026 — President Aaron Hale and the President’s Council are pleased to announce that beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, Southern Virginia University will offer a bachelor of science (BS) degree in biology. This marks the university's transition into offering bachelor of science degrees alongside its traditional bachelor of arts (BA) programs.

News Release

Michael Griffiths Named Vice President of Online Operations

Aug. 7, 2026 — President Aaron Hale has named Michael Griffiths the Vice President of Online Operations for Southern Virginia University. In this role, Griffiths will lead the design, accreditation, and launch of the university’s online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

News Release

Michael King, Tyson Sadleir, and Kim Anderson Join Southern Virginia University as Faculty Members

Aug. 4, 2026 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome three accomplished professors to its faculty this fall, adding expertise in family and human development, history, and English. Michael King, Tyson Sadleir, and Kim Anderson each bring impressive teaching experience, active research programs, and a desire to help students grow inside and outside the classroom.

Spotlight

A Consecrated Journey: Jacob Taloa Earns Prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship for Medical School

July 28, 2026 — For Jacob Taloa (‘23), becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college was a remarkable achievement. He never imagined that milestone would be followed by medical school and one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors from Phi Kappa Phi.

News Release

Caleb Dransfield Joins Southern Virginia University as Lead Librarian for Academic Engagement

July 27, 2026 — Caleb Dransfield joins Southern Virginia University as the lead librarian for academic engagement. In this role he will partner with faculty to provide research and information literacy skills while leading student outreach and programming and managing the Von Canon Library reference team.

News Release

Newly Elected Alumni Association Executive Committee Announced

June 30, 2026 — Southern Virginia University and Alumni Association President J.D. Drasbek (‘16) are pleased to announce the newly elected officers of the Alumni Association Executive Committee. The four new officers are Adam Cubbage (‘08), Amy Nuzman (‘07), Crissy Egbert (‘15), and Jenna Anderson (‘08). Paul Candland (‘22) will continue in his role as vice president of leader–servantship and Kamryn Meyer (‘25) as the advancement and alumni coordinator.

Spotlight

From SVU’s Hill to Buena Vista’s Valley: How Ally Haney is Designing the City’s Future

June 15, 2026 — Art has always been a passion for Ally Haney ('23), but she never expected it to become her degree, let alone her career. Now, three years after graduation, Haney is helping shape the future of Buena Vista by serving as an economic development and marketing assistant, a role that for the past two years has allowed her to leverage her passion and degree to modernize the city’s identity.