Issuu

SOU T HER N ADV EN T IS T UNI V ER SIT Y

ANNUALREPORT MILLION-DOLLAR MILESTONE How students grew $500K into $1 million

FROM FIREHOUSE TO PHILANTHROPY

GIVING DAY

A gift that helps students keep climbing

Gifts of all sizes make a difference for Southern students

WHERE GENEROSITY MEETS PURPOSE Honoring community partners and empowering first-generation students

2025-2026

Advancement Team Ellen Hostetler Vice President for Advancement Robert Bovell, ’89 Director of Advancement

John Boone, ’21 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Cheryl Torres, ’05 Director of Alumni Relations

Kathryn Stiles Philanthropy Officer

Kimberly Bobenhausen, ’26 Director of Planned Giving

Eric Baerg, ’07 Database Manager

Sandra Araújo-Delgado Associate Director of Annual Giving

Janel Anderson Campus Call Center Manager

Lucas Patterson Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships

Candy Reichert Donor Recognition & Record Coordinator

Sandy James Associate Director of Community Events

Lori Thompson Administrative Assistant

Annual Report Annette Heck, ’01 Cover Photo

Crystal Preyer, ’16 Graphic Designer

Send address changes to: Advancement Southern Adventist University PO Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370

423.236.2829



advancement@southern.edu

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southern.edu/advancement

Continue the story. Scan to access additional photos, videos, and related content.

2 | Southern Adventist University

President's Letter

Transforming Lives for Eternity

As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways God continues to bless Southern Adventist University.

powerful expression of our purpose. Rooted in the values that have guided Southern for generations, it affirms our commitment to academic excellence, deep faith, and service to others.

This year provided many reminders that Southern’s mission is making a lasting difference. For the first time in our history, undergraduate enrollment surpassed 3,000 students, reflecting the confidence families place in Southern’s Christ-centered approach to education. Students earned recognition in regional and national competitions, from business and engineering to computing and research, with our biology seniors scoring in the 90th percentile nationally on the Major Field Test for the third consecutive year.

Our endowment surpassed $70 million, providing growing resources to strengthen Southern’s future and expand access for students. Together, these milestones reflect a community united in its commitment to investing in the next generation. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and hope. Guided by God’s leading and supported by faithful partners, we remain committed to our mission of transforming lives for eternity. With gratitude,

Yet some of the most meaningful moments occurred beyond the classroom. In Peru, I watched Southern students serve local communities and lead evangelistic meetings. Two students chose to be rebaptized during the trip, a powerful testimony to how God was working not only through them but also within them. This year also marked an important milestone in Southern’s history. Our Board of Trustees approved a revised mission statement—Transforming Lives for Eternity—a simple yet

Beyond the Letter Watch a personal message from President Ken Shaw.

Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD President 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 3

Contents

CONT ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026

ACADEMICS

Innovation, achievement, and discovery driving academic excellence at Southern

10 SPIRITUAL LIFE

16 FEATURE STORY

28 SOUTHERN MOMENTS

20 PHILANTHROPY

30 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A story of transformation, service, and calling

Stories of giving that strengthen Southern’s mission and students’ futures

Faith formed on campus, carried into life beyond graduation

12 MISSIONS

Where service meets to transform lives

4 | Southern Adventist University

26 LEGACY SOCIETY

A legacy of generosity transforming student lives for generations

Campus life captured in moments throughout the year

One alumnus making impact through calling

Contents

TENTS 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 5

Academics

FALL 2025 FULL-TIME

642

FRESHMAN STUDENTS ENROLLED

3,360

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

LARGEST ENROLLMENT IN HISTORY

3.69 1154 22

Academic Excellence Reflected in Top National Percentiles

Student Body Represents

When Southern Adventist University students graduate, their achievements extend far beyond receiving diplomas. They leave equipped to impact their chosen fields in hospitals, boardrooms, and research labs. Southern graduates consistently stand out for their knowledge, skill, and commitment to excellence.

Average High School GPA

Average SAT Score

Average ACT Score

STATES

COUNTRIES

RANKED AMONG U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT’S “BEST COLLEGES" FOR THE 24TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

27,500

Full-Time Tuition

Tuition and fees at Southern cost 35% less than the national average for private colleges and universities and 16% less than public out-ofstate colleges and universities.

5,700

Residence Hall Rent

Last school year, biology, business, and physics students scored above the 90th percentile on comprehensive Major Field Tests measuring critical knowledge, performance, and problem-solving skills. Nursing graduates also excelled, with the 2024 class achieving a 99% pass rate for associate degrees and 95% for bachelor’s on the National Council Licensure Examination, well above national averages. These outcomes reflect strong academic preparation across programs. Southern’s momentum is reflected in record enrollment of 3,360 students, the largest in its 134-year history, with undergraduates reaching 2,991. Results don’t happen by chance; faculty use data from field tests to identify gaps and improve instruction. Across the past four years, 95% of graduates have secured discipline-related employment or admission to graduate school. For business and nursing, rates rise to 98% and 99% respectively, supported by strong partnerships and clinical placements. Healthcare partners regularly engage students through recruitment events, residencies, and hospital rotations in the Chattanooga region. These connections often translate directly into employment opportunities after graduation. Southern’s commitment to real-world application and professional connection equips students to thrive in their careers and serve their communities with confidence. Together, these results highlight a culture of continuous improvement and student success that extends well beyond graduation. Through rigorous assessment, dedicated faculty, and strong partnerships, Southern prepares graduates who are ready to lead and make a lasting impact. These outcomes continue to reinforce the university’s mission of academic excellence and service, preparing graduates for meaningful work worldwide. — By Chehalis Eno, ’26

6 | Southern Adventist University

Academics

Southern Student Wins City of Collegedale Rebranding Contest

570+ 95%

First-Generation College Students

Job Placement & PostGrad Admission Rate

106

546

Graduate Degrees Awarded

Undergraduate Degrees Awarded

ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY

Southern graduates achieve elite results on nationally normed Major Field Tests outperforming students from institutions across North America.

SUBJECT

PERCENTILE

Biology

Mathematics

Business

Music

English

Two students and a professor from Southern Adventist University’s School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) were finalists in the rebranding contest launched by Tennessee’s City of Collegedale, which is also home to the university. Laurissa Mancía, senior graphic design major, won first place and a $2,500 prize. Runners up were Joe La Com, MFA, associate professor in SVAD, and Larnell Samuel, senior graphic design major. Led by Staff Planner Jason Allin, city commissioners and leaders sought a cohesive visual identity that reflected Collegedale’s spirit, history, landmarks, and community values. Contestants were asked to provide a full logo and branding package for the competition open to all students and residents of the city. “It was a difficult choice, but we agreed on one that we felt would best represent our city for years to come,” says Morty Lloyd, mayor of Collegedale. “I appreciate the faculty and the caliber of students that Southern produces. Well done!”

When asked about inspiration for her creative process, Mancía said “I probably walked about a marathon across Collegedale trying to get different views of things. I also sat at my table drawing for hours, spending weeks trying to figure out something that wasn’t just traditional [or] expected.” Mancía learned about the town’s background from Mills McArthur, PhD, a professor in Southern’s History and Political Studies Department who grew up in Collegedale. Her creative process also benefited from a branding class taught by Randy Craven, MFA, adjunct instructor and former dean of SVAD. “We really wanted our new look to be homegrown, and utilizing our local talent made all the difference,” says Tonya Sadler, vice mayor. “Laurissa brought a level of heart and history to her presentation that resonated with everyone, and that local soul is exactly what makes the final piece so special.” — By Tina (Frist) Smith, ’89 and ’23 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 7

Academics

Exploring Nuclear Fusion

Four spring 2025 graduates from Southern Adventist University’s School of Computing had senior capstone papers accepted for presentation at the Future Technologies Conference in Munich, Germany. Computer science majors Meg Ermer, Abishur Moses-Pakkianathan, (pictured above) and Ivan Vakal, along with information technology major Edwin Regalado, earned international recognition, with Regalado becoming Southern’s first undergraduate IT major to present at a leading global technology conference.

8 | Southern Adventist University

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Southern Adventist University’s School of Engineering and Physics a Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) grant of $156,000 to further nuclear fusion research through curriculum development, bootcamps, and student internships. Nuclear fusion, a process closely related to nuclear fission used in global energy production, generates power by combining light elements rather than splitting heavy ones. Under the guidance of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Southern partnered with several regional universities including Missouri University of Science and Technology, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and Tuskegee University. The initiative was led by Southern professors Sean Walters, PhD and Vola Andrianarijaona, PhD.

“We’re planning to create two-week modules on specific fusion energy topics that can be inserted into any class,” Walters says. “That way, universities can introduce students to these new concepts without asking them to take extracurricular classes.” The RENEW grant funds will also go toward guaranteed internships for Southern students, first at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and then at private fusion-energy companies. Angelina Castillo, senior physics and math double major, earned the first spot at the Oak Ridge lab in Summer 2025. “Nuclear fusion has a lot of untapped potential, and I was very grateful and excited for the chance to intern in the field,” Castillo says. Castillo has already furthered nuclear fusion through her work at Southern with Andrianarijaona, who has a long-standing partnership with the national laboratory in Oak Ridge. — By Chehalis Eno, senior English major

Academics

SMARRT Fund Surpasses $1 Million in Market Value Southern Adventist University’s Student Managed Asset Risk and Return Training (SMARRT) Fund reached a major milestone this year, surpassing $1 million in stocks. What began in 2019 as a $500,000 investment from the university’s endowment has grown under the stewardship of School of Business students, with earnings reinvested to support scholarships and student programs across campus. In the past year, the studentmanaged portfolio shifted from exchange-traded funds to single-equity stocks, a move that contributed to stronger returns. The fund generated $272,000 in profit within a single year and exceeded one of its primary benchmarks: outperforming the S&P 500. With returns nearly double that index, the SMARRT Fund has also outpaced several major hedge funds.

For students, the experience is both technical and transformative. “I’m beyond blessed to have had the privilege of being a part of such a talented group of individuals.” says SMARRT Fund president Jonathan Amarandei, ’25. Faculty sponsor Joelle Akiki, DBA, highlights the purpose behind the performance. “The financial world can be very aggressive,” she says, “but I’ve witnessed these students always keeping their focus on God.” Beyond investment returns, students gain Bloomberg Terminal certification, handson portfolio management experience, and leadership training through coursework. Akiki adds, “We need to be good stewards of the money we’ve been entrusted with, because we’re ultimately here to build the kingdom.” — By Isabella Dixon, junior English major

The School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling received CAEP’s 2025 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition, one of 22 programs nationwide honored.

School of Nursing achieved a 100% firsttime NCLEX pass rate in 2025, with every Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate successfully earning licensure.

Four finance majors earned second place among 11 universities at the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge, showcasing months of research and analysis. 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 9

Spiritual Life

IRON FAITH Pedro Vega, ’26, completed an IRONMAN triathlon on September 28, sharing devotionals throughout his training journey that connected faith with everyday life. Reflecting on the experience, he wrote, “I don’t want to minimize my effort, but this one was 100% on God. This challenge took ALL of my trust and dependance in Him, taught me how to recognize my weak attempts to ’achieve success,’ and confirmed that all the strength to do an IRONMAN comes from Him.”

118 1 298 LifeGroups

Students in LifeGroups

52% 57% 73%

engaged in the Bible (highest report in a decade)

experienced spiritual growth

600+

value spiritual support on campus

decisions made for baptism, Bible studies, and serving in missions

MORE THAN 1,400 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE WEEKLY IN VESPERS

STUDENTS PLAN AND LEAD MERGE, A MULTICULTURAL GOSPEL-STYLE WORSHIP SERVICE INVOLVING MORE THAN 400 PARTICIPANTS EACH SABBATH

10 | Southern Adventist University

Spiritual Life

Finding Peace Before Answers

Heavenly Father cares for the birds—and we are far more valuable than they are. If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He care for us? I ask myself, “When have I been without?” Sure, things have not always gone as planned, but I’m here, alive and well.

It was April, and graduation was just around the corner. I was terrified for a long time and almost dreaded that day.

I don’t want to waste time by worrying about something God already has handled.

I tend to be an anxious person, and I stressed about post-grad even during my first semester at Southern. I’d sit in Fitness for Collegiate Life and panic, because I didn’t know what to do for my master’s.

I have a distinct post-grad vision for myself and a job I really want, but I try not to stress too much. Instead, I enjoy each day as it comes and do my best to make my plans a success.

But now, as graduation draws nearer, I somehow feel calmer. I just came back from a spring mission trip to Mexico. I had to trust God to speak through me when unforeseen problems arose. On day one, the projector broke, and I had to go up to speak anyway. Other days, we had to prepare two

But if things don’t go exactly how I hoped, I know there’s something better in store for me. — By Eliana Morales, ’25

sermons instead of one, but despite the challenges, it was a wonderful experience. I don’t have employers lining up to hire me or a solid plan for where I’ll live after graduation. I got paid only $7 last week, and sometimes I have to stop myself from rethinking my entire major. “LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR: THEY NEITHER SOW NOR REAP NOR GATHER INTO BARNS, AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT OF MORE VALUE THAN THEY?” Matthew 6:26, ESV

So, why do I feel more at peace? The truth is that when I look back on my life, I see that God always had a plan. Since I’m a chronic worrier, I keep a few Bible verses in my Notes app as reminders. One of them is Matthew 6:25-27. Jesus reminds us not to worry because our 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 11

Missions

When God Meets You in the Mission Field When I saw advertisements for ERC mission trips fall of 2025, I knew I needed to go. Although the idea of my first mission trip was intimidating, I was searching for purpose during a difficult season in my life. After talking with my dad, I chose Peru, a place I had always wanted to visit. As the trip approached, I prayed that God would guide me and help me serve others. What I did not expect was how much He would transform me in the process. During the medical campaign, I met people whose stories touched my heart. Serving as a translator, I spoke with a woman struggling with anxiety and stress. Our brief conversation reminded me of the power of listening and compassionate care.

The greatest impact, however, came during the evangelistic meetings. Early in the week, I found myself overwhelmed by painful memories and feelings of unworthiness. I questioned whether I belonged there at all. At just the right time, a friend reminded me that God’s forgiveness is real and that my past does not define me. As I preached throughout the week, I realized the messages were not only for the congregation—they were also

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20, ESV

12 | Southern Adventist University

for me. Each day strengthened my faith and renewed my trust in God’s promises. The experience affected me so deeply that I chose to be rebaptized and recommit my life to Him. Peru changed me. It taught me to trust God’s plan, leave the past behind, and move forward with renewed purpose and a desire to serve others. — By Rebeca Sanchez Barcos, junior psychology major

Missions

The Prayers That Built a Church The text message stopped me in my tracks. “The trip is a go. I need your passport number.” I had accepted the invitation to lead a group of students last May to the Dominican Republic to build a church, and two days before the deadline, only five students had registered. We needed 15 to move forward, and recruiting 10 more students seemed impossible.

But God had other plans. The Vision Trip staff was praying. Sophia, a junior graphic design major and team member, never doubted the trip would happen. “We prayed and began cold-calling students,” she said. “Miraculously, they started signing up on the last day.” One of those students was Nema Ogal, a senior chemistry-biochemistry major. She came to the office intending to decline the invitation in person. Instead, after praying with the staff, she became convinced God was calling her to go. Meanwhile, another group was praying

hundreds of miles away. When pastor Gilberto Araujo, country director for Maranatha Volunteers International in the Dominican Republic learned Southern’s group likely wouldn’t be coming, he called the local conference president. His response was simple: “Let’s pray.” Pastors, church members, and the Maranatha team joined together, asking God to send the students to help build their church. Their prayers were answered. Once in Santiago, students threw themselves into the work. Learning as they went, they quickly mastered laying block and exceeded expectations. By the

final day, the construction manager was scrambling to find additional tasks, because the team had accomplished more than anticipated. God also worked through the students during Vacation Bible School. Attendance grew from about a dozen children on the first day to more than 100 people on the final evening. On Sabbath morning, as I sat with students, church members and visitors between the newly raised walls of the church, Araujo said to the students “You are an answer to prayer.” He was right. — By Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 13

Missions

The Third Grader Who Taught Me As a student missionary teaching third grade at Pohnpei Seventh-day Adventist School in Micronesia, I looked forward to helping children learn to read, solve math problems, and grow closer to Jesus. I didn’t know one of my students, Holokai, would leave a deep impression on my life. At the beginning of the school year, even the smallest challenge could leave Holokai in tears for an entire class period. After talking with teachers who knew him, I learned his mom had passed away the previous year, and school had become a daily struggle. If he didn’t understand a lesson, he would become overwhelmed and simply give up. I wanted my classroom to be a place where every student felt safe, loved, and heard. Before Holokai could learn, he needed to know someone believed in him. Early in the year, we read “The Little Engine That Could,” and our class motto became, “Keep trying, even when it’s hard.” Months later, I witnessed a moment I’ll never forget. A classmate complained that a project was too difficult. Before I could respond, Holokai smiled and said, “It’s okay. Just keep trying. I can help.” The little boy who once cried through 14 | Southern Adventist University

math was now encouraging someone else to persevere. By the end of the year, math had become his favorite subject, and he eagerly joined our math songs. Before leaving for Pohnpei, Michelle Adams, assistant professor in Southern’s School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling, gave me a children’s Bible storybook and encouraged us to pass it along someday. It sat on a shelf in my apartment for months while I prayed that God would show me who should receive it. Around Easter, Holokai’s reading had improved, and his excitement for worship and Bible class had grown. I knew he was ready. Watching him read those Bible stories and discover more about Jesus filled me with gratitude. I came to Pohnpei hoping to make a difference in my students’ lives. Instead, Holokai changed mine. He reminded me that teaching is about more than academics. It’s about patiently loving children through their hardest moments and trusting God with the results. — By Keri Bates, junior liberal arts education major

Missions

STUDENT MISSIONS

MISSIONARIES

LOCATIONS

SPIRITUAL VITALITY SURVEY: BEFORE AND AFTER MISSION YEAR TRANSFORMED BY JESUS:

56%

71%

PRE-MISSION

POST-MISSION

VISION TRIPS

103

MISSIONARIES

COUNTRIES

503 87

MEDICAL PATIENTS

TRIPS

DENTAL PATIENTS

EVANGELISM RESOURCE CENTER

194

1,400

MISSIONARIES

CLINIC PATIENTS

COUNTRIES

2,229 6,168 BAPTISMS

BIBLE WORKER CERTIFICATIONS 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 15

A Ladder Up

Feature Story

A physician’s journey from receiving help to lifting others higher.

16 | Southern Adventist University

Feature Story Growing up in rural North Carolina, Rahn Shaw ’78, MD, learned early that success rarely arrives without sacrifice. His mother worked as a nurse, his father was a long distance truck driver, and together they provided a stable-home, although resources were often limited. “We had enough,” Shaw says. “But if I wanted opportunities, I knew I would have to work for them.” As a teenager, he spent time on his grandmother’s farm, learning the value of persistence and hard work. Those lessons stayed with him when he arrived at Southern Missionary College in 1972, eager to begin his studies to one day become a doctor. Southern offered the academic preparation he needed, but paying for college presented a challenge. Like many students, Shaw pieced together his education through a combination of family support, employment, and the generosity of others who believed in him. From the beginning, he worked. He held a part-time job doing maintenance work in Thatcher Hall. He volunteered with the Tri-Community Fire Department, eventually earning a paid position that helped cover tuition costs. The firefighters became a second family, providing friendship, mentorship, and encouragement during demanding years. There were moments when the path forward felt uncertain. After not receiving a recommendation from Southern to attend Loma Linda University School of Medicine, disappointed, but undaunted, Shaw pressed on to be accepted to Universidad del Noreste in Mexico. Several physicians in North Carolina stepped in and funded his first year of tuition, making it possible for him to take the next step in his training. As a junior, he transferred to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, in Memphis, where he graduated in 1983. “Without that extra assistance, I wouldn’t have made it,” Shaw says. “Several people helped me along the way. That’s something you never forget.” Since the beginning of his career as a family doctor, Shaw has found deep fulfillment in caring for patients through every stage of life. But mid career, he faced a devastating setback. A trusted office manager began embezzling from his practice, a betrayal that went unnoticed for some time and

HE VOLUNTEERED WITH THE TRICOMMUNITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, EVENTUALLY EARNING A PAID POSITION THAT HELPED COVER TUITION COSTS. 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 17

Feature Story

Today, as a member of Southern’s Board of Trustees and an endowment donor, Shaw is committed to providing the same encouragement that others once provided him. ultimately led to legal consequences and the collapse of the financial stability he had worked so hard to build. The loss was significant, and for a period, Shaw found himself struggling to keep his practice afloat. “It stopped what I had been building for ten years,” he says. “I was 36 and couldn’t pay the electric bill.” It was during that difficult season that Shaw was introduced to recently retired businessman Thomas Vincent. The day after their conversation, Vincent handed Shaw a check that paid off all his debt and saved his medical practice. Vincent became a mentor, guiding Shaw in the business and financial decisions that helped him stabilize and grow. For over 30 years the two worked on various business enterprises together until Vincent’s death, when Shaw was entrusted with leadership of the Thomas J. Vincent Foundation. Shaw experienced once again how when life becomes uncertain, progress often depends on the willingness of others to step in. Whether through financial assistance, mentorship, or timely guidance, he recognizes that his own story has been shaped by people who chose to help him move forward when he could not do it alone. Through perseverance, wise counsel, and years of hard work, Shaw transformed his practice into one of the most successful independent family medicine practices in Florida.

Shaw with sons Alex and Daniel in Japan in 2024.

Today, as a member of Southern’s Board of Trustees and an endowment donor, he is committed to providing the same encouragement that others once provided him. Several years ago, Shaw and his wife, Natalia, established an endowed scholarship to support students pursuing degrees in business, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The scholarship reflects Shaw’s own journey. Rather than focusing exclusively on the students with the highest GPAs, the scholarship seeks to recognize students identified by faculty as hardworking, innovative, and determined. “My scholarship very specifically did not set out to pick solely straight-A students,” Shaw explains. “I wanted students who would make a contribution to their chosen field, who had drive and would keep working to obtain their goals.” He calls it an entrepreneurial spirit—not 18 | Southern Adventist University

Shaw senior portrait 1978.

Shaw and his wife Natalia in Antartica in 2025.

Feature Story necessarily the desire to start a business but the willingness to think creatively, solve problems, and pursue opportunities with courage and tenacity. “I want to encourage students to dream big,” he says. One of those students is Kasey Castellanos ’26, a firstgeneration college student whose family immigrated to the United States seeking greater opportunities.

Shaw poses with 2025-2026 scholarship recipients.

Castellanos began saving for college at age 14, working alongside her family to prepare for the cost of higher education. Yet despite years of planning and sacrifice, attending Southern remained financially challenging.

FOR SHAW, PHILANTHROPY IS NOT ABOUT RECOGNITION OR LEGACY. IT IS ABOUT GRATITUDE.

Receiving the Dr. Rahn and Natalia Shaw Endowed Scholarship helped bridge that gap. “Your gift has enabled me to continue my education and pursue my goals,” Castellanos wrote to Rahn and Natalia. “It is because of you that my dream will come true.” Castellanos graduated in May with a degree in business administration. She plans to become a hospital administrator, using her education to support healthcare professionals and improve workplace environments.

Her story resonates deeply with Shaw, because it echoes his own experience. “I know what it’s like,” he says. “I was here. I understand what these students are trying to accomplish.” Meeting scholarship recipients remains one of the most rewarding parts of his philanthropy. “It’s just a really neat feeling,” he says. “These students are trying to go somewhere and do something meaningful. They needed help, and the scholarship came along so they could keep moving forward. It’s just like—wow.” For Shaw, philanthropy is not about recognition or legacy. It is about gratitude. It is about honoring the people who invested in him when the outcome was uncertain. And it is about ensuring that today’s students have the same opportunities to pursue their callings. “I remember how much I worked to get through school,” Shaw says. “Hopefully these scholarship funds will make it easier for some students to earn their degrees.” The young man who once worked nights answering calls at a fire station and wondered how he would make it to the next step has never forgotten the people who helped him rise. Now, through the lives of Southern students, that same support is extended again and again. — By Ellen Hostetler, vice president for Advancement, and Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 19

Philanthropy

Helping Students Thrive: A $1.36 Million Investment Southern Adventist University received a $1.36 million federal TRIO Student Support Services grant to strengthen support for students who are first-generation college students, meet federal low-income guidelines, or have a documented disability. The funding launched THRIVE (Tools for Higher-Ed Readiness, Involvement, Vision, and Excellence), a new initiative designed to help students succeed academically, personally, and financially on their paths to graduation. Through THRIVE, participants receive individualized tutoring, peer mentoring, counseling, coaching, skill-building workshops, career exploration, academic advising, and scholarship guidance.

Southern applied for the grant in 2024 and learned in fall 2025 that its application had earned a perfect score. The university was awarded $272,000 annually for five years, totaling $1.36 million. THRIVE began serving students in January 2026. The program will serve up to 140 students each year and offers participants the opportunity to earn a $500 scholarship per semester by completing program requirements, providing additional encouragement and support as they work toward graduation. — By Isabella Dixon, junior English major, and Becky Brooks, editorial manager

Hands-On Learning

Opening This Fall

Exponential Impact

Funded entirely by donor generosity, Southern’s new Miller Hall Nursing Simulation Center provides expanded simulation labs and realistic learning environments, giving nursing students more opportunities to develop clinical skills and prepare for successful careers in healthcare.

Members of the McKee family toured the new 53,000-square-foot Ruth McKee School of Business, a transformative space designed to equip and empower future business leaders. Alumni, donors, and friends are invited to the grand opening on October 2, 2026.

Art Richert, ’65, PhD, served Southern’s Mathematics Department nearly 40 years, inspiring students as chair and professor. Giving Day donors met the $25,000 goal to name a classroom in his honor in a new space currently under renovation.

20 | Southern Adventist University

Philanthropy

Your Impact

800

Capital Projects

$7,979,283

Named Endowments

$3,199,811

Non-Endowed Scholarships and Awards

$1,655,755

Academic Areas

$1,263,108

Missions

$755,835

Non-Academic Student Support

$54,230

IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM DONOR

WSMC Classical 90.5

$159,390

ENDOWMENTS

The Southern Fund

$107,109

Gifts of Physical Assets

$136,698

Assistance and Relief Funds

$19,731

Other

$90,000

Grand Total

306

ALMOST

STUDENTS RECEIVED

Named Endowments Supporting Donor Passion in Perpetuity

2.8 60

2,068 Loyalty Circle Members

MILLION

of employees gave

99,796

to Southern causes

OF STUDENTS

RECEIVED

MILLION

IN SOUTHERN AID

$ 15,420,949

$248,485

CONTRIBUTED IN GIFTS OF $100 OR LESS

3,623

801

Alumni, friends, students, corporations, and foundations gave to impact our students, our community, and our world.

Legacy Society members have chosen to support Southern through their estate plans or a planned gift.

$167,517

IN LEGACY SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS HAS BEEN AWARDED TO 50 STUDENTS SINCE 2016

To learn more about joining the Legacy Society, visit southern.edu/plannedgiving. 2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 21

Philanthropy

I Cantori Hits A WINNING NOTE ON GIVING DAY

“GIVING DAY WAS A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FOR I With a dream of traveling to South Korea in May 2027, the 36-member I Cantori choir launched a Giving Day 2026 campaign with a clear plan and fresh energy under new choral activities director Rina Ritivoiu, DMA.

CANTORI. IT BROUGHT A SENSE OF UNITY AND PURPOSE TO THE GROUP KNOWING

Students also took part in campus games and activities that unlocked additional challenge funds, adding even more support to their effort.

THAT OTHERS BELIEVE By the end of Giving Day, I Cantori raised From the start, the group leaned into $14,897 in direct gifts and an additional IN WHAT WE DO.” every Giving Day opportunity, using $12,465 through challenges and drawings, challenges, competitions, and campus moments to share finishing well above their goal with a total of $27,362 for the their story. Their goal was to raise $25,000 to help fund the South Korea trip. international tour, and students stepped up as ambassadors “Giving Day was a meaningful experience for I Cantori. It and donors, rallying support for their shared vision. brought a sense of unity and purpose to the group knowing Energy continued to build when I Cantori participated in that others believe in what we do. We were especially the Giving Day Showdown during convocation, singing in encouraged by the positive feedback from students following a live pitch competition in front of judges and peers and our performance at convocation which affirmed the impact earning points toward their second-place standing. of our singing,” says Ritivoiu. As the day went on, that momentum carried across campus. The choir picked up key wins, including the Academic Area Challenge for most donors—a first for the School of Music— along with several Power Hour victories that encouraged alumni and friends to give at important moments throughout the day.

22 | Southern Adventist University

What started as a travel dream turned into a shared campus experience that strengthened student bonds, built alumni connection, and turned generosity into a meaningful milestone for I Cantori. — By Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving

Philanthropy

GIVING DAY BY THE NUMBERS ALUMNI

EMPLOYEES

464

283

MADE A GIFT

ACADEMIC AREA RAISING THE MOST DOLLARS

FRIENDS

ASCENDANTS

152

148

MADE A GIFT

TOP AMBASSADOR

ALINA LYTVYNYUK

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

STUDENTS

MADE A GIFT

442,546

TOTAL

DONORS

TOTAL GIFTS

138 1,023 1,470 GIVING DAY

MOST IMPROVED PARTICIPATION

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

SHOWDOWN WINNER

LAC CLUB

47,636

TOTAL RAISED

MOST GIFTS BY

STATE

619

TENNESSEE

ALUMNI GIVING ALL ALUMNI

46,477

ALUMN WHO GAVE

1,122

VOLUNTEERS

175

SOUTHERN SWEETHEARTS

3,500+

FUTURE SOUTHERN ALUMNI PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

319

GIVEN BY ALUMNI

3,962,374

2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 23

Philanthropy

An Evening

of Impact

The fourth annual A Taste of Southern gala was held at The Chattanoogan Hotel on October 2, 2025.

Hundreds of guests enjoyed pre-event activities showcasing Southern’s archaeology and engineering programs as well as the student blacksmithing club. To close out the evening, the Annie Moses Band delighted guests with an exceptional performance. President Ken Shaw presented three communityfocused awards to local individuals and nonprofits. Gala attendees and sponsors contributed more than $170,000 in support of the First-Generation College Student Endowed Scholarship.

A New Gala Tradition

Three Awards Presented: Career Pathway Award Presented to a business in the greater Chattanooga area that creates opportunities for emerging talent and career growth. 2025 Recipient: Erlanger

GALA

AT A GLANCE

ORGANIZATIONS/INDIVIDUALS SPONSORED THE EVENT

Partners In Service Presented to an organization or individual in the greater Chattanooga area who demonstrates deep commitment to community through service or philanthropy. 2025 Recipient: CHATT Foundation

Southern Impact Award Presented to a Southern Adventist University alum, student, or employee who excels professionally while representing Christ in the marketplace. 2025 Recipient: Sherry Campbell, ’11, CEO Welcome Home of Chattanooga

24 | Southern Adventist University

300+ GUESTS ATTENDED

$170,628 RAISED FOR FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

A Taste of Southern IS HAPPENING ON

October 1, 2026

Scan here to learn more!

2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 25

Legacy Society

An Opportunity Made Possible When I graduated from high school in New Jersey, I had my future all planned out. Southern Adventist University wasn’t part of that plan. I had attended public school my entire life, and I expected to stay close to home for college. In fact, I hadn’t even considered Southern until my mom encouraged me to apply. Around the same time, I was accepted to a university in New Jersey that I had always hoped to attend. When the financial aid packages from both schools arrived, I prayed a simple prayer: “God, if You make a way for me to attend Southern, I’ll trust that it’s where You want me to be.”

meant so much to me. Every scholarship dollar eases some of the financial pressure and reminds me that there are people who believe in students like me. What makes that support even more meaningful is everything I’ve gained during my time at Southern.

When I first arrived, I was very introverted. Over the last three years, I’ve grown tremendously. I’ve built friendships that have challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me become When I opened the letters with my more confident in who God created parents, Southern had offered enough me to be. I’ve found a home through financial aid to MERGE, where I serve make attending on the praise team “Watching my possible, including and sing in the choir. room and board. parents carry that Last year, after much It felt like a clear burden while I was prayer and reflection, answer to prayer. I made the decision away at school was Even though to be rebaptized, a I had never difficult. That’s why moment that marked visited campus scholarship support an important step in and didn’t know my faith journey. has meant so much a single person here, I packed my to me.” Southern also helped bags and moved me discover my calling. I hundreds of miles away from home. arrived as a psychology major, convinced It was the biggest leap of faith I had I knew exactly what I wanted to do. ever taken. But after working with children and As the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico and a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has always been significant. My parents sacrificed so much to create opportunities for me. During my freshman year, our family faced an unexpected challenge when my dad suffered a serious accident that left him unable to work. Medical bills began to pile up, and my mom worked long hours to help support our family. Watching my parents carry that burden while I was away at school was difficult. That’s why scholarship support has 26 | Southern Adventist University

spending time in prayer, God led me toward elementary education. Changing my major felt like stepping into the purpose He had planned for me all along. Looking back, I can see God’s hand guiding every step of this journey. Thank you for making it possible. Your generosity is doing more than helping students pay for college. You are opening doors, strengthening faith, and helping students like me discover the future God has prepared for them. — By Ashly Avila, senior liberal arts education major

Legacy Society

2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 27

Southern Moments

Southern Moments 1.

Art and design majors win nine Chattanooga advertising awards.

Students participate in intramural sports.

The slide in the Bietz Center for Student Life is two stories!

A nursing student creates an acrylic painting with scripture-inspired themes.

Southern Adventist University receives the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, recognizing organizations that lead with integrity.

Students perform a skit during BCU Cultural Night.

Southern Smiths Blacksmithing Club demonstrates its craft during Southern’s annual gala.

Backpacking class students pose during excursion where they rescued an injured hiker.

Golden Retriever puppies steal the show during a First Year Experience event.

10. President Ken Shaw claims victory as part of the Giving Day Showdown. 11. Students connect with potential employers and Graduate Schools during Meet The Firms. 12. Music and attire brighten up Asian Club Cultural Night. 28 | Southern Adventist University

13. Students are treated to ice cream from a food truck during Student Appreciation Day.

14. An interactive prayer activity was one of the highlights during Southern’s annual Lawn Vespers. 15. Southern’s second engineering graduating class celebrates with faculty. Graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the FE exam. 16. Gym-Masters celebrate their 50th anniversary during Home Show. 17. First Year Experience mentors welcome new students during The Main Event.

18. Participants are recruited for a Vision Trip to the Dominican Republic. 19. Graduating seniors celebrate at Senior Sparkle, a reception marking the start of their final year at Southern. 20. Skyler Pankey, ’26, repairs a car for a Family Promise family. Giving Day 2026 provided $3,095 for parts, and Skyler completed the repairs through service-learning.

21. John Hargy, ’26, Biophysics graduate, received a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct research in Türkiye. 22. Students from the School of Visual Art and Design work on feature film “Slick” in partnership with Hope Studios.

Southern Moments

14 9

11 16

2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 29

Alumni Spotlight

Telling Stories That Change Lives When Kevin Christenson, ’16, graduated from Southern Adventist University with degrees in international business management and international studies, he expected a future in healthcare administration, not film. Today, as the leader of Hope Studios, the cinematic division of Hope Channel International, Christenson oversees projects that bring faith-filled stories to audiences through film, television, and digital media. Looking back, he can trace much of that journey to a student-led comedy show at Southern. “My favorite memories were working on a show called Studio 4109: LIVE,” he recalls. “Watching ideas start in the writers’ room, take form in rehearsals, and make their debut on stage or on screen was incredibly rewarding.” As executive director, Christenson discovered he wasn’t simply producing entertainment. He was learning to lead people, manage budgets, meet deadlines, solve problems, and cultivate creativity. The experience set the building blocks for an unconventional journey in the entertainment industry. His career eventually led him from healthcare marketing to automotive trade shows, television production, Tyler Perry Studios, projects with Netflix and ABC/Hulu, and ultimately to Hope Channel International. “I see how God used every step to prepare me for the next,” he says. “At the time, I don’t think I would have seen where it was going. But if I did, there wouldn’t have been a need for faith.” Throughout his journey, Southern’s influence remained constant. “Something I appreciated most about my education in the School of Business was the value of weaving mission into business,” Christenson shares. “My professors demonstrated how carrying oneself with a Christ-like spirit and putting one’s beliefs into practice allows 30 | Southern Adventist University

Kevin Christenson, ’16, with wife, Madeline, ’19, at the red carpet premiere of “The Hopeful.”

any career to be one of mission. Wherever you find yourself, God can use you.” Christenson is passionate about telling stories that challenge, inspire, and stir the soul. “If people can see their own doubts, questions, and struggles in a story, they can also see their own potential for growth,” he adds. Christenson is equally committed to helping the next generation of filmmakers find opportunities that once seemed out of reach. He recently produced Imagine Faith, the first cross-collaborative production between Southern Adventist University, La Sierra University, Walla Walla University, and Oakwood University. At Southern, that commitment comes full circle as he funds and co-finances student film and television projects, creating real-world opportunities for aspiring storytellers. As media continues to evolve, Christenson sees unprecedented opportunities for Christian creatives to influence culture.

“The changing landscape allows creators unrestricted access to be salt and light in places that were previously not permitted. Salt and light have one thing in common: They don’t blend into their environment. They change it.” Years after leaving Southern, Christenson still measures his work by the same mission-centered values that first took root on campus. Awards, audiences, and accomplishments may come and go, but his greatest hope remains simple. “Ultimately,” he says, “I want to hear the only words that truly matter: ’Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”

Scan here to learn more about Kevin’s work with Hope Studios and Hope Channel International.

THANK YOU

One Phone Call, A Lifetime of Opportunity I still remember the phone call. It came just two weeks before classes were supposed to begin. I had already convinced myself that college wasn’t possible. My dad drives a truck, and my mom cleans houses. They worked hard to provide for our family, but paying for college was simply beyond what we could afford. Then Southern called to tell me that scholarships had come through. If I was willing to work and help cover my share through a student job, I could come. I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. In that moment, a dream I had carried for years suddenly became reality.

Today, I’m a junior studying business, pursuing my passion for creativity and marketing. I work off campus as a waitress, and while balancing work and school isn’t always easy, I never forget what an incredible opportunity I’ve been given. Because of scholarship donors, my life has changed forever. I’m the first in my family to attend college, and now my three younger siblings can see that this path is possible for them, too. I truly believe I’m helping create a new future for my family. Thank you for investing in students like me. Your generosity didn’t just help me attend college. It changed the entire course of my life. By Iliana Klaczynski, sophomore — marketing major

2025 - 2026 Annual Report | 31

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