2024–25 Annual Report

S O U TH E R N V I R G I N IA U N IV E R S IT Y

2024–25 Annual Report

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

KN I G HT NATI O N

A Special Message From Bonnie H. Cordon Dear Knight Nation,

our dedicated faculty and staff who give their best, our generous donors who invest in young lives, and all who believe in SVU’s sacred purpose. Most of all, I thank my

What a privilege it has been to serve as your president

Savior Jesus Christ for this sacred trust and the

these past three years. As I reflect on all we’ve

countless ways He has guided our path.

accomplished together, I am filled with gratitude for the faith, dedication, and excellence you bring to this sacred institution every day.

I leave confident that SVU’s best days are ahead, united by these values and anchored in our commitment to Christ.

We’ve witnessed remarkable moments—from our first NCAA National Championship to groundbreaking discoveries like a new species of bacteria, from launching innovative programs like our sports performance major to watching our students achieve at

Go Knights!

Bonnie H. Cordon

the highest levels. These milestones matter because they represent the kind of transformative education SVU was founded to provide.

But what matters most is that we have kept Christ at the center of everything we do. That commitment has been the foundation of every achievement, every challenge overcome, and every life changed on this campus.

As I conclude my service at SVU, I want to share with you the Core Values we’ve established together. These values will continue to guide this university toward its divine destiny long after my time here. They represent not just who we are, but who we are called to become.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this mission—our remarkable students who inspire us daily,

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

01

L AU NCH CENTER

A Special Thank You to Hugh & Cindy Redd Dear Hugh & Cindy Redd,

On behalf of our entire Knight Nation, I’d like to officially extend our most heart-felt gratitude to you for your consecrated service to, unwavering support of, and Christ-like leadership for Southern Virginia University.

I’m personally thankful, Hugh and Cindy, for the way you welcomed me as Southern Virginia University’s 10th president, and for the strong leadership you provided and vision you shared during my first two years in Buena Vista.

In recognition of your 17 consecutive years of service on our Board of Trustees, included the past five as our fearless Chairman, we were thrilled to celebrate you at our last Founder’s Day and announce our decision to name our career center in your honor:

The Hugh & Cindy Redd Launch Center

Congratulations, Hugh and Cindy, on honorably completing your distinguished tenure as our university’s third Chairman. Thank you, Hugh & Cindy, for your countless contributions—seen and unseen—to Southern Virginia University.

With eternal gratitude,

President Bonnie H. Cordon

Read More

Southern Virginia University

02

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

03

BOARD O F TRU S TEE S

SVU Announces Wendy Kimber as Board of Trustees Chair “We as a board are dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience for students...”

The Southern Virginia University Board of Trustees has

Kimber is a certified life coach and leads a successful

elected Wendy Kimber as the university’s fourth board

business–Wendy Kimber Coaching–and has served in a

chair, the first female in this position. This appointment

variety of church and community roles. She earned a

follows the recent term completion of former board chair

bachelor’s degree in elementary education from

Hugh Redd and comes as the university prepares to

Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in

celebrate its landmark 30th year.

sociology with an emphasis in higher education from

“As we step into our landmark 30th year, I am filled with

Grand Canyon University.

immense confidence and excitement to partner with our

She and her husband, Dane, have been married for 33

newly appointed board chair, Wendy Kimber,” said

years and are the proud parents of six children—four of

President Cordon. “She is exceptionally prepared for

whom attended Southern Virginia University—and ten

this pivotal season in our history and is ready to help us

grandchildren.

rise to even greater heights.”

Kimber has served as a trustee for SVU since 2018, as well as board liaison for Student Life since 2022. With a steady, student-centered leadership style, she played key roles in the national search and hiring of President Cordon and helped guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The future is so bright for SVU,” said Kimber. “We as a board are dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience for students during a time that is foundational to their futures. The students are our reason for everything.”

04

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

05

The Southern Virginia University men’s volleyball team made history in 2025 by defeating Springfield College

ATHLETI C S

3-0 to capture SVU’s first ever NCAA Division III national championship. The Knights finished the season with a

Men’s Volleyball Wins National Championship

remarkable 35-1 record, with their only loss coming in late March to Springfield—a defeat they avenged in spectacular fashion on the sport’s biggest stage. Led by

Individual Honors and Achievements: • Christian Sheaffer – AVCA Division III National Player of the Year, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, AVCA First Team All-American (third consecutive year), CVC Player of the Year (second consecutive), Academic All-America First Team, NCAA All-Tournament Team

AVCA National Coach of the Year Tom Peterson, who

• Tom Peterson (Head Coach) – AVCA Division III Coach

built the program from its 2017, the Knights dominated

of the Year, CVC Coach of the Year, Region III Coach of

throughout the season, opening with 24 straight

the Year. Peterson is the first volleyball coach in NCAA

victories and establishing themselves as the nation’s

history to win a national championship at three schools—

top-ranked Division III team.

BYU, Penn State, and Southern Virginia University

Senior outside hitter Christian Sheaffer led the

• Justin Madsen – AVCA Honorable Mention All-

championship performance with 13 kills and was named

American, CVC Libero of the Year (second consecutive),

the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, capping a

CVC First Team All-Conference, NCAA All-Tournament

season in which he broke multiple program records and

Team

earned recognition as the best player in Division III. The championship victory wasn’t just about one player—four Knights (Sheaffer, Jeremy Brown, Justin Madsen, and Gehrig Tolman) earned NCAA All-Tournament Team honors, showcasing the depth and talent that made Southern Virginia nearly unbeatable. Over 1,000 Knights

• Jeremy Brown – NCAA All-Tournament Team • Gehrig Tolman – NCAA All-Tournament Team • Samuel Candland – AVCA Honorable Mention AllAmerican, CVC First Team All-Conference

faithful made the hour-long drive to witness history,

• Kristo Bianchin – Set single-match program record

creating an electric atmosphere that Coach Peterson

with 11 blocks in NCAA semifinal victory over Juniata

credited with helping secure the victory.

06

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

07

FRO M CU RI OS IT Y TO D I SCOVERY

Undergraduate Research Uncovers New Species When Veronica Andersen asked if she could collect her own bacteria samples for the microbiology class where she served as a teaching assistant, she wasn’t expecting to make scientific history. She simply wanted to see what was growing in the water at Natural Bridge, where she

“We got to be a part of every single stage of the process.”

works as a park ranger.

“I was just being a nerd,” Andersen recalls. “It turned into something incredible.”

The dark purple bacteria she collected from Cedar Creek caught the attention of Associate Professor of Biochemistry Roger Johnson, who had never encountered anything like it. DNA sequencing revealed what they suspected: this was an entirely new species, belonging to the rare Janthinobacterium genus—

sequencing to writing the paper—it’s been incredible.”

The experience represents exactly the kind of hands-on learning that defines an SVU education. These weren’t graduate students or post-docs conducting research— they were undergraduates taking ownership of a legitimate scientific investigation under expert mentorship.

previously found only in places like Turkey, China, and

“One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing their

the Arctic, but never before recorded in North America.

excitement and growth,” said Johnson. “This is real

What began as one student’s curiosity became a year-long collaborative research project. Four additional biochemistry seniors—Isaac Armstrong, Jacob Smith,

science. And now, when they apply to med school or grad school, they’re bringing actual research experience with them.”

Matthew Dryden, and Wes Leneave—joined Andersen

The team’s findings are currently under review for

and Johnson to conduct the rigorous work required to

publication, positioning SVU to produce its first-ever

identify and document a new species. Working

peer-reviewed scientific paper—a milestone that reflects

alongside Associate Professor of Biology Jared Lee, the

both the caliber of our faculty and the academic rigor we

team divided responsibilities across genomic analysis,

expect from our students.

metabolic profiling, phylogenetic mapping, and electron

All five student researchers graduated in 2025.

microscopy imaging.

08

microscope. “From streaking plates to genetic

Andersen is pursuing a Ph.D. in marine biology.

“We got to be part of every single stage of the process,”

Armstrong, Smith, Dryden, and Leneave are all entering

said Dryden, who coordinated with the University of

medical careers, each carrying forward the research

Virginia Medical School to access their electron

skills and scientific curiosity they developed at SVU.

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

09

ACAD EM I C S

SVU Announces New Sports Performance Major Southern Virginia University made history in 2025 by unveiling the first-ever Sport Performance major in the country. Dr. John Armstrong, architect of the Sport Performance program, introduced the newly-designed and approved program at the Sports Major Collective at Nike headquarters in New York City.

“We’re the first school [in the country] to require athletic competition as part of a college major,” Armstrong said to an audience of nearly 150 professors, administrators, coaches, and collegiate and professional athletes. “It’s not just exercise science—our program is truly interdisciplinary.”

“Athletes test their powers in contests that are not only physical, but also deeply social and moral,” said Armstrong. “They develop courage, self-control, and justice, and they do it in real time, under pressure, and in front of an audience.”

As higher education’s pioneer into performance as a professional discipline, Southern Virginia University now leads a growing field, with approximately 50 institutions currently planning to launch similar programs. The curriculum draws a connection between ancient philosophy and modern athletics, arguing that sports can help students grow in reason, virtue, and self-mastery—qualities that will help graduates appeal to future employers.

10

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

11

2024 -2025

News & Highlights Sheri Dew Addresses SVU’s Largest Graduating Class

Sermon on the Mount: Stained Glass Unveiled On March 11, the campus community, university friends,

On May 9, SVU gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall

and special guests gathered in the Main Hall Ballroom for

for the university’s annual Commencement to celebrate

the unveiling ceremony of the stained glass “Sermon on

the Class of 2025—the largest graduating class in

the Mount,” generously donated to the university by the

university history. There, Dew was recognized with an

Brent and Bonnie Jean Beesley family was created in 2018.

honorary doctorate in recognition of her contributions to the university and the world.

Environmental Studies Major to be Offered Beginning Fall 2025

Main Hall Preservation Fund: $1 Million Raised for Mail Hall

SVU now offers a bachelor’s degree program in

Thanks to the generous gifts from the university

environmental studies. Distinct from a technical

community, including a dollar-for-dollar matching donation

environmental science degree, this program builds on

from the Wheatley Family Charitable Fund, Southern

the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, offering

Virginia University raised more than $1 million for its newly

students a robust scientific core while encouraging

established Main Hall Preservation Fund.

interdisciplinary exploration of environmental issues.

$1 Million Raised in First Annual Spring Scholarship Campaign

Assistant Professor of English Ariel Clark Silver spent

Thanks to the many generous contributions from the

part of the summer at the Massachusetts Historical

Southern Virginia University community, including a

Society in Boston as the Alyson R. Miller Fellow, researching

dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000 from an

for her current book project, “The Conversationalists,”

anonymous donor, Southern Virginia exceeded the full

which focuses on the trailblazing work of five women who

match and raised over $1,000,000 for scholarships

met with Margaret Fuller in the 1840s.

Ariel Clark Silver Summer Research

during the 2025 spring campaign.

Biology: New Bacteria Discovered with Dr. Johnson

Barbara Crawford Leads Landmark Red Rocks Amphitheater Installation

When Veronica Andersen (‘25) decided to collect her

After two years of preparation, Professor of Art Barbara

own bacteria samples for the microbiology class in

Crawford completed her largest art installation yet at the

January 2024, it led to the discovery of a new brand

Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado on April 7—the

bacteria, a team of students and professors embarking

theater’s first installation—with some of the local staff

on over a year of research, and an upcoming submission

and a group of Southern Virginia University students,

slated to become the university’s first peer-reviewed

professors, and alumni.

scientific paper.

12

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

13

2024 -2025

Notable Speakers Sharon Eubanks: Crafting a Masterpiece: Weaving the Threads of Life and Faith Together

Judge Thomas Griffith: Finding a Testimony As a Skeptic

On Oct. 11, the Southern Virginia University community

During a devotional on Feb. 21 with Judge Thomas

gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Sharon Eubank,

Griffith, former judge of the United States Court of

director of Humanitarian Services of The Church of

Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, he shared how his skepticism

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and JustServe, testify of

skills helped him develop his testimony of God and The

the power of the unassuming threads in our lives when

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

woven with the gospel of Christ.

Liz Darger: Pushes, Pulls and Elbows: The Life-Changing Power of a Simple Nudge

Tracy Browning: The Difference is in Christ

On Nov. 15, Liz Darger, senior associate athletic director

to Sister Tracy Browning, counselor in the Primary

at Brigham Young University, shared personal

General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of

experiences on how recognizing spiritual nudges of the

Latter Day Saints, speak on creating a distinct life by

Holy Ghost can lead to wonderful opportunities.

centering the use of personal gifts on Jesus Christ.

Jon & Michelle Schmidt: The Blessing of Turning Your Life Over to God

McKay Coppins: Leading Without Losing Yourself During a university honor’s forum on March 7, the

On Dec. 6, the campus community gathered for the

Southern Virginia University community gathered to

annual Christmas Forum to hear from Jon and Michelle

hear McKay Coppins, author and staff writer for The

Schmidt of The Piano Guys as they performed and

Atlantic, speak on upholding principles while pursuing

shared how giving their lives to God changed the course

personal ambitions and maintaining one’s standards

of their musical career.

while in power.

Amy Antonelli: Finding Confidence in a Christ-centered Identity

Sheri Dew: Commencement Address During her 2025 Commencement address, Sheri Dew

On Feb. 14, Amy Antonelli, CEO of Humanitarian HXP—

encouraged the graduates to intentionally stack wins,

an independent nonprofit that operates humanitarian

emphasizing principles such as service, learning to

expeditions for youth—shared that the three most

communicate well, and prioritizing a relationship with

important labels we can give ourselves are Disciple of

God to create a foundation for difficult times.

On Feb. 28, the university community gathered to listen

Christ, Child of the Covenant, and Child of God.

14

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

15

Chase Pope A recent graduate, Chase Pope’s (‘25) desire to protect

ALU M N I S P OTLI G HT

wildlife from a current mass extinction of animals led

Knights Watch

him to study biology, which will prepare him for a career in wildlife conservation with the dream of working at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Alison Walker

J.D. Drasbek

Ignited at Southern Virginia University, Allison Walker

J.D. Drasbek (’16) was appointed as the new president of

Gaughan’s (‘13) artistic career has led her to Scotland’s

SVU’s Alumni Association, succeeding inaugural

University of St. Andrews, working at national museums,

president Scott McKeon (’01). Drasbek brings significant

showcasing her work in shows and museums, and now

leadership experience to the role, including five years as

making the leap to open her own studio in New York.

a healthcare executive at HCA Healthcare and cofounding WorkFitDx.

Ben Burningham Ben Burningham (‘09) was appointed Wyoming’s first

Russell Watson Russell Watson (‘23) wasn’t planning on becoming a dentist when he started his undergraduate, but after several unexpected series of events, he is now part of the inaugural class at Lyon College’s brand new School of Dental Medicine. A program that coincidentally is

Chancery Court judge, presiding over a specialized statewide court designed to streamline the resolution of commercial, business, and trust cases. His appointment went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

being shaped by another Southern Virginia University

Trager Hintze

alumnus: Burke Soffe, the school’s inaugural dean.

Trager Hintze (‘13) joined the ranks of faculty at the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine as an assistant professor of pharmacology for the school’s inaugural class, pursuing

Kenson Hiatt

his dream to train the next generation of medical students

After graduating in 2012, Kenson Hiatt decided to switch

to safely and effectively use medication.

careers from insurance agent to marriage and family therapy, returning to SVU to teach while completing his masters degree. He now serves as an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at James Madison University.

Burke Soffe Twenty years after Burke Soffe became Southern Virginia University’s first student to be accepted into dental school after completing his undergraduate in 2004, he is now serving as the founding dean for the

Jake Johnson

Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, the first dental

When Major Jake Johnson (‘11) stepped on campus as a

school in Arkansas.

freshman, Southern Virginia University’s motto “Learn that Life is Service” resonated deeply with him. Part of the university’s ROTC program, he received the honor of distinguished military graduate from VMI, ranking top 10% in the country, and has since served around the world in the logistics branch of the army.

16

Natalie Yule Among the first graduates of Southern Virginia University’s design program, Natalie Yule (‘22) is now working as a production designer for the Kansas City Chiefs, the 2024 Super Bowl champions.

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

17

20 18

2024 -2025

Accomplishments & Awards

1 11

NCAA Division III National Championship Conference Championships

ATH LE TE RECO G N ITI O N

Senior Art Show Artists

2 3 2

Fullbright U.S. Student Program Semi-Finalists

Honors Theses

Music Teachers National Association Conf. Attendees

All-Conference

105

Acad. All-Conference

207

All-Region

14

All-Americans

6

• New Bacteria Species Discovered

Acad. All-Americans

12

• Paper published in Kennesaw Tower peer-edited research journal

1 7 1

National Player of the Year

Conference Players of the Year

Region Player of the Year

RE S E ARCH & ACAD EM I C ACH IE VEM ENT

• Psychology hosted 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium

IN D IVID UAL & COAC H IN G AWARDS

18

Phi Kappa Phi Initiates

1 8 1

PRO FE S S I O NAL ACCO M PLI S H M ENT

National Coach of the Year EU & International Relations Office Internship — Brussels, Belgium Conference Coaches of the Year

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

USA South Woman of the Year

White House Summer Internship

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

19

2024 –25

A Special Thank You From Advancement With deep appreciation and gratitude, we are pleased to

These milestones represent far more than monetary

announce that fiscal year ‘25 was Southern Virginia

success—they represent an investment in the lives and

University’s most successful fundraising year ever!

futures of our incredible students. Every gift ensures

Thank you to our entire SVU community—alumni, friends,

that more scholarships are funded, our beautiful campus

and philanthropists—for your exceptional generosity

is vitally maintained, and more transformative

and belief in our mission to bless the rising generation.

opportunities are made available to our students, who

Our fundraising success last year is reflected in both the

are our purpose for everything.

growth and engagement of our supportive community.

Again, we express our sincere thanks to all who continue

We are thrilled to highlight four key milestones we

to invest in SVU as we strive together to help the rising

achieved together:

generation fulfill their divine capacity. The future is

•

40% Overall Donor Growth: The total number of donors giving to SVU increased by an incredible

bright!

See current giving priorities at svufieldofdreams.com

40% over FY24. This expanded base represents the growing number of supporters investing in the University’s inspired mission.

•

48% Increase in Alumni Giving: The total number of SVU alumni who gave back to their alma mater increased by a significant 48% this fiscal year. Our Knights are stepping up to support the next generation of students.

•

130% Increase in Leadership Giving: Greater awareness and excitement about our mission inspired significant investment from mid-level donors (those contributing between $20K–$100K).

In FY25, this group grew by a staggering 130%.

•

$1 Million for Main Hall: We successfully raised $1 million specifically designated for our beloved Main Hall, demonstrating our collective commitment to preserve and enhance the crown jewel of our campus.

20

S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y

BY STUDY & BY FAITH

21

1 University Hill Dr. Buena Vista, VA 24416 S OUT H E R N V I RG I N I A U N I V E R S I T Y