About SVU
Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, Southern Virginia University’s beautiful campus is home to a welcoming, close-knit community in Buena Vista, Virginia.
Facts & Figures
1996
Year founded
90%
of students are members of the restored Church
1000+
students on our close-knit campus
Founded by Latter-day Saints for Latter-day Saints
A group of local Latter-day Saints founded Southern Virginia University in 1996 to provide higher education in a faith-supportive environment out East. Since then, more and more students are traveling from all over the country to experience our unique approach to education.
Our Mission
Southern Virginia University gathers, lifts, and launches students into lifelong success.
Faith in Jesus Christ
Join our community where the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is taught, learned, lived, and loved.
Academic Approach
Southern Virginia University provides rigorous academics delivered in small, collaborative classes—with incredible results!
Apple Distinguished School
We give an iPad to every student to level up their learning. For our innovative use of technology, we have consecutively earned the status of Apple Distinguished School.