Knight statue.

Home of the Knights

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.

SVU graduate.

Our Mission

Southern Virginia University gathers, lifts, and launches students into lifelong success.
Link to Mission webpage.Learn About Our Mission
Students at the Richmond temple.

Faith in Jesus Christ

Join our community where the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is taught, learned, lived, and loved.
Link to Faith webpage.Faith in Jesus Christ
Students in collaborative classroom.

Academic Approach

Southern Virginia University provides rigorous academics delivered in small, collaborative classes—with incredible results!
Link to Academics webpage.Academics at SVU
Student holding packaged iPad

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.

Link to Apple Distinguished School webpage.Apple Distinguished School