Meet Your Admissions Counselor
Your Admissions Counselor is here to help you with every step of the process to become a Knight—whether it’s learning about the programs and scholarships available or walking you through our application process.
To see the admissions counselor over your region, select your state:
Main Admissions: 540-261-8401
Kenzie Cox
Director of Admissions
I’m grateful to be part of a university where people can lean into their passions and develop, learn, and grow in balanced ways. I especially love learning life lessons through sports, as a former assistant athletic director, soccer coach, and softball coach at Southern Virginia University. I also played on the soccer and softball teams when I was a student at Southern Virginia, where I majored in business management and leadership and met and married my incredible husband! I love spending time with my family, especially if it involves playing yard games. My favorite role is being a mom to my son (and dog mom to the happiest golden doodles, Peanut and Teddy).
Email: kenzie.cox@svu.edu
Scott Winterton
Admissions Counselor · Atlantic States
I am a native Virginian who loves living in the Shenandoah Valley and working at Southern Virginia University. I joined the University to help coach men’s lacrosse and fell in love with sharing the message of this amazing school with prospective students. Now in admissions, I have the opportunity to share the benefits of this University on a much larger scale. I’m also a proud parent of Knights—my three oldest children attend Southern Virginia and are having fantastic experiences studying in the classroom and competing in NCAA DIII athletics. Our entire family is passionate about athletics, but we also love trips to the beach and playing Nerf capture the flag. I look forward to working together!
Email: scott.winterton@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8416
Alicia Byrd
Admissions Counselor · Virginia
Growing up in Canada and Utah, I was always surrounded by the outdoors and mountains—two of my favorite things. After meeting my husband and graduating from Brigham Young University, we lived in Georgia for 28 years and raised our five children. When we brought our son to Southern Virginia University, we fell in love with the area and the special feeling here. We knew we had to move here, took that leap of faith, and I feel so at peace here. I now have two kids attending Southern Virginia University, both playing sports, which makes me so excited to go to their games. I am so impressed with the staff, students, and the family feel that is here. This is a very amazing place and I love helping students see how they belong here.
Email: alicia.byrd@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8425
Ryan Cannon
Admissions Counselor · Central States
There are three decisions I’ve made that completely changed my life: joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marrying the best woman in the world, and becoming a Knight at Southern Virginia University. My wife and I love spending our free time on the Carolina Coast with our Goldendoodle (Sadie Mae), cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes back in our hometown of Raleigh, and cruising the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Valley. We’re thrilled to welcome our first child (and future Knight) into the world and have him grow up in this beautiful, special place. I absolutely loved my student experience and now, I get the chance to share the magic as you become a Knight and embark on your transformative journey here at Southern Virginia University!
Email: ryan.c.cannon@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8594
Nate Losee
Admissions Counselor · Utah
I believe in the three M’s: motorcycles, movies, and mountains! When I’m not riding my motorcycle around the Blue Ridge, you can find me watching movies with my friends. I was born and raised in Utah and served a mission in Veracruz, México. While attending Southern Virginia University I studied Business and Spanish, played on the rugby team, and participated in student government. I fell in love with this place and I’m so happy that I now get to call it my home. Southern Virginia is full of opportunities and has a unique family feeling about it. I am excited to help you learn about this amazing school and welcome you to the family!
Email: nate.c.losee@svu.edu
Phone & Text: 540-261-8437
Brayden Funn
Admissions Counselor · Pacific States & International
I’ve had the opportunity to live in some of the most beautiful cities that our country has to offer, yet the Shenandoah Valley has been one of my favorite areas to call home. Prior to graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in clinical psychology, it was my distinct pleasure to serve a Tongan-speaking mission in Oakland, California. I now work at Southern Virginia University because I’m passionate about the culture, mission, and vision here. I love the opportunity to help students and can’t wait to guide you through the admissions process!
Email: brayden.k.funn@svu.edu
Phone: 253-354-5497
Craig Lund
Admissions Counselor · Spring Semester
I used to tell people my claims to fame were playing on two National Championship football teams at the University of Oklahoma and serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. But now my claim to fame, together with my wife, is having raised five good children; four of whom have graduated from Southern Virginia. I grew up playing in rock bands, playing sports, and spending time with my family. My favorite band right now is Imagine Dragons.
Email: craig.lund@svu.edu
Phone & Text: 540-261-8418
Chris Vasquez
Music Recruitment Coordinator
As a career musician from Kansas City, I always imagined I would find myself working in a big city like the one I grew up in. Then I came to Southern Virginia University and quickly fell in love with the lush mountains and rivers. More importantly, I met my wife and found friends and mentors who’ve opened doors and helped me hone my craft. I’ve developed many interests during my time here including hiking, hammocking, and photography while enjoying other favorite activities such as reading, exercise, and teaching music. When I’m not performing with my wife, I’m helping others find Southern Virginia University so they too can have doors opened for them!
Email: christopher.p.vasquez@svu.edu
Phone: 540-225-2154
Melanie Roberts
Art + Design Recruitment Coordinator
As a transfer student and recent graduate from Southern Virginia University with a degree in art and a concentration in museum studies, I know firsthand how phenomenal the Art + Design Program is here. Virginia proved to be the perfect place to finish my degree—I was surrounded by museums, galleries, and constant inspiration. I recently had the opportunity to join one of the art professors in Italy where I helped set up multiple art installations in both Sicily and Assisi. When I am not creating in my home studio or talking with prospective Art + Design students, I am spending time with my husband, two kids, and golden retriever.
Email: melanie.h.roberts@svu.edu
Phone: 540-268-3215