Alumni Spotlight

Ricardo Jensen (‘10) Appointed Superior Court Judge for North Carolina 6th District

Prior to his appointment as judge, Jensen served as a public defender for three years at the New Hanover Public Defender Office in North Carolina, five years at the Pulaski Public Defender’s Office in Virginia, where he was promoted to a Senior Trial Attorney position, and three years with ​​the twentieth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in Florida.

Alumni Spotlight

Preparatory Academy Director Crystal Cleveland (‘17) Reflects on the Impact of Her SVU Professors

From an undergraduate student to academy director in just five years, Crystal Cleveland (’17), who serves as director over grades K–6 for the newly opened Charter One Wake Preparatory Academy in North Carolina, attributes the learning environment and professors at Southern Virginia University for helping her impact the lives of her students.

Alumni Spotlight

Alum Researches Genetic Variant in Polynesian Populations in Investigational Lab

For Jacob Taloa (‘23), going to college wasn’t originally in his life plan. Now, after graduating from Southern Virginia University with a 4.0 GPA, he is currently working as a research associate in the Summers/Holland Investigational Lab in the University of Utah molecular medicine program. With plans to become a doctor, Taloa hopes to be an example to Polynesians unsure about pursuing higher education.

Alumni Spotlight

Bringing Campus and Community Together One Scoop at a Time

Madeleine Wells Mercer (‘21) knew she wanted to remain in Buena Vista post-graduation after falling in love with the town and a local firefighter. Seeing an opportunity to build a space for Southern Virginia University students and local community members to gather, she decided to create The BeeVe, an ice cream and souvenir shop, which opened in 2022.

Alumni Spotlight

10-Year Reflections: A Q&A with Nate (‘12) and Megan (‘09) Ondricek

In just over a decade since graduating from Southern Virginia University, alumni Nate (‘12) and Megan (‘09) Ondricek have earned master’s degrees, found meaningful work, raised three children, and have given back through the Alumni Association.

In the News

Scott (‘01) and Rachel (‘05) McKeon Headline Forum on Finding and Maintaining Happiness In Life

“Coming to Southern Virginia University, I got to experience so many things and I got to meet the love of my life, and I am so grateful.”

Alumni Spotlight

How Layne MacPherson (’21) Launched into His Acting Career

“One of my favorite moments in theatre at Southern Virginia was when we performed ‘Silent Sky.’ The whole rehearsal process had been very fast and intense, but opening night everything just clicked and fell into place. It’s one of the most special moments I’ve had in theatre.”

Alumni Spotlight

Finding Love At Southern Virginia University

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, four couples shared their stories of finding love on our campus: Reilly and Taryn Kartchner, Ibrahim and Victoria Kargbo, Lynette and Brett Schroeder, and Candace and Francisco Osegueda

In the News

Over 100 Alumni Sing with University Ensembles in Historic Homecoming Concert

Joining more than 100 choral alumni, former principal choral ensemble conductors Keith Bradshaw, LaRae Carter, Margaret Gingerich Toney, and Nate Pence returned to campus as guest conductors to lead 27 years of Knights in song.