Aaron Hale

Aaron Hale is the 11th President of Southern Virginia University, bringing more than two decades of experience as a founder, CEO, and organizational leader in education.

In 2005, Hale co-founded Legacy Traditional Schools in Maricopa, Arizona, launching its first campus in a rapidly growing community with limited school options. As co-CEO and executive director, he has helped grow the network to more than 30 campuses across three states, serving over 260,000 students annually.

In 2009, Hale co-founded Vertex Education, an education management organization, where he directed finance, operations, technology, growth strategy, and capital markets. His work there included leading more than $500 million in bond financings and overseeing the development of more than 2 million square feet of educational facilities. He was named to Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list of outstanding leaders in 2017 and has served on the Arizona Department of Education Information Technology Board.

Hale is joined at SVU by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Hale, co-founder of both Legacy Traditional Schools and Vertex Education. Named one of Arizona’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2025, she has been a lifelong advocate for students, teachers, and families. Together, the Hales are the parents of eleven children and grandparents of four, and share a deep commitment to faith-centered education and to building institutions that strengthen families and communities.