Returned & Preparing Missionaries
At Southern Virginia University, we love missionaries. That’s why we’ve made our campus the perfect gathering place for both returning and prospective missionaries.
RM Scholarships
The Returned Missionary Scholarship is awarded to students who have served full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or who have completed comparable humanitarian service.
Faith-supportive Community
Southern Virginia University is a gathering place for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than 9-in-10 of our students are Latter-day Saints and 1-in-3 are Returned Missionaries. Every student commits to a Code of Honor based on the principles and values of the Church.
Institute & YSA Stake
Our campus is home to a vibrant Young Single Adult Stake with eight full student wards and the largest daytime Institute of Religion in the Eastern U.S. where students can earn University credit for religion courses.
Meet Some of Our Missionaries
Future Missionary
Emma Merrill
“Being at a school aligned with the Church has made the process of preparing for a mission easier through the support of friends and professors and their example to me of being faithful and Christlike. My parents especially have been there for me and have taught me throughout my whole life the blessings and happiness of the gospel.”
Emma Merrill is a freshman from Concord, CA, majoring in liberal arts and elementary education. Emma has been called to serve in the Washington Everett Mission, speaking Spanish. She reports to the Mexico MTC on June 16.
Returned Missionary
Kalisi Mafi
“I came to Southern Virginia University three weeks after I got home from my mission. It was hard to get back into the swing of things but coming to SVU really helped me adjust back to normal life and get me back on track with my education. The people here are nice, especially the professors. They actually care about your learning, but more importantly, you as a person.”
Kalisi Mafi, Kent, WA (Returned August 2018, Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission 🇹🇴)
Future Missionary
Ashley Nokes
“The spirit of the students, teachers, and campus has been such an uplifting influence as I have decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being able to be with others that hold the same values and share the same goals as me has helped so much as I have prepared to go out and preach the gospel.”
Ashley Nokes, Kayesville, UT (Called to serve in the Australia Adelaide Mission. 🇦🇺)
Current Missionary
Victora Lasike
“Serving a mission has taught me so much. Never did I expect to be near Southern Virginia University, but when I was called to serve nearby, I knew that the Lord had prepared me. I honestly didn’t want to serve a mission and felt pressured by others to do so, but as I turned to God, He helped remind me that I had to look beyond myself. Countless people at Southern Virginia continually had such patience and love for me. It was a constant reminder to ‘treat others the way we would like to be treated.’ I can’t thank those at Southern Virginia enough for the good examples that they were to me.”
Sister Victora Lasike is currently serving in the West Virginia Charleston Mission.
Returned Missionary
Jordan Gibbons
“I went on my mission right out of high school, before I valued studying or learning at all. I don’t think I would’ve been able to survive college had I not gone on my mission. Between the experiences I had serving in Honduras and in classes at Southern Virginia University, I no longer view learning as a chore. Plus, after witnessing the poverty and the humble circumstances of many in Honduras, I definitely feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to get an education. The mission opened me up to learning about spiritual things and Southern Virginia has helped me see the value in education.”
Jordan Gibbons, Buena Vista, VA (Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission, July ‘14-July of ‘16 🇭🇳)
Returned Missionary Scholarship
We know that selfless service helps students develop important qualities like charity, determination, and work ethic. In recognition of such service, this Returned Missionary & Humanitarian Service Scholarship awards $1,500 annually over four years—$6,000 total—to students who have served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or performed other significant humanitarian services. To apply, please complete the below form.