Student Success
Your College Life Coach
The Student Success team is committed to helping you successfully navigate your college life at Southern Virginia University—inside and outside of the classroom. We provide personalized support to help you get the most out of your student experience, graduate on time, and answer any questions you may have along the way. From time management to personal planning, we are here to help you set and reach your personal, academic, and professional goals.
Accessibility & Learning Accommodations
If you had an IEP or 504 plan in high school or you believe that you’ll need academic or classroom accommodations because of a disability, reach out to our team as soon as possible to receive the accommodations you need.
Reasonable Accommodations Policies
Meet Your Student Success Coach
Aaron Carlson
Born and raised in Colorado, I developed a love for athletics, adventure, and the outdoors. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Russian and subsequently received a master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. My post-graduate work has placed me in numerous educational institutions in a wide array of roles, cultures, and age groups, and has given me invaluable exposure to what does and does not work in education. I have not yet found a university that can lift students to their potential more effectively than Southern Virginia University. I look forward to helping lift you to yours.
Email: aaron.carlson@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8425
Location: Main Hall 218
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Michael Frye
I am originally from Reston, Virginia. Growing up right outside of Washington D.C. has provided me with knowledge and awareness of cultural differences and shaped me into who I am. I was blessed with the opportunity to play collegiate football at Southern Virginia University and I found my passion in Family and Human Development. Watching the university grow over the years has been amazing and I knew right away I wanted to be a part of that growth.
Email: michael.frye@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8523
Location: Main Hall 229
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Jamie Chandler
Accommodations Director
Originally from Colorado (just outside of Denver), I spent a good portion of my childhood running, jumping, and swinging as I did gymnastics for almost 10 years. I attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology and special education. While at UNC, I met and married my husband, and since that time we have lived in five states and have raised eight children. In my free time, I love to read historical fiction and watch Hallmark movies. I’ve been in Buena Vista since 2019. I love living in this part of the country, and I love helping students here at Southern Virginia University.
Email: jamie.chandler@svu.edu
Phone: 540-232-9712
Location: Main Hall 226
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Moriah Leavitt
I am from a town in Idaho with more cows than people where I grew up eating potatoes and blasting Taylor Swift (not much has changed since then). I received an associates degree and played collegiate basketball at the College of Southern Idaho and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anchorage, Alaska. I transferred to Southern Virginia University looking for a personalized education that would help me grow, which is exactly what I got. I’ve made lifelong friendships here and recently graduated with a degree in psychology. I even met my amazing husband! We love to do anything that gets us outside, so this is the perfect place for us. I’m so excited to share it with you!
Email: moriah.leavitt@svu.edu
Phone: 540-261-8419
Location: Main Hall 225
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