Campus News

Southern Showcases Artistic and Musical Talent at Inaugural Community Event

A Taste of Southern, the first event of its kind hosted by Southern Adventist University, debuted on October 2 in downtown Chattanooga. The event featured music ensembles, works of art, and a farm-to-table dinner provided in part by the university’s own Thatcher Farm.

Southern Students Win National Web Design Competition

This summer, two brothers attending Southern Adventist University received gold medals during the SkillsUSA’s national championships held in Atlanta, Georgia. Allen and Brandon Gustrowsky, sophomore and junior computer science majors, participated in the collegiate division for Web Design and Development.

Southern Introduces Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

With classes beginning in Fall 2023, Southern is launching a new bachelor’s degree in engineering. This program will build on the associate degree in engineering that the university has offered for many years and will be housed in the Physics and Engineering Department.

Southern Group Serves Ukrainian Refugees

In June, a group of 24 Southern Adventist University students and employees spent a week in Bucharest, Romania, helping Ukrainian refugees. Southern partnered with Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) to provide medical and emotional aid to Ukrainians who had fled their homes due to the ongoing war in their country.

Southern Welcomes New Senior Advisor to the President on Diversity and Strategic Planning

Kathy Goodridge-Purnell, PhD, joins Southern Adventist University as the new senior advisor to the president on diversity and strategic planning. Originally from England with roots in the Caribbean, Purnell is a gifted communicator and leader, bringing decades of relevant experience to the Collegedale campus.

Grant Funds New Plant-Based Eatery at Southern

This fall, Southern Adventist University will launch a new whole-foods, plant-based eatery on campus called The Garden at KR’s, thanks to a generous grant from Ardmore Institute of Health. The Garden is a partnership between Southern’s Food Services team, School of Nursing, and Vegetarian Culinary Arts program.

Two New Online Master’s Degrees Available

Enrollment is now open at Southern for two online master’s degree programs aimed at helping those in the workforce break into a new field and make a difference. The School of Education and Psychology is offering a new Master of Arts in Teaching degree, and the School of Computing recently added a new Master of Science in Applied Computer Science.

Southern Students Win Seven Awards at Sonscreen Film Festival

During the Sonscreen Film Festival in April, film production students in Southern’s School of Visual Art and Design were recognized for excellence in filmmaking. Seven Southern students won awards, including Best in Fest.

Knowledge Exchange Surpasses 1 Million Downloads

Southern’s Knowledge Exchange—an online institutional repository that includes scholarly work by students and faculty members—passed the milestone of 1 million downloads this school year. Provided by McKee Library as a free service since 2013, Knowledge Exchange houses more than 5,000 documents, which have been accessed by people in 226 different countries.

Former Presidents Gordon Bietz and David Smith Honored

Southern’s Board of Trustees designated former presidents Gordon Bietz, DMin, and David Smith, PhD, as presidents emeriti during its February 27 meeting in recognition of their dedication and service to the university.

Business Students Benefit From Alumni Mentors

Students in Southern’s School of Business can gain valuable career insights by working one-on-one with alumni mentors. Started as a partnership between the academic department and the Alumni Association, the goal of the program is to connect current students with alumni who have experience in their field of interest.  

Adult Degree Completion Program Offers Second Chances

This winter, Southern Adventist University launched its new Adult Degree Completion program. Designed for individuals age 25 years and older who have earned some college credits but not a four-year degree, this program provides an opportunity to fulfill lifelong goals and improve career opportunities.  

Study Shows Southern Adventist University Added $152 Million to Area Economy in 2020-2021

The Chattanooga area benefits from Southern Adventist University’s presence by at least $152 million a year, according to a recent economic impact study looking at the 2020-2021 school year.

MLK Service Day Tradition at Southern Adventist University Expands to Full Weekend

This year, Southern Adventist University expanded a tradition it began in 1993, moving from one day of service honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day to spending the entire weekend serving the community. Southern students and employees helped at assisted living facilities, schools, animal shelters, and much more. In fact, approximately 900 volunteers participated in more than 60 service projects over four days.

Southern Students Receive Film Award at Windrider Summit During Sundance Film Festival

Three senior animation majors in the School of Visual Art and Design at Southern Adventist University received the Windrider Best Undergraduate Student Film Award during the Windrider Summit & the Sundance Film Festival Experience 2022. The Windrider Summit, which was held virtually this year, is an official partner of the Sundance Institute. Christian students and leaders from around the world come together for screenings and thoughtful conversations around faith and film.

Donated Cameras Enhance Photography Training

Students have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in photography at Southern, thanks in part to generous community members. The School of Journalism and Communication’s Intro to Photography course utilizes 35mm manual film cameras, which can be hard to come by in today’s digital world. Associate Professor Stephen Ruf is grateful for alumni, employees, and community members who donate manual film cameras that he can refurbish and loan to his students.

Students Participate in Life-Changing Meetings

During the Thanksgiving break, 30 Southern Adventist University students traveled to Cancun, Mexico, to conduct an evangelism series, leading to more than 50 individuals choosing to be baptized. The trip was part of the Soul-winning And Leadership Training (SALT) program, which is a partnership between Southern Adventist University and It Is Written.

New Southern Adventist University Student Center Receives Design Awards

The new Bietz Center for Student Life at Southern Adventist University has won four awards from the Association of University Interior Designers (AUID), a national organization. Most notably, wall art in the Bietz Center’s Jack Blanco Chapel won “Best in Show.” Entries were submitted by universities across the country and were independently judged by professionals in architecture and interior design.

New Laboratory Equipment Expands Research Potential

Southern acquired new laboratory equipment this school year, expanding the scientific research possibilities. For students seeking preparation for a competitive job market or graduate school application process, this type of hands-on training provides a valuable advantage.

Student Organizations Serve Local Refugees

In response to an increased need in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, community, two student-led organizations at Southern Adventist University have partnered with local non-profits working with refugees.