Annual Report

the power of legacy

Occasionally, we witness the power of legacy—how one life, one gift, one connection can ripple through
time to change a future. At Southern Adventist University, that legacy comes to life through the faithful impact of our alumni and friends.

President Ken Shaw This year, we celebrated a defining moment as alumni, employees, students, and friends signed a steel beam for the new Ruth McKee School of Business. As the beam was lifted into place, I was reminded that every gift, every prayer, every story is building something lasting.

We felt the power of legacy during the memorial service for Jack Blanco. His handwritten drafts, now on display in the Bietz Center for Student Life chapel, remind us how one life can inspire generations.

From alumni leading fundraising efforts for the renovation of Miller Hall and a new nursing simulation center, to employees supporting students through Southern’s Angel Tree, to the Alumni Council championing student missionaries—your fingerprints are everywhere.

With more than $64M in Southern’s endowment, your generosity has fueled scholarships, enhanced academic programs, and provided state-of-the-art facilities for our students.

This annual report is a testament to God’s faithfulness through people like you. Your prayers, your generosity, and your passion for Southern are educating, equipping, and sending servant leaders into a world that desperately needs them. Thank you for walking with us!

With deep appreciation,

Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD

Rooted in Service

“The call to serve doesn’t stop when you graduate or retire,” Sylvia Mayer shares with conviction. That same call echoes across campus. Last year alone, 2,222 alumni participated in Southern events, reconnecting with classmates, students, and the mission that shaped them. More than 175 served as volunteers—mentoring students, speaking in classes, or planning events (join the Lights Volunteer team). And 1,351 gave financially, investing in scholarships, programs, and facility upgrades like the new simulation labs.

Read the full story on Page 4.

Record Enrollment Brings Growth and Opportunity

In 2024-2025, Southern Adventist University welcomed its largest undergraduate student body totaling 2,929 students. With 703 freshmen (second-largest class in history) and 100 transfer students, the campus brimmed with excitement.

Read the full story on Page 7.

Gifts from Southern alumni, friends

3856

Value of gifts from alumni

$2.5M

Number of named endowments

295

AI Meets Fossils: A Breakthrough

Southern Adventist University’s School of Computing is celebrating a historic milestoSouthern Adventist University’s School of Computing is celebrating a historic milestone: a peer-reviewed scientific journal has published a research article co-authored by graduate student Jacob Bahn, ’23.

He collaborated with Harvey Alférez, PhD, director of the Center for Innovation and Research in Computing, and Keith Snyder, PhD, chair of the Biology and Allied Health Department. Bahn is the first student from the School of Computing to be part of a published research team.

Read the full research article co-authored by Bahn.

The Blue Mat church

We call ourselves the “blue mat church.” It’s a Southern Adventist University Gym-Masters thing—our ministry happens on mats with flips instead of in pews with sermons.

However, on a Vision Trip in Peru, we didn’t have our mats. What we did have was mud, concrete, grass, and some of the most unforgettable people I’ve ever met.

Read the full story on page 12. View the photo gallery below.

Beyond Bricks and Wires

Progress takes time and a lot of cables and dust. But the three big projects on the campus of Southern Adventist University are about to make the day for thousands of individuals as parents and students experience the missional, professional quality of education in these new spaces.

Read the full story on Page 15.

SouthEast Bank Nearly Doubles Scholarship Contributions

Executive leadership from SouthEast Bank hosted a special meal in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on April 8 to honor five undergraduate students from Southern Adventist University who received large, renewable scholarships provided by the business.

SouthEast's representatives also shared a surprise announcement that day: beginning with the Fall 2025 semester, they are increasing the amount for undergraduate scholarships and adding two graduate scholarships. This brings the regional bank's annual tuition assistance up to $65,000!

Read the full story on Page 19.

Paying it Forward

Southern has 285 named endowments that make up the university’s $64 million endowment fund. Those investments allow more than $1 million to be awarded to students in scholarships each year, as well as fund other initiatives across campus.

god did his thing

When I prayed about coming to Southern Adventist University, I told God honestly, “I can’t afford this.” My parents couldn’t either. They had already done so much—leaving Uganda in search of a better life, bringing us to the United States, and making sure we had a roof over our heads and food on the table. But when it came to college tuition, I was on my own.

Read Moses' story on Page 22. Watch videos of scholarship recipients below.

Joshua's Story

2024 First-Generation Student Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Jenifer's Story

2024 First-Generation Student Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Employees giving to Southern

63%

Donors on Giving Day

1145

Received on Giving Day

$397716

Homecoming Weekend 2025

We're gearing up to make this year's Homecoming Weekend the best yet! Join us October 23-26.

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Thank You!

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Faculty & Staff

2024-2025 Annual Report