Hero Image

2022-2023 Annual Report

GROWING TOGETHER

Looking back, it is evident that God has led and taught us this past year. I am humbled as I think of the many ways He worked through dedicated faculty and staff, trustees, alumni, students, and friends to provide a Southern experience in which we can all be very proud.

President Ken ShawWe had a year of exciting growth. It began with exciting enrollment and continued with preparations for the new School of Engineering and Physics, a campaign for the new Ruth McKee School of Business building, and an upgrade to the McKee Library entrance, just to name a few highlights. We also strengthened community partnerships through our inaugural gala, A Taste of Southern, and opened a new plant-based eatery on campus, The Garden at KR’s.

You are part of our growth!

Through the narratives and images in this Annual Report, I invite you to catch a glimpse of life at Southern during the 2022-2023 academic year. I hope you will enjoy the stories of faith, resilience, collaboration, and accomplishment revealing God’s provision and your support. Thank you for giving generously to enrich the Southern experience last year. I pray that God will continue to lead you as He has led us. 

With gratitude,

President Ken Shaw, '80, EdD

Archaeological Discoveries

In 2023, Southern opened an exhibition in its archaeological museum on campus which highlights important discoveries from university-sponsored excavations at Lachish. Professor Michael Hasel and It Is Written's John Bradshaw discuss the work. Read more on page 7 of the Annual Report.

Business Students Soar in National Contests

For the second time in three years, Southern Adventist University’s Enactus chapter won third place at the U.S. National Exposition, placing the student group in the top 1% of more than 300 Enactus teams in the country.

EnactusThe accomplishment continued a trend of Southern student excellence in business challenges this school year. In the same month, three teams of five Southern students scored within the top 10% of a business strategy simulation involving more than 1,800 teams from schools around the world. In addition, Southern students performed well in the Bloomberg Trading Challenge where they placed in the top 8% of the 946 participating schools.

Read more on page 8 of the Annual Report.

New Bachelor's Degree in Engineering!

Tyson Hall, PhD, is filled with excitement about the launch of Southern Adventist University’s bachelor’s degree in engineering. Among the hurdles faced, Hall said that “the biggest challenges were finding faculty, adequate space, and purchasing equipment. But God opened every door, providing qualified professors, space in Lynn Wood Hall, and seed money from key donors to meet our immediate needs.”

Three areas of emphasis were chosen for the new program, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. As anticipation builds, Southern expects an incoming freshman class of approximately 40 engineering majors, which would surpass projections for the first year. Read the full story on page 9 of the Annual Report.

Support the Engineering Program

Gifts from alumni and other friends of Southern

3768

Total of gifts and pledges raised in 2022-2023

$11.2M

Employees who made a gift to Southern

72%

Growing in Faith

Joseph Khabbaz, vice president for Spiritual Life and university chaplain, believes “the spiritual atmosphere of Southern’s campus is one of the leading reasons why students choose to attend.”

Liz Hilario, junior nursing major, recalls choosing Southern after visiting and sensing the Holy Spirit’s presence at vespers. Southern provides many opportunities for students to grow spiritually and be part of ministry. Read more about Southern's spiritual atmosphere on page 12 of the Annual Report.

Watch Vespers Live (Friday, 7:30 pm ET)

VISION TRIPS BRING HOPE AND HEALING

More than 3,000 miles from Southern’s campus, 25 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Manaus, Brazil. Partnering with Amazon Lifesavers Ministry, the students provided medical clinics and evening meetings for both children and adults in three villages.

Legacy Society: Ndiyabulela

“Ndiyabulela” is a phrase used in my homeland, South Africa, and it means “I am grateful” and “I like you.” On this side of the world, we use, “thank you,” to express gratitude, but the translation feels inadequate since “ndiyabulela” signifies both appreciation and affection, a thankfulness beyond words.

Lauren RogersTo every donor, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. You have become the answer to my unspoken prayers, supporting the grand ambitions of a young girl like me. “Ndiyabulela,” for the profound impact you’ve had on my journey.

-Lauren Rogers, sophomore allied health major. Read Lauren's full story on page 19 of the Annual Report.

Join Legacy Society

Inspiring the Next Generation of Business Leaders

Ruth McKee, was a faithful educator, a clear and kind businesswoman. Ruth’s faithful and acute business acumen has inspired her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who operate McKee Foods Corporation today. As a tribute to her legacy the new School of Business building at Southern Adventist University will be named in Ruth’s honor. The new Ruth McKee School of Business building will enable Southern to expand the number of students it serves and provide space to foster innovative ideas, like Enactus, Business Society, and SMARRT Fund (see video below). Learn more about Ruth McKee's legacy on page 21 of the Annual Report.

SMARRT FUND ALUM: ELIJAH HOOKER, '22

Students working with the SMARRT Fund learn critical finance skills and soft skills before entering the workforce. Hooker found a great first job with a prestigious national firm. He and his boss were interviewed about the real-world training value of SMARRT Fund participation.

Number of student-led small groups (LifeGroups)

84

Students who reported spiritual growth in first yr

78%

Students participating in Southern's LifeGroups

955

Alumni Tribute: Janelle Alder, '21

Janelle, a flight nurse with Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services, was on a helicopter that disappeared over the ocean on March 1, 2023. She was doing what she felt called to do and gave her life serving the Lord. Read a letter from Janelle's mother on page 27 of the Annual Report.

Thank You!

Renew your support of Southern by making a gift today.