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Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains ...

Southern Adventist University was founded in 1892 and today enrolls more than 3,200 students from across the country and around the world. Whether they are making remarkable discoveries, such as a 3,700-year-old ivory comb engraved with the first known complete, alphabetic sentence, or hearing lectures from notable speakers like investigative journalist Carl Bernstein, these students grow academically and spiritually as they take advantage of the many learning opportunities that Southern provides. Click below for the full story.

Southern Adventist University Recently Performed at the Renowned Lincoln Center

Southern Adventist University Recently Performed at the Renowned Lincoln Center

Students in Southern’s Symphony Orchestra and choirs were honored to share their musical talent at the home of the New York Philharmonic during the Fall 2025 semester.

Music
Southern Adventist University Professor Holds A Record In Israel Excavations

Southern Adventist University Professor Holds A Record In Israel Excavations

Professor Michael G. Hasel, PhD, has directed work at more biblical sites in Israel than any other U.S. archaeologist in the last 50 years.
Archaeology
Southern's New Engineering Program Has Doubled Projected Enrollment

Southern's New Engineering Program Has Doubled Projected Enrollment

The first bachelor’s graduates all marched with honors and passed the rigorous national Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
Engineering
Southern Teaches AI To Classify Dinosaur Teeth

Southern Teaches AI To Classify Dinosaur Teeth

Connecting modern technology and ancient life, Southern Adventist University used deep learning to make the labor-intensive classification process more efficient for paleontologists.
Biology, Computing
Only U.S. Opportunity to See Artifact With Oldest Alphabetic Sentence

Only U.S. Opportunity to See Artifact With Oldest Alphabetic Sentence

Found by a Southern archaeology student, the ivory comb inscribed with the oldest deciphered alphabetic sentence was recently on display in Southern Adventist University’s Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum.
Archaeology
Southern's School of Nursing Excels

Southern's School of Nursing Excels

Southern Adventist University nursing cohorts achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. Our graduate students have also attained a 100% pass rate on nurse practitioner certification exams.
Nursing
Southern Sweeps Medals at SkillsUSA

Southern Sweeps Medals at SkillsUSA

Southern Adventist University took home top honors for the third year in a row in Web Design and Development at the SkillsUSA collegiate division state championship.
Computing
Southern Only Designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in Tennessee

Southern Only Designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in Tennessee

With a Hispanic student enrollment of more than 25% and a ranking as the 2nd most diverse regional university in the South, Southern Adventist University is a place where global cultures and perspectives are valued.
Southern Professor Calls For Help In Spotting Invasive Spider

Southern Professor Calls For Help In Spotting Invasive Spider

The proliferate Jorō spider, an East Asian species that is currently spreading rapidly in Southeast regions of the United States, is the elusive subject of a research team that includes David Nelsen, PhD, biology professor at Southern Adventist University. These researchers are appealing to communities in Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina to be on the lookout to report any sightings.
Biology
Watergate Reporter Inspires Journalism Majors

Watergate Reporter Inspires Journalism Majors

Carl Bernstein, one of the reporters who helped uncover the Watergate scandal leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974, spoke on Southern Adventist University’s campus in December. More than 1,500 students, employees, alumni, and community members attended the event.
Journalism
Southern Archaeologists Find Rare Comb

Southern Archaeologists Find Rare Comb

An archaeology team of students and employees from Southern Adventist University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovered a hair comb with linguistic significance. Discovered at Tel Lachish in Israel during a 2016 excavation, the comb features the first known complete, alphabetic sentence ever discovered. It was written in the Caananite language, which is the predecessor to all modern alphabets.
Archaeology

Southern Highlights

2024-2025

Founded in 1892, Southern Adventist University provides a quality, Christian education to more than 3,300 students currently earning degrees ranging from associate to doctoral.

Visit the Lynn H. WooD Archaeology Museum

Current Exhibition: Peace and War: The Assyrian Conquest of Lachish

Peace and War: The Assyrian Conquest of Lachish features over 80 artifacts and objects from the Fourth Expedition to Lachish, a series of excavations from 2013 to 2017 in the royal city that was second only to Jerusalem in ancient Judah. This exhibit shows the story of a critical tipping point in history that determined the survival of ancient Israel, its kings, and the covenant promise of the Messiah.


Plan your visit to the museum today!

Contact Us

Lynn H. Wood Archaeology Museum

423.236.2030

Southern Adventist University
P.O. Box 370
Collegedale, TN 37315

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Hiking and Biking Trails

Southern’s 1,300-acre campus, nestled in a quiet valley, includes 800 acres of forest, crisscrossed with nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails are spread across White Oak Mountain on the west side of the valley and Bauxite Ridge on the east. They stretch from the lowest point of the valley to the ridge tops overlooking the university. The trail system is perfect for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country trail runners. With sections of varying difficulty, the trails are suitable for everything from a lazy meander to a muscle-toning endurance workout. The pine and hardwood forest through which the trails wind is also a paradise for the nature enthusiast, with wildflowers, birds, a creek habitat, and many other natural features.

The trails are maintained by Landscape Services. For more information, call 423.236.2747.

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Village Market


Village Market is the greater Chattanooga area’s leading vegetarian and natural foods store! Owned and operated by Southern Adventist University, we offer the largest selection of meat-substitute and gluten-free products, as well as bulk, vitamins and supplements, and vegan alternatives! Always open to the public, Village Market is here to serve you!

Shop the Village Market