Campus News
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.
Southern Adventist University Welcomes New Vice President for Advancement
Southern Adventist University is pleased to welcome Ellen Hostetler as the new vice president for Advancement. Hostetler, who began her responsibilities last week, is no stranger to Southern; since 2017, she has served as an adjunct instructor in the School of Business, teaching introduction to business and personal finance courses. She brings more than six years of fundraising experience to her new role, having most recently served as director of development for It Is Written, a faith-based media ministry headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Additionally, Hostetler holds a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.
Community Honors Southern Adventist University School of Nursing Dean for Volunteer Work
This month, the dean of Southern Adventist University’s School of Nursing was honored by the Champions of Health Care program for her volunteer efforts. Holly Gadd, PhD, Southern’s AdventHealth Chair of Nursing Education, was selected by the Chattanooga and Hamilton County Medical Society to receive the 2021 Health Care Volunteer Award. Recipients of this award have demonstrated commitment and passion for serving those in need. The Champions of Health Care program recognizes excellence, promotes innovation, and educates the community about best practices to enhance the value and quality of health care in the Chattanooga area.
Students Conduct Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
This summer, two Southern physics majors helped conduct research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Vola Andrianarijaona, PhD, a physics and engineering professor at Southern, invited Timothy Suzuki, senior physics major, and Arian Dovald, junior physics major, to help with two of his research projects.
New Programs at Southern Expand Opportunities in Digital Fields
Southern has expanded the academic options offered in digital fields such as web design and cyber security. Two new degrees and several additional concentrations will be available beginning this fall. These options were developed in response to high demand by prospective students and employers and are included in Southern’s academic master plan.
Southern Students, Alumni, and Staff Create Resources for NAD Health Sabbath 2021
This year, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) has designated July 24 as Health Sabbath, and eight Southern Adventist University students, alumni, and staff worked with the NAD to provide resources for youth and young adults. The annual event is an opportunity to focus on the importance of good health and the healing ministry of Christ, and this year the topic is “The Joy of Eating.”
Southern’s Health Services and Senior Living Program Earns Expanded Accreditation
Southern Adventist University’s baccalaureate program in Health Services and Senior Living, housed in the School of Business, received Health Services Executive (HSE) accreditation in June and is currently the only program of its kind in Tennessee.