2025-2026 Annual Report

As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways God continues to bless Southern Adventist University.

This year provided many reminders that Southern’s mission is making a lasting difference. For the first time in our history, undergraduate enrollment surpassed 3,000 students, reflecting the confidence families place in Southern’s Christ-centered approach to education. Students earned recognition in regional and national competitions, from business and engineering to computing and research, with our biology seniors scoring in the 90th percentile nationally on the Major Field Test for the third consecutive year.

Yet some of the most meaningful moments occurred beyond the classroom. In Peru, I watched Southern students serve local communities and lead evangelistic meetings. Two students chose to be rebaptized during the trip, a powerful testimony to how God was working not only through them but also within them.

This year also marked an important milestone in Southern’s history. Our Board of Trustees approved a revised mission statement—Transforming Lives for Eternity—a simple yet powerful expression of our purpose. Rooted in the values that have guided Southern for generations, it affirms our commitment to academic excellence, deep faith, and service to others.

Our endowment surpassed $70 million, providing growing resources to strengthen Southern’s future and expand access for students. Together, these milestones reflect a community united in its commitment to investing in the next generation.

As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and hope. Guided by God’s leading and supported by faithful partners, we remain committed to our mission of transforming lives for eternity.

With gratitude,

Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD
President

A physician’s journey from receiving help to lifting others higher. From a small-town upbringing to a career in medicine, Rahn Shaw ’78, MD, encountered people along the way who changed the course of his life. Their generosity left a lasting impression, shaping his own approach to helping others. Discover the people, challenges, and unexpected moments that inspired Shaw to pay it forward.

Read the full story on Page 16.

From LifeGroups and weekly Vespers to student-led worship and opportunities to serve, thousands of students are actively engaging in their faith. This year, 52% of students reported being engaged in the Bible, the highest level in a decade, while more than half experienced growth in their spiritual journey. Explore the numbers behind a campus culture where faith is lived, shared, and strengthened together.
 
See the numbers on Page 10.

A $1.36 million investment is opening new pathways to success. Southern’s new THRIVE program is giving up to 140 students each year access to tutoring, mentoring, career guidance, financial support, and other resources designed to help them reach graduation. Backed by a five-year federal grant, THRIVE is helping students navigate college with greater confidence and a stronger vision for what comes next. Discover how Southern is helping more students thrive.

Read the full story on Page 16.

When I Cantori set out to raise $25,000 for its 2027 international tour, the 36-member choir turned Giving Day into an opportunity to rally campus, alumni, and friends around their goal. Along the way, they discovered that the experience was about more than reaching a fundraising target. Read how I Cantori turned a shared dream into a remarkable Giving Day victory.  

Read the full story on Page 20 and visit School of Music's giving page to support the 2027 South Korea tour.

We're gearing up to make this year's Homecoming Weekend the best yet! Join us October 22-25.

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