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2023-2024 Annual Report

A THRILLING TIME!

The 2023-2024 academic year has brought blessings and remarkable growth to Southern Adventist University. We look back and celebrate God’s rich blessings with grateful hearts.

President Ken ShawOur enrollment has soared, with winter term numbers increasing by 10% for undergraduates and 19% for graduates. New student applications for Fall 2024 are up by 160 compared to last year, reflecting a growing interest in the Southern experience. We are excited by the progress of several construction projects across campus, including renovations for the new School of Nursing simulation center, and the makeover of Lynn Wood Hall to support our new engineering program. Sitework is also underway for the new Ruth McKee School of Business and the Southern Mountain Cottages, which will provide additional student housing in anticipation of another year of strong enrollment.

The spiritual culture on campus is vibrant. Students’ interest in Bible studies has grown, prompting us to train more student volunteers to meet the demand. LifeGroups continue to be a cornerstone of spiritual and social connections, with 92% of participants reporting spiritual growth and a meaningful sense of belonging.

Financially, we have surpassed our endowment goal for the fiscal year, reaching $64.7 million. This success is complemented by a record-breaking year for philanthropy, with over $13 million in contributions. Your gifts empower us to fulfill our mission of equipping students to embrace biblical truth, embody academic and professional excellence, and pursue Spirit-filled lives of service. Thank you for your continued support.

It is a thrilling time to be part of the Southern family. As we celebrate what God has done in the past, we look forward with hope to His leading in the future. Working together we are confident that Southern Adventist University will continue to flourish by making a meaningful impact on our students, our community, and the world.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

With gratitude,

President Ken Shaw, '80, EdD

Bursting at the Seams

The largest freshman class in Southern Adventist University’s 131-year history, 758 students, set the tone for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Read about their impact on Page 8 of the Annual Report.

Harmonies Abroad: I Cantori Tours Spain

I Cantori SpainThis summer, Southern’s select chamber choir toured in Spain after putting its long-standing tradition of travel abroad on pause for several years, due to COVID-19.

Students were challenged to broaden their learning beyond the classroom as they immersed themselves in another culture, formed new relationships, and took the music they had worked on all year to different settings. 

Watch an Instagram takeover of their experience in Spain. 

Read I Cantori's full story on Page 11 of the Annual Report.

Total number of gifts by Southern alumni, friends

3856

Total value of gifts, pledges during the last year

$13.5M

Percentage of employees making a gift to Southern

64%

Inaugural Art and Faith Conference Garners Enthusiastic Response

Art and Faith ConferenceWith a focus on exploring and celebrating the connections between art and faith, Southern held a new two-day conference this year called Illuminate.

The April 4-5 event featured approximately 30 presentations, performances, and workshops that drew more than 300 attendees from campus and across the country.

The North American Division, Versacare Foundation, ArtsBuild, and other local organizations helped financially sponsor the conference.

Read more about this special event on Page 14 of the Annual Report.

From Misery to Flourishing: Enactus Ignites Hope in Uganda

On May 16, nine faculty and students from Southern’s Enactus club arrived at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Exhausted, they traveled eight hours to Bundibugyo, a cocoa-growing region where they would serve.

Read more about their missional project on Page 15 of the Annual Report. Click on the image thumbnails below for a larger gallery view.

Faculty and students on the Uganda mission trip pause for a photo.
Faculty and students on the Uganda mission trip pause for a photo.
A lion finds shade among group's the safari vehicles.
A lion finds shade among group's the safari vehicles.
Local art pieces are displayed in the capital city of Kampala, Uganda.
Local art pieces are displayed in the capital city of Kampala, Uganda.
Roman Johnson, '24, and Collin Glenn, senior business administration major, engage with village children.
Roman Johnson, '24, and Collin Glenn, senior business administration major, engage with village children.
Mission trip accommodations in Fort Portal.
Mission trip accommodations in Fort Portal.
The group tours Gaddafi National Mosque in the capital city of Kampala.
The group tours Gaddafi National Mosque in the capital city of Kampala.
The group saw a herd of elephants while on a Kazinga Channel boat excursion.
The group saw a herd of elephants while on a Kazinga Channel boat excursion.
Touring the underground prison at Idi Amin Dada.
Touring the underground prison at Idi Amin Dada.
A local man selling goods by the roadside.
A local man selling goods by the roadside.

Number of student-led small groups (LifeGroups)

90

Students participating in Southern's LifeGroups

1284

Students with spiritual growth in first semester

67%

Media Missionaries Partner

A group from Southern went on a trip organized by the Evangelistic Resources Center to preach throughout Chetumal, Mexico. Journalism students, who were filming a television series for Hope Channel, joined them. Read this full story on Page 16 of the Annual Report.

Building Legacies of Philanthropy

Southern has 285 named endowments that make up the university’s $63 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.

Read the full story on Page 21 of the Annual Report.

Make a difference through endowments

Constructing Foundations of Excellence

Ruth McKee School of BusinessThis fall, more than 400 business students will watch the progress of this new academic building from their current space in Brock Hall.

With a target completion date set for December 2025, the 50,000-square-foot building will offer the entire campus a place for innovation to germinate and creative ideas to find synergies.

Read the full story on Page 23 of the Annual Report.

Watch building progress

From Slices to Scholarships

Southern Adventist University’s partnership with Papa Johns offers discounts on pizza, which has resulted in over $32,000 in contributions toward an endowed scholarship. The codes SAU999 (large 1-topping for $9.99) and SAU33 (33% of any menu-priced orders) provide meaningful savings when used online for pizza orders in the greater Chattanooga area.

Learn more about this partnership on Page 22 of the Annual Report.

Use the papa Johns Codes

Homecoming Weekend 2024

We're gearing up to make this year's Homecoming Weekend the best yet! Join us October 24-27.

Register

Thank You!

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