The Southern Virginia University announced Monday that its board of trustees has unanimously selected Aaron Hale as the university’s 11th president.
Hale succeeds President Bonnie H. Cordon, whose term concludes on May 6.
Hale brings more than two decades of experience as a founder, CEO, and organizational leader in education. In 2005, he co-founded Legacy Traditional Schools in Maricopa, Ariz., launching the first campus in a rapidly growing community with limited school options. Under his leadership as co-CEO and executive director, Legacy Traditional Schools has grown to more than 30 campuses across three states, and serving over 260,000 students annually.
In 2009, Hale co-founded Vertex Education, an education management organization, where he directed finance, operations, technology, growth strategy, and capital markets. His work included leading more than $500 million in bond financings and the development of over 2 million square feet of educational facilities.
“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for the University,” said SVU Board Chair Wendy Kimber. “Aaron’s experience building mission-driven educational institutions, combined with his personal commitment to our values, makes him an ideal fit for SVU. We are confident in his ability to lead Southern Virginia into its next chapter of growth and opportunity.”
A four-time graduate of ArizonaState University, Hale holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in information management. He was named one of Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” outstanding leaders in 2017 and has served on the Arizona Department of Education Information Technology Board.
Hale will be joined at SVU by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Hale, co-founder of Legacy Traditional Schools and Vertex Education. Named one of Arizona’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2025, she has been a lifelong advocate for students, teachers, and families. Together they are the parents of 11 children and grandparents of four.
“We firmly believe that SVU’s best days are ahead, and we’re honored to be part of them,” said Hale. “A Christ-centered university, done well, is one of the most powerful forces for good in a young person’s life. Becky and I are excited to take what we’ve learned about building institutions, mentoring young adults, and leading with faith — and add it to a place that is succeeding at something rare and beautiful in higher education.”
Kimber also expressed appreciation for President Bonnie H. Cordon’s leadership and service to the university.
Cordon began serving as SVU’s president in October 2023, having recently completed seven years as a general officer of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We’re deeply grateful for President Cordon’s leadership and for the strong foundation she has built over the past three academic years,” said Kimber.
“Because of her work, Aaron steps into a university community with real momentum, and we’re confident he’s the right person to build on that progress at this important moment in our history.”
