Southern Virginia University (SVU) is a liberal arts college located in Buena Vista, Virginia that promotes standards and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS "Mormon" Church) while not being owned nor operated by the Church. Founded as Southern Seminary in 1867, it is now a private, 4-year coeducational institution. Due to Southern Virginia's promotion of LDS standards and ideals, 96% of students are Church members. The University is accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education, and the campus consists of more than 155 acres (0.63 km). The school was founded as a for-profit institution in 1867 as the Home School for Girls by Alice Scott Chandler. In 1900 the school was moved to Buena Vista and renamed Southern Seminary. In 1922 the school became a junior college and was renamed Southern Seminary and Junior College. In 1959 it became a non-profit college under the control of trustees. In 1961 the school ended its high school program and became Southern Seminary Junior College. The financial health of the college began to decline in the 1980s, and by 1996 the school was at the point of closing.