A WORD FROM
President Richard Carvajal
President's Update
May 2025
Dear Blazer Nation,
Another great spring semester is coming to an end, which means there is plenty of studying and grading happening on campus. Looking back over the past academic year, I think it's safe to say that we have mastered the art of expecting the unexpected. From Hurricane Helene in the fall to several inches of snow and ice at the start of spring, this year has certainly made us more adaptable and prepared for unforeseen challenges. Overcoming those obstacles — and enjoying all the fun and success in between — only makes this weekend's 239th Commencement more special, as we add nearly 1,500 names to the Alumni Association.
I have some good updates to share with you from the President’s Office.
Board of Regents
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted this month on tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year for all 26 public colleges and universities. I am pleased to share that in-state undergraduate and graduate tuition will stay the same. VSU offers in-state tuition rates to students from Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, so students from these border states will also not see any tuition increases. Out-of-state tuition will increase by 2% and out-of-country tuition will go up by 3%. I am also proud to share that VSU made it to the semi-finals of the USG Regents Cup after winning the inaugural debate series last year. VSU’s student Gabbi Lorentz was also an individual debate semi-finalist, winning a $1,000 scholarship. Lorentz was on the VSU team that won the title last year. Congratulations to our talented students for impressing our USG leadership and fellow university peers.
Spring Commencement
One of my favorite events, Spring Commencement, is coming up this weekend. The Graduate School celebration is Friday evening, and the Undergraduate Ceremony is Saturday night. Our staff has been working very hard to ensure this weekend’s celebration will be a special event our graduates will cherish forever. For friends and families coming to town, all the information they need to navigate campus and the ceremonies is on our main Commencement webpage. The link is below.
VSU this Summer
There are many ways to engage with VSU over the summer. Campus Recreation is holding its annual summer camps which begin on June 2. Various Blazer Athletic programs like men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and volleyball are holding camps this summer as well. And in the Arts, Peach State Summer Theatre's season kicks off on Saturday, June 7 and features three crowd-pleasing productions — “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Individual tickets go on sale on May 17. You can find links to all these great events below.
In Closing
As the temperatures heat up, so does the excitement for another summer on campus. Before we know it, we will begin hosting Orientation for our incoming freshman class. I hope VSU’s hardworking faculty and staff get to recharge a little, spend time with friends and family, and then get ready for a great fall semester.
Go Blazers!
Dr. Richard Carvajal
President