VSU Awarded Grant to Address Nursing Shortage, Train Next Generation Pioneers in Patient Care
The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce has awarded VSU a $446,000 Nursing School Grant to help ensure all Georgians, especially those in rural and underserved areas, have access to high quality healthcare.
This funding allows VSU’s School of Nursing to train and graduate more practice-ready registered nurses and expand its on-campus STEP (Simulated Training Encounters with Patients) Center by purchasing new, state-of-the-art, high-fidelity manikins. These sophisticated, life-like human patient simulators mimic human anatomy and physiology and realistic patient environments. The manikins are scheduled to arrive before fall classes start in August.
Former Elle Magazine Editor and Brand Manager Changes Careers, Pursues New Passion at VSU
When Trish Nagy Travieso decided to change careers in her early 40s, she was understandably nervous. She had worked as an editor and brand manager in New York City and then Paris, France, at Elle Magazine’s international editions for 22 years, and she was a wife and mother to two young children.
While she loved being involved with international media, Nagy Travieso realized her true calling was to help others by becoming a psychologist. She did her research and found VSU’s Online College for Career Advancement’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. She graduated cum laude on May 6.
Joshua Todd, a V-State alumnus, was recently named principal of Gum Springs Elementary School in Jefferson, Georgia. He currently serves as assistant principal at Jackson County High School in nearby Hoschton.
Todd began his teaching career in the Griffin-Spalding County School System in 2001, where he taught English language arts. He was recognized as the STAR Teacher for Spalding High School in 2010 and 2011 as well as STAR Teacher for the entire Griffin-Spalding County School System in 2010. He joined the Georgia Department of Education in 2012, where he worked in literacy, reading and college readiness. He returned to Spalding High School in 2018, where he served as an assistant principal until 2021 when he moved to Jackson County.
Todd earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Education from VSU in 2001.
Michael Navicky, a V-State alumnus, was recently named director of Mississippi State University’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory. He is charged with overseeing the computing infrastructure and personnel that drive high-powered research for the university’s faculty and staff, as well as state and federal partners.
Before joining Mississippi State University, Navicky devoted 21 years to the United States Air Force, where he worked in key flight operations and technology-focused roles, including serving as chief of the Cybersecurity Support Division at the Pentagon, a squadron commander in Afghanistan, and chief information officer at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Navicky earned a Master of Public Administration from VSU in 2006.
Dr. Joseph Hayes, a V-State alumnus, was recently named the designated institutional officer at South Georgia Medical Center. He is charged with overseeing and leading medical education programs.
Hayes played a vital role in developing SGMC's internal medicine residency program in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine, which launched in 2021 and welcomed its first class of internal medicine residents in 2022. At that time Hayes, who previously served as a hospitalist, became the medical director for SGMC Internal Medicine at Park Avenue. This practice serves as a continuity clinic for physicians completing their internal medicine residency. He oversees patient care and clinical skills development for the resident physicians in a primary care setting.
Hayes earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from VSU in 2014.
Dr. Mark J. Eanes, a V-State alumnus, was recently named district health director for the Georgia Department of Health’s South Health District, effective July 3.
Eanes is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has practiced in Valdosta for 37 years. He joined the Lowndes County Board of Health in 1993 and has served as chairman since 1994. He established Heaven In Sight Missions, which has provided humanitarian relief in at least 16 developing countries around the world since 2006. He has visited many of these countries multiple times to provide medical care.
Eanes earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from VSU in 1977.
Jonathan Lea, a V-State alumnus, was recently named principal of Richmond Hill Middle School in Richmond Hill, Georgia.
Lea has spent the past 14 years at Richmond Hill High School, where he began his career as a math teacher and assistant coach of the men’s soccer team. He served as assistant coach for the women’s basketball team from 2013 to 2016 and was named chairman of the Mathematics Department in 2015. A year later he was named assistant principal, a role he has held for the past seven years.
Lea earned an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from VSU in 2017.
Dr. Tracolya Green, a V-State alumna, was recently named the sole finalist for superintendent of Camden County Schools in Georgia. She first entered the classroom during a practicum experience with Valdosta City Schools in 2004, followed by student teaching with Brooks County Schools in Fall 2005. She went on to teach at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and with Irwin County Schools and Camden County Schools in Georgia and Pinellas County Schools in Florida.
Green’s leadership experience includes serving as a performance learning coach with Bibb County Schools in Georgia; as region lead instructional specialist for the Florida Department of Education; as assistant principal, director of secondary science, and principal for Duval County Public Schools in Florida; and as assistant superintendent of high schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida. She has served as assistant superintendent of Glynn County Schools in Georgia since May 2021.
Green earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Education in 2005.
Elizabeth Dill, a V-State alumna, was recently named dean of the University Library at California State University Long Beach.
Dill has more than eight years of leadership experience, having recently served as director of University Libraries at the University of Hartford and as the associate dean of the Ludden Library and Learning Commons at Laramie County Community College in Wyoming.
Dill’s expertise includes a proven record in diversity and having co-edited a book on information literacy that was published with the Association of College and Research Libraries.
Dill earned a Master of Library and Information Science from VSU in 2012.
Danny Metcalf, a V-State alumnus, was recently named vice president of Strategic Initiatives for Maxx Orthopedics Inc., a global orthopedics device company. He has more than two decades of experience and is considered an expert in sales leadership and business development. He will be responsible for helping shape the company’s strategic direction and working closely with leadership on delivering long-term growth plans.
Metcalf earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from VSU in 1992.
Kevin Moore, a V-State alumnus, was recently named administrator of South Georgia Medical Center’s Berrien Campus in Nashville, Georgia. He also provides leadership oversight for Hospice of South Georgia. He has been with the health system for more than a decade.
Moore will oversee the day-to-day healthcare operations of the Berrien Campus, including strategic direction, quality performance, financial management, and the construction of the new Berrien Hospital emergency room.
Moore earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from VSU in 2009. He is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse.
Amanda Mason, a V-State alumna, was recently named executive director of Hospice of South Georgia. She has more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare field and has spent the last 15 years with the Valdosta-based hospice program, most recently serving as the palliative care and program development manager.
Mason will oversee the overall direction of all hospice and palliative care services, both inpatient and outpatient, as well as operations for The Tree House, a donation-based thrift store supporting patient care at Hospice of South Georgia.
Mason earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology in 1998 and a Master of Social Work in 2005, all from VSU.
Jennifer Hartwell, a V-State alumna, was recently named assistant principal at Gum Springs Elementary School in Jefferson, Georgia.
Hartwell previously served as the instructional lead for special education at Gum Springs Elementary School for one year. Prior to her roles with the Jackson County School System, she served as a speech-language pathologist in Gwinnett County.
Hartwell earned a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology from VSU in 2020.
Deidre Jackson, a V-State alumna, was recently selected as the recipient of the 2023 E. Lanier Carson Leadership Award at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia. She has served as vice president for Finance and Operations at ABAC since 2021.
Jackson oversees business operations, human resources, student financial aid, student accounts, information technology, facilities, campus police, and auxiliary services at ABAC. She was instrumental in gaining approval for ABAC to be the only institution in the University System of Georgia to offer a self-managed payment plan for our students, an accomplishment that has resulted in increasing numbers of students graduating debt free.
Jackson earned a Master of Business Administration from VSU in 2010.
Jerry Jennett Receives Honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters at VSU
In recognition of his unwavering support of Blazer Nation, which continues to change the lives of students every day, Jerry J. Jennett received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters during VSU's 235th Commencement ceremony on May 6.
Mr. Jennett's friendship with VSU began more than four decades ago with a simple invitation to attend a Lady Blazers Basketball game. Now he can be found attending all sorts of campus events and performing with VSU’s Musical Union and Concert Choir.
Gifts from Jerry Jennett and his wife, Kay, have created countless opportunities that were once unthinkable for VSU student-athletes as well as Honors College, College of the Arts, and Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration students. Their 15,700-square-foot Jerry and Kay Jennett Lecture Hall provides a student-centered learning environment that promotes exploration and collaboration.
NFL Star and South Georgia Teen Earn Degrees at VSU
Kenny Moore II graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership during VSU's 235th Commencement on May 6. He completed his degree online while playing cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL Pro Bowler and Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee played for the Blazers from 2013 to 2016. He is ranked on the NFL Network's list of the Top 100 Players of 2022.
Nikolas Fisher Lee, 16, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Minor in Public Administration, and a Minor in Political Science. He plans to continue his education as a student in VSU's Master of Public Administration program this summer.
VSU Students Study Future Use of Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transit
With demand for affordable public transportation on the rise in Valdosta, a group of VSU students recently asked city residents how they felt about the potential use of autonomous vehicles to support transit service expansion in the future.
Thirteen environmental geosciences students in Dr. Jia Lu’s GEOG 3510: Urban Community Planning class participated in the research project, “Public Opinions of Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transit,” during Spring Semester 2023. They surveyed city residents and presented their findings in late April to Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson.
Meet Jamie Collins, College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award Winner
Jamie Erin Collins of Columbia, South Carolina, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6 and is spending her summer working as the projections programmer for Peach State Summer Theatre, the Official Musical Theatre of the State of Georgia.
Meet Teressa Akuoko, Bartram Award for Intellectual Exploration Winner
Teressa Akuoko of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Bartram Award for Intellectual Exploration at VSU. She anticipates graduating summa cum laude from VSU with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Minor in Chemistry, and an Honors College Certificate in December; pursuing a career as a medical practitioner in the field of dermatology, nephrology, or gynecology; and disseminating medical aid and knowledge to underserved communities.
Meet Amanda Fields Parker, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award Winner
Amanda Fields Parker of Hahira, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6. She plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders, also at VSU, and become a speech language pathologist.
Meet Georgia Jade Wynn, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Student Award Winner
Georgia Jade Wynn of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Student Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor Arts in English, a Minor in Spanish, and an Honors College Certificate during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6 and will return to VSU this fall to pursue a Master of Arts in English and a career as a college professor.
Meet Morgan Bailey Hill, College of Nursing and Health Sciences Outstanding Senior Sciences Award and Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award Winner
Morgan Bailey Hill of Echols County, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 College of Nursing and Health Sciences Outstanding Senior Sciences Award and Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6. She plans to return to VSU “to play my fifth year of eligibility for softball. Then I plan to go to physical therapy school and later specialize in pediatrics.”
Meet Darshi Narendrakumar Patel, College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award and University System of Georgia Academic Recognition Day Award Winner
Darshi Narendrakumar Patel, an international student from Gujarat, India, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award and University System of Georgia Academic Recognition Day Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an Honors College Certificate during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6 and anticipates earning a Master of Science in Biology, also at VSU, in 2024.
Meet Aubrey Gage Kempton, Division of Aerospace Studies Most Outstanding Professional Officer Corps Cadet Award Winner
Aubrey Gage Kempton of Bainbridge, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Division of Aerospace Studies Most Outstanding Professional Officer Corps Cadet Award at VSU. He became the first member of his family to earn a college degree when he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Minor in Aerospace Studies during VSU’s 235th Commencement May 6. He commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force after graduation and will train as a helicopter pilot.
Meet Jared Lee Collum, Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Outstanding Student Award Winner
Jared Lee Collum of Moultrie, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Outstanding Student Award at VSU. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Minor in Entrepreneurship during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6 and will now work as a client service associate / financial advisor-in-training at Pentas Wealth Management, a financial advising firm in downtown Moultrie.
Meet Logan Kraus, Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award Winner
Logan Kraus of Melbourne, Florida, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award at VSU. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Aerospace Studies from VSU in 2021 and anticipates earning a Master of Business Administration from VSU in 2024. He is a cadet with VSU’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 172 who hopes to attend the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program and train to become a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force.
Meet Anna-Kathryn Gardner, Annie Powe Hopper Award Winner
Anna-Kathryn Gardner of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Annie Powe Hopper Award at VSU. She anticipates graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, a Minor in Entrepreneurship, and a Minor in Advertising and Promotions from VSU this summer. Following a study abroad experience in Croatia and Turkey, she plans to attend Hult International Business School in London and pursue a master’s degree in international marketing.
Meet Dalila Sanchez, American Association of University Women Award Winner
Dalila Sanchez of Roopville, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 American Association of University Women Award at VSU. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from VSU in 2022 and anticipates earning a Master of Science in Biology in 2024. She hopes to work in the field of ecology, especially dealing with wildlife.
Meet Elizabeth “Ellie” Lehto, Clare Philips Martin Scholarship Winner
Elizabeth “Ellie” Lehto of Savannah, Georgia, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship at VSU. She anticipates earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in American Sign Language / English Interpreting from VSU in May 2024. She credits VSU with teaching her how to be a good student and achieve success both in and out of the classroom. She hopes to open a theater on the East Coast that serves hearing, hard of hearing, and deaf audiences.
STEAM Center Invites Area Youth to Explore Future Career Opportunities
VSU's STEAM Center for Applied Creativity and Innovation recently hosted STEAM Career Expo 2023. More than 200 middle and high school students from Valdosta-Lowndes County and Clinch County had an opportunity to discover more than a dozen STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) careers and perform some hands-on activities related to those careers.
Organizations represented at STEAM Career Expo 2023 were Ace Electric Inc., C. Terry Hunt Industries Inc., CJB Industries, Eagle Fire and Safety Equipment Co., Lifesouth Community Blood Centers, Packaging Corporation of America, PepsiCo Beverages, VSU, Wild Adventures, Georgia Power, Georgia Forestry Commission, The Langdale Company, Lowndes County Sheriff's Department, and Valdosta Fire Department.
Leann Brown Named Graduate Assistant of the Year
Leann Brown of Douglas, Georgia, is VSU’s 2023 Graduate Assistant of the Year.
Brown began working as a graduate assistant for the VSU Counseling Center in May 2022.
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders from VSU in 2022 and anticipates graduating with a Master of Education in Communication Disorders in December. She hopes to pursue a career working with pediatric clients as a speech-language pathologist in either a private practice or school system setting.
Two-Time VSU Grad Publishes Book, Uses Tragic Past to Inspire Hope
Ariel Fortson earned a Master of Social Work during VSU’s 235th Commencement on May 6. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2021, also from VSU, making her the first person in her family to graduate college.
More than 15 years ago, when she was just 9 years old, Fortson survived an automobile accident that took the life of her mother and 4-year-old sister. She lost all her memories and had to relearn to walk, talk, and eat. Recovery was a long, difficult process that required her to repeat the fourth grade. She doesn't remember her mother, but she has gotten to know her through some journals she left behind.
Fortson recently published "Beyond the Surface," a collection of poems inspired by the relationship between David and God.
VSU Raises Scholarship Funds During Spring Giving Day
VSU recently raised $99,667 during its 2023 Spring Giving Day, a 24-hour crowd funding-style campaign.
Funds raised during Spring Giving Day will primarily be used to recruit and retain students and student-athletes by providing merit and need-based scholarships for VSU’s College of the Arts, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, and Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.
VSU Recognizes Faculty Online Teaching Certificate Graduates
With online teaching and learning becoming more common in higher education, VSU faculty are returning to the classroom to learn effective online teaching practices and how online technologies can enhance their course design.
VSU recently celebrated six faculty who successfully completed the university’s new — and highly in-demand — Online Teaching Certificate program. This is the first cohort to earn the credential.
Luca Mack Earns Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award
VSU's Luca Mack, a junior Men's Tennis standout, has earned the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's prestigious Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award.
This award recognizes outstanding student-athletes across five divisions — NCAA Divisions I, II and III; NAIA; and JUCO — who have exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and leadership, as well as scholastic, extracurricular, and tennis achievements.
Mack, a native of Emmendingen, Germany, is the second Blazer to earn this national honor.