Blazers Win Third Men's Tennis National Championship in Thrilling Fashion
The VSU Blazers are the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Tennis National Champion. This is the third time the VSU Men's Tennis team has earned a national title.
VSU played top-seeded Flagler College in the final championship round May 25, winning 4-3.
The win gives VSU its ninth NCAA Division II National Championship in school history and the first since 2018 when football won its fourth title. Baseball won in 1979; tennis won in 2006 and 2011; softball won in 2012; and football won in 2004, 2007, 2012 and 2018.
Austin Peterson Earns Annie Powe Hopper Award
Austin Peterson of Homerville, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU's 2023-2024 Annie Powe Hopper Award.
Peterson graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He plans to continue his education at VSU and pursue a Master of Public Administration.
Known as the highest honor bestowed upon a VSU student, the Annie Powe Hopper Award is presented annually to a senior who represents the university’s high academic standards and exemplifies its traditions of excellence. It was first presented on May 2, 1962, and is named in honor of the institution’s first dean of women, who arrived at what was then known as South Georgia State Normal College in 1920 as a teacher.
“Winning this award is truly the greatest single moment of my tenure,” Peterson said.
Samantha Brasher Godsy, a V-State alumna, is the new director at the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library in Dadeville, Alabama, which serves residents of Coosa, Elmore, Lee, and Tallapoosa counties and supports the programs and services of 10 member libraries.
Godsy has been involved with libraries for nearly two decades. She started volunteering at her hometown library when she was 12 years old. She has worked at the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library and the Auburn Public Library, both in Alabama.
Godsy earned a Master of Library and Information Science at VSU in 2021.
Heather Harp, a V-State alumna, is the new principal at Whitesburg Elementary School in Whitesburg, Georgia.
Harp began her teaching career in 2009 and has served the last nine years in various roles in the Glynn County School System. She was teacher of the year in Glynn County in 2019-2020. She has been an assistant principal at Glynn Middle School since 2022. She will join Carroll County Schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
Harp earned an Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership at VSU in 2018.
Diantha Ellis, a V-State alumna, is the 2024 recipient of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Teaching Excellence. This award publicly recognizes superior instruction and exemplary service to the college. One faculty member is selected by a committee of faculty and students each year.
Ellis is a professor in ABAC’s Stafford School of Business, where she teaches courses in economics and business law.
Ellis earned a Master of Business Administration at VSU in 2003.
Elias Mathes, a V-State alumnus, is the new chief executive officer of the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority in Tallahassee, Florida.
Mathes has partnered with the Downtown Improvement Authority off and on over the last decade. He has served as project manager on several developments and was a partner in a few businesses, and he was instrumental in helping launch the city’s Downtown Concert Series. He enjoys consulting with cities nationwide on community and economic development issues.
Mathes earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at VSU in 2010.
Dr. Wendi Tostenson, a V-State alumna, is the new president of Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Tostenson has served as vice chancellor of education and student services at Louisiana Delta Community College since 2021; she joined the Monroe, Louisiana-based school in 2019 as executive director of workforce and economic development. Before that she held various administrative roles at Southern Regional Technical College in Moultrie, Georgia, where she continues to serve as an adjunct online instructor of American government, a role she has enjoyed since 2007.
Tostenson earned a Doctor of Public Administration at VSU in 2018.
Katresa Gardner, a V-State alumna, was recently elected chair of the Medical Library Association’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus. She serves as the public services librarian for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia, a role she has held since July 2019. She previously worked for the Sarasota County Library System in Florida and the library administration at Georgia Military College.
Gardner created the “Skin of Color Resource Guide” for PCOM students and faculty to address the significant underrepresentation of skin color in medical education. It’s helping the future doctors study how various medical conditions appear on people of different skin colors, which will help prevent any medical misdiagnoses in the future.
A two-time VSU graduate, Gardner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Studies in 2000 and a Master of Library and Information Sciences in 2015.
Hilda Edgerton-Miles, a V-State alumna, is the new principal at Brooks County Middle School in Quitman, Georgia, effective during the 2024-2025 academic year. She currently serves as assistant principal at Quitman Elementary School, a role she has held for five years.
Edgerton-Miles has more than 20 years of experience in education. She began her teaching career with Valdosta City Schools. She taught at Valdosta Middle School, Valdosta Early College Academy, and J.L. Newbern Middle School; she served as an academic coach at Valdosta Middle School and as assistant principal at W.G. Nunn Elementary School.
Edgerton-Miles earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8) at VSU in 2003.
Dr. Dallas LeDuff, a V-State alumnus, is the new superintendent for Barrow County Schools in Winder, Georgia.
LeDuff began his teaching career in 2005 at Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County, where he worked as a special education teacher and case manager. He transitioned to South Forsyth High School three years later, where he held various roles, including graduation coach, administrator assistant, virtual education coordinator, special education teacher, and case manager. In 2013 he joined Oconee County Schools, where he served as associate superintendent, interim principal, director of student services, and assistant principal.
A two-time VSU graduate, LeDuff earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership in 2021 and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership in 2013.
VSU Recognizes Faculty with Awarding of Tenure, Promotion
VSU recently awarded tenure to 13 faculty members.
The award of tenure constitutes permanent status as a member of the university faculty. It may be awarded, upon approval of the president, after a faculty member has completed a probationary period of at least five years of full-time service at the rank of assistant professor or higher.
VSU also awarded promotion to 30 faculty members.
Promotion is awarded to faculty members who demonstrate superior teaching; outstanding professional service to the university and/or the community; outstanding research, scholarship, creative activity, or academic achievement; and professional growth and development. Promotion to the rank of associate or full professor at a comprehensive university like VSU requires the earned doctorate or other terminal degree or its equivalent in training, ability, and/or experience.
James LaPlant Selected to Lead Council on Undergraduate Research
Dr. James LaPlant, dean of VSU's College of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of political science, will serve as president of the Council on Undergraduate Research during the 2025-2026 academic year. His term as president-elect begins June 1.
The Council on Undergraduate Research was founded in 1980 and focuses on enriching and advancing society through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry around the world.
VSU Athletics Updates
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VSU softball's Abby Sulte was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-American First Team and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All American First Team. She was also named D2CCA South Region Player of the Year and Gulf South Conference Co-Player of the Year.
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VSU baseball's Dennis Pierce and Hunter Stowe were named to the D2CCA All-South Region First Team.
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VSU softball's Aniston Gano earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All American honors.
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VSU football will kick off its 2024 season against the Albany State University Rams at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
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SAVE THE DATE: VSU will celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 19. Activities include a parade, tailgating fun, and the big VSU Blazers vs Mississippi College Choctaws game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Emma Martin Earns Student-Athlete Academic Award
Emma Martin of Richfield, Utah, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. She played shooting guard for Lady Blazer Basketball during her junior and senior years.
Martin graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Health Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Now she is focused on pursuing “a meaningful career that helps people and makes a difference in others’ lives.”
Dalton Pender Earns Student-Athlete Academic Award
Dalton Pender of Brunswick, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. He runs for the Men's Cross Country team.
Pender earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at VSU in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. When he graduates from VSU a second time in May 2025, he will have also earned a Business Fundamentals Certificate, Financial Management Graduate Certificate, Business Analytics Graduate Certificate, and Marketing Decision Making Graduate Certificate.
Adam Mastrobuono Earns Student-Athlete Academic Award
Adam Mastrobuono of Oviedo, Florida, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. He runs for Men's Cross Country.
Mastrobuono graduated from VSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education (Grades PreK-12) in 2023. He anticipates completing a Master of Education in Health and Physical Education in December.
Shantia Thomas Earns Outstanding Nursing, Health Sciences Student Award
Shantia “Tia” Keondra Thomas of Macon, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 College of Nursing and Health Sciences Outstanding Senior Sciences Award.
Thomas graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse in the Emergency Care Center at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, a Level I trauma center and one of the most active emergency departments in the world.
Lacey Viche Earns Clare Philips Martin SCholarship
Lacey Viche of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship.
Viche graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders. Now she is pursuing a master’s degree in the same field, also at VSU.
Lindsey Strickland Earns Education, Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award
Lindsey Strickland of Homerville, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award.
Strickland graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Grades Education Mathematics and Science. She plans to teach mathematics at Hahira Middle School, where she hopes to instill a love of learning in her students. She wants to continue her education in the near future “so that I can learn more ways to help my students be successful not only in the classroom but also in life, wherever it may take them.”
Looking for Summer Fun on the Campus of VSU?
VSU is excited to announce a summer calendar filled with family friendly activities for residents of Valdosta-Lowndes County and beyond. This includes Broadway-caliber musical theatre; outdoor walking trails; art exhibits; museum tours; enrichment, recreation, and athletic camps; and more.
Jenny Evans Recognized for Service to Art Education
VSU’s Dr. Jenny Evans is the 2024 recipient of the United States Society for Education Through Art’s Edwin Ziegfeld Service Award. She joined the College of the Arts faculty in August 2021 and currently serves as an assistant professor of art education in the Department of Art & Design.
PSST Summer Box Office Now Open for Business
The Peach State Summer Theatre Box Office is officially open for business.
The 2024 Peach State Summer Theatre season of Broadway-caliber performances kicks off June 8 and runs through July 20 on VSU’s Sawyer Theatre stage. The lineup features “Annie,” “Five Guys Named Moe,” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $26 for children and teens. Group discounts, season memberships, and patronage opportunities are also available.
The PSST Box Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. It is located on the first floor of the VSU Fine Arts Building, at the corner of Brookwood Drive and Oak Street, and may be reached by calling (229) 259-7770. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.valdosta.edu/psst.
Callie Reid Earns Outstanding Science, Mathematics Student Award
Callie Reid of Lakeland, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award.
Reid graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, a Minor in Applied Statistics, and a Certificate in Data Science. She plans to continue her education in the fall and pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied and Computational Mathematics at Florida State University, where she was awarded a teaching assistantship. She hopes to someday become a mathematics professor.
McKenzie Simpson Earns Outstanding Arts Student Award
McKenzie Simpson of Quitman, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award.
Simpson graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art. She plans to take a gap year and pursue artist residencies and internship opportunities in printmaking. She then hopes to return to school and pursue a master’s degree in art with a focus in printmaking, “which will work toward my eventual goal of becoming a printmaking professor.”
Stephanie Lopez Earns AAUW Award
Stephanie Lopez of Pelham, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 American Association of University Women Award.
Lopez graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders and an Honors College Certificate. She will continue her education at VSU and pursue a Master of Education in Communication Disorders.
Teressa Akuoko Earns USG Academic Recognition Day Award
Teressa Akuoko of Lake Park, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 University System of Georgia Academic Recognition Day Award.
Akuoko graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Minor in Chemistry, and an Honors College Certificate in December 2023. She currently works as a medical assistant at Cole Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, where she assists with the removal of skin cancers through surgical intervention.
Grant Lopez Earns Most Outstanding Cadet Award
Grant Lopez of Sugar Hill, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Division of Aerospace Studies Most Outstanding Professional Officer Corps Cadet Award.
Lopez graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, a Minor in Computer Science, and a Minor in Aerospace Studies. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and plans to pursue a career as an intelligence officer.
Kenna Fussell Earns Outstanding Business Student Award
Kenna Fussell of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Outstanding Student Award.
Fussell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at VSU in 2023. She anticipates graduating with a Master of Accountancy in December. After graduation she plans to pursue her certified public accountant credentials while working for Mauldin & Jenkins, a public accounting firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
Isabelle Reimer Earns Bartram Award for Intellectual Exploration
Isabelle Reimer of Mobile, Alabama, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 Bartram Award for Intellectual Exploration.
Reimer anticipates earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and an Honors College Certificate in December. After graduation she plans to apply for a leadership consultant position with Zeta Tau Alpha, pursue an advanced degree in the field of archival studies, and continue to research archival resources.
Leigh Ann Overlaur Earns Outstanding Humanities, Social Sciences Student Award
Leigh Ann Overlaur of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of VSU’s 2023-2024 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Student Award.
Overlaur graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Minor in Political Science. She plans to continue her education at Samford University Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama.