VSU Debaters Win First-Ever USG Regents Cup Debate Event
A female duo from VSU’s Debate Team took home the top prize at the University System of Georgia’s inaugural Regents Cup Debate Series competition April 11.
Gabrielle Lorentz, a first-year exercise physiology major who moved to Suwanee, Georgia, from Canada several years ago, and Reagin Jones, a junior political science major from Lakeland, Georgia, competed against top debaters from Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, University of North Georgia, and University of West Georgia.
Dr. Michael Eaves, director of debate at VSU, said that being the first school to win a Regents Debate Cup Series event is a defining moment in his 30 years of tenured coaching.
VSU Recognized Nationally for Excellence in Advertising, Marketing, Promotion
The nine-member University Marketing and Communications team at VSU earned gold, silver, and bronze honors during the 2024 Collegiate Advertising Awards.
“These awards are a well-earned testament to the incredible talent, hard work, and resourcefulness of every member of VSU’s University Marketing and Communications team,” said Melinda Harbaugh, the university's chief officer. "This is a small team that was organized at the end of 2022 and charged by President Carvajal with marketing and branding the university. In a little over a year, we launched new branding and a national campaign. There’s still a lot of work to be done, and there’s room for growth, but I cannot wait to see what this team accomplishes in the coming year!”
LaTonya Hamilton, a V-State alumna, has been named principal of Mary A. Buckner Academy in Columbus, Georgia, effective during the 2024-2025 school year. She has more than 24 years of experience in education leadership, including serving as principal of St. Mary’s Road Elementary Magnet School.
Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education at VSU in 2001.
Donovan Head, a V-State alumnus, was recently appointed to the Education Commission of the States by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
Head was named executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia in 2023. Prior to joining this organization, he worked as deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. He served on Governor Brian Kemp’s transition team as deputy campaign manager for Kemp for Governor in 2018 and as a senior congressional staff member for former U.S. Representative Karen Handel from Georgia’s 6th District and U.S. Representative Austin Scott from Georgia’s 8th District.
Head earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at VSU in 2011. He is currently a member of the VSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Chanae Q. Clemons, a V-State alumna, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. She has more than 15 years of experience in legal services and currently serves as clerk of the Superior Court and Magistrate Court of Clayton County, Georgia, a role she has held since 2023.
Clemons earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at VSU in 2006.
Larry Hanson and Dave Wills, V-State alumni, were recently named two of James Magazine's 2024 Most Influential Georgians.
Hanson is executive director and chief executive officer of the Georgia Municipal Association. He earned a Bachelor of General Studies from VSU in 1995.
Dave Wills is executive director of Association County Commissioners of Georgia. He earned a Master of Public Administration from VSU in 2007.
Dr. C. Thomas Hopkins Jr., a V-State alumnus, was recently honored by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for 13 years of dedicated service to public higher education.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Hopkins is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine and maintains a private practice in his hometown of Griffin, Georgia, where he is a partner of OrthoGeorgia. He previously served as chairman of the Board of Regents.
Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at VSU in 1975. He delivered the keynote address at VSU’s 224th commencement in December 2017.
Kimberly J. Castillo, a V-State alumna and supervisory special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was recently named unit chief of the FBI’s National Academy.
Castillo joined the FBI as a special agent in 2005. She was initially assigned to the San Juan Field Office where she worked violent gang matters. A year later she transferred to Birmingham, Alabama, where she was assigned cyber-crimes and crimes against children and was a member of the Evidence Recovery Team. She was promoted to supervisory special agent in 2015. Four years later she joined the FBI’s Training Division.
Castillo earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics at VSU in 1992.
Elaina Johnson, a V-State alumna and current doctoral student, was recently named 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year at Thomasville High School. She teaches mathematics to ninth, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. She also serves as the varsity cheerleading and gymnastics coach.
Johnson earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education at VSU in 2018 and hopes to graduate with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2026. She said, “I have been learning more about curriculum development and instructional design, which has helped me enhance my classes. I like how the program helps keep me up to date with current trends in education.”
Matt Stephens, a V-State alumnus, was recently named principal of Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Georgia. He currently serves as principal at Oconee County Middle School, a position he has held for two years. He previously served as assistant principal at the middle school for five years, a special education teacher and coach at the high school, and director of the Oconee County Alternative School.
Stephens earned an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership at VSU in 2017.
William Burnett Discusses Leadership, Being a Blazer with Watch the Yard
William Burnett, president of the Student Government Association at VSU was recently featured in Watch the Yard's Leadership Highlight series.
Burnett said, "I believe that Valdosta State has given me a great sense of self. Before attending VSU, I was not the most sure of myself and my purpose; however VSU has pushed me way out of my comfort zone. As someone who was once afraid to speak up, I have now built the confidence to speak up for myself — and for an entire student body. As a music major, I have been afforded opportunities to travel and perform at Carnegie Hall, and eventually Portugal in May of this year. I have built lifelong relationships and gained some of the best mentors a young Black man could have."
Equine-Assisted Learning Prepares VSU Students for Success
VSU’s new STRIDES (Students Together Reaching Individual Development and Educational Success) Equine-Assisted First-Year Student Experience harnesses the wisdom of horses to help students develop self-awareness, goal-setting strategies, as well as problem-solving, team-building, and communication skills.
Throughout Spring Semester 2024, students have participated in a series of classroom-based lessons on campus and barn-based activities at Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center in Hahira, Georgia. This unconventional class is one built on trust — from student to student, student to horse, and horse to student.
USG Board of Regents Updates
No. 1
The University System of Georgia will continue its temporary waiver of test score requirements. This means no test scores will be required for admission at 23 of Georgia's 26 public colleges and universities during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The temporary waiver does not apply to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Georgia College and State University.
No. 2
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently voted to approve tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year at the USG’s 26 public colleges and universities. Systemwide, in-state undergraduate tuition will increase by 2.5 percent, and out-of-state tuition will increase by 5 percent. A new, third level of tuition for out-of-country students will also be established at 2 percent more than the rate for out-of-state students. The USG has been able to keep tuition rates flat at all but one institution for six of the past eight years. However, escalating costs for people, goods, and services, increased competition from the private sector for talent, and overall inflation have all contributed to growing pressure on institutional budgets.
Grayson Friedman, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Grayson Friedman of Evans, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at VSU.
Friedman will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in American Sign Language, Deaf Studies, and Art.
Friedman hopes to pursue a graduate level education in either deaf education or museum/curatorial studies in the future.
“My career goals are to be an art teacher at a school for the deaf or work in an art center, gallery, or museum as a curator or art educator.”
Julie Rafferty, College of Business Administration
Julia Rafferty of Gwinnett, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration at VSU. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, a Minor in Entrepreneurship, and an Honors College Certificate.
After graduation Rafferty plans to return to VSU to pursue a Master of Accountancy in Accounting while working as a graduate assistant in the Office of Internal Audit, pass the certified public accounting licensure exam, and then work in public accounting.
Callie Reid, College of Science and Mathematics
Callie Reid of Lakeland, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Science and Mathematics at VSU. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, a Minor in Applied Statistics, and a Certificate in Data Science.
Reid 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, College of the Arts
McKenzie Simpson of Quitman, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of the Arts at VSU. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Art.
After graduation Simpson 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.”
Shantia Thomas, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Shantia “Tia” Keondra Thomas of Macon, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at VSU. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
After graduation Thomas plans to pass the NCLEX, the national examination for the licensing of nurses, and 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.
Lindsey Strickland, College of Education and Human Services
Lindsey Le Strickland of Homerville, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services at VSU. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Grades Education Mathematics and Science.
After graduation, Strickland plans to teach mathematics at Hahira Middle School, where she hopes to instill a love of learning in her students. She wants to further 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.”
Chandler Merkerson Tabbed to Lead Lady Blazer Women’s Basketball
Valdosta State Director of Athletics Herb Reinhard recently announced that a familiar face is returning to Titletown to be the new head women's basketball coach for the Lady Blazers. Former VSU assistant coach Chandler Merkerson returns to Valdosta to lead the program, following the departure of former head coach Deandra Schirmer to Division I University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. "I am elated to be joining Blazer nation as the next head women's basketball coach," she said. "I am so thankful to VSU President Dr. Richard Carvajal, Mr. Herb Reinhard and the entire athletic administration for affording me this incredible opportunity. Valdosta State is a place that is special to me – giving me a shot early in my career — and I'm glad to be back. I'm excited to get started and continue the winning tradition that has already been established for many years." Merkerson was on staff for the Lady Blazers under head coach Carley Kuhns from 2017 to 2019, helping lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2018 and a Gulf South Conference runner-up finish in 2019. She coached five All-GSC selections, including three who were named first team, along with a Division II All-America honoree.
New Leader of Blazer Athletics Named
Troy Katen is the new director of VSU Athletics. He will replace long-time athletic director Herb Reinhard, who is set to retire June 30 after more than 32 years at the helm of the Blazers.
Katen comes to Titletown from NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, where he has served as deputy athletic director of external operations since 2019, raised more than $2,900,000 over a five-year period, and assisted in raising an additional $1,600,000 for a private facilities upgrade.
"VSU is nationally known in Division II, and it is a privilege to lead this program and continue the championship culture," he said. "My family and I cannot wait to arrive in Valdosta and officially call Blazer Nation home."
VSU Athletics Updates
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Third-year head football coach Tremaine Jackson broke barriers during the 2023 Blazer football season as he was the only African American head football coach to win a conference championship in any division aside from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He was also the first African American coach to win the Gulf South Conference in the league's history.
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Blazer men’s tennis won their record-setting 16th Gulf South Conference championship title.
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VSU women's basketball assistant coach Alexis Uffmann was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 for the 2023-2024 season. She just completed her third season in Titletown helping lead VSU to a 30-3 record overall and a 23-1 mark in the Gulf South Conference with both a regular season league title and the program's fourth conference tournament title.
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Thomas Macera, head coach of the VSU softball team, reached his 1,000th career win in April.
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The men's golf team fired a final round 305 to finish sixth at the 2024 Gulf South Conference Championship.
VSU Honors Retired Faculty and Staff
VSU recently hosted its annual Retiree Recognition Ceremony and Celebration in honor of the 37 talented and hard-working faculty and staff members who have already retired or will retire by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.
“This year’s group includes faculty and staff who have dedicated 10 to 40 years of their lives fostering a strong sense of community at VSU and doing their part to support every Blazer’s personal growth,” said Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU. “They have helped make our university a special place to learn and work, and my hope is that they never underestimate the profound impact they have had on our campus and our people.”
Ethan Williams Named GA of the Year
Ethan Williams of Newnan, Georgia, is VSU's 2023-2024 Graduate Assistant of the Year.
Ethan has worked for VSU's James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Website Team for eight semesters. He will graduate May 3 with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.
When asked what he has enjoyed most about serving as a graduate assistant, he replied, "I enjoy being able to work on a team and the flexibility of hours. I also enjoy the challenge of creating long-lasting solutions for the website that'll help the site stay adequately maintained long after I'm gone."
VSU Celebrates Women in Mathematics with SK Day
VSU's College of Science and Mathematics recently hosted its 27th Sonia Kovalevsky Day to encourage high school women to pursue the study of mathematics and prepare for possible careers in mathematics-related fields.
Ninety-four students and 25 teachers from 17 schools — Atkinson County High School, Bainbridge High School, Brooks County High School, Colquitt County High School, Columbus High School, Cook County High School, Georgia Christian School, Highland Christian School, Lanier County High School, Lee County High School, Lowndes High School, Pierce County Hign School, Seminole County High School, Thomas County Central High School, Thomasville High School, Tift County High School, and Valdosta High School — participated in this year's event.
SK Day is named in honor of Sonia Kovalevsky, a Russian mathematician and the first woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics. VSU's event is organized and hosted each year by Dr. Denise Reid, a professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics.
VSU Presents Graduate Student Research, Scholarship Symposium
VSU presented its annual Graduate Student Research and Scholarship Symposium April 6.
It was an opportunity for Blazer Nation's best and brightest graduate student researchers to present posters showcasing the first-class research and scholarship being conducted at VSU and to participate in Three-Minute Thesis, a challenge of their ability to explain their research quickly and effectively to a non-specialist audience.
Kappa Delta Raises Funds to Help Prevent Child Abuse
The Gamma Mu chapter of Kappa Delta at VSU raised $13,360 for child abuse prevention efforts during the sorority's 2024 Shamrock (flag football tournament).
The Children's Advocacy Center of Lowndes County received 80 percent of the proceeds, while the remaining funds were donated to Prevent Child Abuse America.
VSU Presents Undergraduate Research Symposium
VSU presented its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium April 1-5, allowing Blazer Nation's best and brightest student researchers to share their oral, poster, and/or video presentations with a diverse audience and showcase the results of their work.
Undergraduate research is important because it helps students enhance their critical thinking skills and gives them a greater understanding of their chosen field of study.