VSU’s Economic Impact Expected to Increase with Implementation of New Strategic Plan
According to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Valdosta State University's total economic impact on its host region — defined as Lowndes, Brooks, Lanier, Berrien, Cook, and Echols counties — between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, was a little more than $394.6 million. This includes the creation of 3,691 jobs.
“What we do at VSU is critical to the economic growth and vitality of South Georgia, and we take that responsibility very seriously," said Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU. "With our new strategic plan, VSU2030, we renew our commitment to creating career-ready graduates and aligning our programs with student and employer demand, building our on-campus student community, maximizing our growth through targeted recruitment strategies across the nation and around the world, and making the investments needed to secure our university’s long-term future. We know that our success is South Georgia’s success, and that inspires us to do the hard work necessary to continue our impact.”
VSU's Jennifer Beal Earns Fulbright Specialist Award, Impacts Deaf Education Abroad
VSU’s Dr. Jennifer Beal recently earned a Fulbright Specialist Award that allowed her to exchange knowledge, establish partnerships, and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing around the world.
A Blazer Nation alumna and tenured professor of deaf education, Beal spent one week at the University of Cologne in Cologne, Germany, and two weeks at University College London in London, England, where she presented on VSU’s deaf education program, the content of VSU’s teacher preparation courses, and her own research on instructional strategies for deaf and hard of hearing students across all grade levels.
“Teaching present and future educators how to instruct deaf and hard of hearing learners is my passion,” she said.
The VSU Graduate School reached a historic milestone this fall by enrolling more than 3,000 students. Faculty, staff, and students celebrated with Blaze and cupcakes.
Dr. Shawnda Spruill, a V-State alumna, is the new principal at Richmond Hill Elementary School in Augusta, Georgia. She believes in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
A two-time VSU graduate, Spruill earned an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership in 2017 and a Doctor of Education in Leadership in 2021.
Courtney Strickland Floyd, a V-State alumna, was recently named a Healthcare Hero in her hometown of Madison, Florida. She works as a registered nurse in the Madison County Memorial Hospital Emergency Room and says she enjoys being able to comfort her patients and provide personalized care. She plans to return to school and become a nurse practitioner in the future.
Floyd earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at VSU in 2021.
Michelle O’Gorman Maurer, a V-State alumna, is the new special education director for the Baldwin County School District in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has more than 15 years of experience in education and leadership, including serving as a general education elementary and middle school math teacher, special education teacher, academic specialist, athletic director, and district instructional coach. She spent the past seven years working as a special education coordinator in the Bibb County School District.
O’Gorman Maurer earned an Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership at VSU in 2015.
Adam Albrite, a V-State alumnus, was recently named director of the Master of Family Therapy program at Mercer University School of Medicine. He has more than 15 years of experience in clinical practice, program development, and teaching. In his latest role, he will lead the Mercer University program’s expansion in Savannah, Georgia, and work to address the shortage of mental health professionals in Georgia.
Albrite earned a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at VSU in 2012.
Georgia Power Donation Facilitates Creation of Children’s Space at VSU’s Copeland African American Museum
Work has begun on the VSU Copeland African American Museum’s long-planned and highly anticipated Children’s emPOWERment Zone.
Designed to encourage engagement and inspire a love of learning through hands-on activities and fun, this space recently moved from concept to reality thanks to a $50,000 gift from Georgia Power. It is scheduled to open by Black History Month February 2025.
“As we create spaces and programs to become the preeminent field trip destination in South Georgia, this is such an important component,” said Dr. Amy Watson, museum marketing coordinator. “When children come to the Copeland African American Museum, we want to engage all of their senses. We want them to be able to touch, see, move, and hear as they’re learning about these important people and their contributions.”
VSU Football Kicks Off New Season With Big Wins
• The VSU Blazers defeated the Albany State University Golden Rams 42-10 on Aug. 31, the Newberry College Wolves 27-14 on Sept. 7, and the Fayetteville State University Broncos 34-0 on Sept. 14. The third of six home games of the season is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, against the University of West Alabama Tigers.
• VSU senior quarterback Sammy Edwards earned Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. Graduate student defensive back Larry Elder was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week. They were also named the first Steel's Jewelry Athletes of the Week of the season.
Local News Media Report Highlights From VSU's 2024 Faculty & Staff Convocation
• Caison Kirkland of The Valdosta Daily Times shared details of VSU's newly launched strategic plan — VSU2030 — and how it will shape the future of our institution and our people. Story title: "VSU Unveils Ambitions VSU2030 Plan at Faculty and Staff Convocation"
• Brittanye Blake of WALB discussed enrollment at VSU and plans to grow the student population by 30 percent over the next several years. Story title: "Valdosta State University Gives Enrollment Update, Plans for Future Increase"
• Malia Thomas of WTXL ABC 27 talked about VSU's plan to target enrollment growth and more over the next few years. Story title: "Valdosta State University's Plan VSU2030 to Target Enrollment Growth"
VSU Announces Summer 2024 Dean's List
VSU congratulates each of the students who earned a spot on the Summer 2024 Dean's List.
Dean's List honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. The Summer 2024 Dean's List recognizes nearly 400 distinguished and accomplished students for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals.
View the full list, excluding students who opted out of public recognition, on VSU's Merit Page.
VSU Students Enjoy Downtown Discounts, Pep Rally, Tailgating This Fall
Home football game weekends this fall will be full of free food and fun for VSU students.
Fire it Up Friday: Students can head to Converse Square by the Student Union for a pep rally featuring some members of the VSU football team, the Red Hots, the VSU Cheerleaders, and the Blazin’ Brigade.
Blazers Downtown: Every Friday before a home game, businesses in Downtown Valdosta will be offering discounts to students who present their VSU 1Card between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Transit stops downtown will allow students to be transported between the VSU campus and the downtown area.
Student Tailgate: Students can come and tailgate for free with their VSU 1Card. Tailgating begins four hours before each home game at the University Center Grass Lot on the corner of Slater Street and Brookwood Drive.
Learning in Retirement Announces Scholarships, 86 Opportunities to Learn Something New This Fall
Learning in Retirement (LIR) kicks off another action-packed season of meeting the educational, physical, intellectual, and social needs of VSU’s South Georgia and North Florida friends and neighbors.
If you are 50 years of age or older, LIR offers 86 opportunities to learn something new this fall, including everything from trips and tours to one-day workshops to multi-week classes.
Membership is $75 per semester, or $135 per year if you join in the fall. Join today by calling VSU's Office of Professional and Communication Education at 229-245-6484.
Joyce Aigen, a long-time LIR member, has established the Joyce Aigen Learning in Retirement Scholarship Fund to support community residents who wish to participate in the program but are unable to afford the membership fee. Several scholarships are available and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
VSU Students Step Into the Fields to Support Farmworkers, Ensure Health Equity
Mackenzie Waters of Newnan, Georgia, recently joined an 18-person VSU team to support Emory University School of Medicine’s 2024 South Georgia Farmworker Health Project in Lowndes County. It was one of her final hands-on learning experiences before she officially earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in late July.
While medical teams from Emory University, as well as Mercer University, cared for the patients’ bodies, dealing with everything from diseases of the skin and eyes to musculoskeletal issues and high blood pressure, the student-therapists from VSU cared for their minds.
Dr. Tom Manning Shares Update on Oyster Restoration Efforts in Wakulla County, Florida
Kenzie Krueger with WTXL ABC 27 stopped by Panacea, Florida, recently to chat with Dr. Tom Manning, professor in VSU's Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, and a pair of student researchers. She wanted to learn more about their ongoing efforts to restore and enhance oyster populations off the coast of Wakulla County.
Why is this work important? Oyster bars are a critical structure to help mitigate shoreline erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitats for many sea creatures. Worldwide oyster populations are down more than 90 percent.
Dr. Michelle Ocasio Discusses AI in the Classroom
Dr. Michelle Ocasio, associate professor in VSU's Department of Modern and Classical Languages, recently talked to Malia Thomas of WTXL ABC 27 about how she uses AI and virtual reality to enhance learning in her classroom. She is part of a group of faculty leaders who are helping the university develop best practices for using the technology in the classroom and at work.
VSU Hosts The Happening
VSU hosted The Happening on the Front Lawn on Aug. 29.
This fall semester tradition invites students to take a break, have some fun, and discover what the university and the surrounding communities have to offer them.
For area businesses, religious organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, and more, The Happening is an opportunity to introduce and market their products and services to thousands of students, and even a few faculty and staff members, face to face, at one time, in one location. On-campus organizations, programs, offices, departments, and colleges also participate in the information fair, making The Happening an unforgettable must-see, must-do experience.
Meet Sheila Hall, VSU's Spring 2024 Employee of the Semester
Sheila Hall joined the VSU staff in 2000 and currently serves as the communications and support coordinator for the Division of Information Technology.
VSU: What do you enjoy most about the work you do each day?
SHEILA: Learning. As technologists, we are always striving to stay abreast of new technologies, leveraging existing technology, and crafting solutions to enhance the university’s capabilities so we all can improve the quality of the services we provide to our students. It can sometimes be a challenge, but that’s the beauty of it.
Q: How has being named Employee of the Semester inspired you?
SHEILA: I am humbled to have received this recognition. I play a small role in helping my fellow Blazers complete their professional tasks by providing technical support and customer service that I hope brings value to the meaningful work that they do. Receiving this award helps validate the work of all VSU employees and encourages me to continue to earn their trust and to do my best work.
Here's What's Coming Up in VSU Athletics
• In addition to Football, VSU Athletics is ready for another exciting season of Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross County, and Men's Golf. Admission to sporting events is free for VSU students with a valid 1Card and all active duty military and their families. Red and Black, All Hail!
• The Gulf South Conference unveiled FloSports pricing and information for the 2024-2025 academic year. For fans eager to watch fall sports, the cost is $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Subscribers who have a .edu email address from a GSC member school can sign up at a discounted subscription price of $9.99 per month or $69.99 for the year.