Hosted by VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, AI Deep Dive attendees will explore how the technology is moving from AI that assists to AI that solves complex tasks, what AI is and is not, the limitations and challenges of AI, and much more.

AI Deep Dive was originally scheduled to be led by Dr. Zhiguang Xu, a professor of computer science who died unexpectedly in late March after more than 24 years of service to VSU. His passion for teaching was evident in every lecture, where he inspired curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation. He was known for his generosity and passion for lifelong learning, and he had carefully developed a comprehensive workshop designed to make AI concepts accessible and engaging for all attendees. 

In a touching continuation of Professor Xu’s legacy, his daughter, Liane Xu, a graduate student studying robotics and artificial intelligence at MIT, recently reached out and asked to deliver the workshop in her father’s place. She said her father shared his presentation with her on March 28, seeking her feedback about his plans for this special community engagement initiative. She is committed to honoring her father’s work and sharing his vision with the community, and while she will certainly bring her own voice and perspective, the workshop will remain rooted in the ideas and dedication that defined her father’s approach.

Dr. Krishnendu Roy, head of VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, said AI Deep Dive now stands not only as an educational opportunity but also as a tribute to Professor Xu’s enduring impact, ensuring his passion for learning and innovation continues to inspire others.   

The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to ask questions and discuss real-world examples of AI applications.

AI Deep Dive is the second of a two-part series dedicated to helping people understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly and effectively. The first event, AI for Beginners, was held on March 26.

“Professor Xu believed that curiosity is not confined to classrooms and that learning is a lifelong pursuit,” said Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at VSU. “He showed us that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared freely and used wisely — and as the STEM hub of South Georgia, it is our responsibility to share knowledge with the broader community to ensure that our neighbors, business owners, friends, and leaders have the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.

“To learn AI is to gain the tools to participate in the future, to question it, to guide it, and to ensure it reflects our shared human values. By moving forward with this workshop, we carry forward Professor Xu’s mission and remember him for how he taught, with generosity, humility, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.”

Visit https://tinyurl.com/AIDeepDiveVSU to join the conversation on April 16. The Meeting ID is 235 173 087 986 551. The Passcode is br27dD7e.

Graduate School Commencement Ceremony

The Graduate School Commencement Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, in The Complex.

During the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony, all graduates in attendance will have their name called as they walk across the platform area.

Graduates will be able to bring as many guests as they desire.

Accessible parking and seating will be available.

Guests unable to attend may view the ceremony live at www.valdosta.edu/commencement. 

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, on the Front Lawn.

During the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, President’s Award for Academic Excellence recipients, honor graduates, and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 172 cadets will be recognized, and all graduates in attendance will have their name called as they walk across the platform area.

Graduates will be able to bring as many guests as they desire.

The celebration will end with a full fireworks display.

Accessible parking and seating will be available. Transportation will be provided from the university parking lots.

Guests unable to attend may view the ceremony live at www.valdosta.edu/commencement.

Each of these graduates came to VSU with their own ideas and inspiration — and during their time as a student, they stepped outside their comfort zone, made an impact, created new knowledge, promoted an innovation-oriented culture, and developed the communication skills, connections, and critical thinking necessary to create a success story that is all their own.

VSU looks forward to celebrating this powerful and positive community of Blazers and wishes them all the best as they find genuine happiness and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives — and use it to empower the people and places closest to them.

“By expanding our commitment to community mental health beyond the traditional appointment-based model, we’re making care more responsive to real life,” said Jessica Millican, FamilyWorks clinical coordinator, licensed marriage and family therapist, and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy-approved supervisor.

“Walk-in sessions allow people to receive support in the moment they need it most, while telehealth removes barriers like transportation and distance, scheduling conflicts, childcare and family responsibilities, and cost. Together, these options allow us to meet people where they are by ensuring that quality mental health care is both accessible and adaptable.”

Walk-Ins at FamilyWorks

FamilyWorks offers flexible walk-in services from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a goal of expanding this availability in the future. Walk-in services are free of charge and allow community members to receive timely support without a prior appointment.

“Walk-in services are designed for individuals who, for a variety of reasons, haven’t been able to schedule regular therapy,” Millican said. “This may include busy schedules, uncertainty about starting therapy, questions about whether therapy will be helpful, or simply wanting to try a single session. Many clients use walk-in services as a way to ‘test out’ therapy and see if it’s a good fit. We welcome this.”

“Walk-in services are also available for those facing an immediate concern and looking for a solution-focused conversation,” she added. “Each session is brief but treated as a complete therapy experience. We gather information about the client’s concerns, work together to identify goals, and take steps toward addressing them — all within that one session.” 

Walk-in clients are not limited to a single visit. They are welcome to return to FamilyWorks as needed or transition to traditional therapy for deeper, ongoing work. 

Telehealth at FamilyWorks

Telehealth services at FamilyWorks are available to clients ages 18 and older who live in Georgia and have access to a computer, phone, or other device with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection. Each session is offered through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. 

Telehealth is designed to make mental health care more accessible for those who are unable to take advantage of in-person therapy sessions. It can be a helpful and convenient way to address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, anger, stress management, and relationship challenges. 

Telehealth services follow the same sliding-fee scale as traditional therapy services at FamilyWorks, with fees ranging from zero dollars to $20 per session. (VSU students receive services at no cost, making telehealth a convenient option for those enrolled online and living elsewhere in Georgia.)

“We are committed to being a no- and low-cost therapy clinic and never turn anyone away based on their ability to pay,” Millican said. “If cost is a concern, we encourage clients to talk with the intake manager during the intake process or with their therapist in the first session. Our goal is to make high-quality therapy accessible to everyone who needs it, regardless of financial circumstances.”

Training for the Future

In addition to serving the community, FamilyWorks plays a vital role in training the next generation of therapists. First-year graduate students handle the intake process, while advanced standing graduate students serve as the therapists.

Graduate students gain hands-on experience working with clients while receiving ongoing supervision and mentorship from their experienced Marriage and Family Therapy program faculty. The goal is to prepare students to become skilled, ethical, and culturally responsive clinicians.

“I love being able to give back to the community,” said Alex Harvin, a graduate clinician who hopes to complete her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in July. “We get to see so many different family dynamics and different perspectives and backgrounds. I enjoy the fact that we help everyone.”

Millican noted that walk-in therapy offers a unique learning opportunity not widely available outside of a few community mental health settings. Training in single-session, brief therapy gives VSU’s students a distinctive skillset, allowing them to gain experience that many master’s-level clinicians do not have before entering the workforce.

“Walk-ins help us make the most of our sessions and teach us that sometimes therapy is not an ongoing thing. Sometimes people need tools to cope then and now that can carry over into day-to-day life, without needing extensive therapy,” said Harvin, who was grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, and returned to raise her family after serving in the military. 

Emma Wulff, a graduate clinician who calls Athens, Georgia, home, said she enjoys walk-in therapy because “we get the opportunity to help people work through things as they present in that moment, which isn’t always the case with traditional weekly therapy sessions. I find it to be a unique and wonderful experience.”

Telehealth is increasingly being integrated into clinical practices, as well as used by agencies and community mental health organizations, Millican shared. Gaining training and hands-on experience with telehealth equips VSU’s students to meet the growing demand for these services.

“It’s a privilege to be able to have practice in these areas, and I 100 percent believe it will translate into my work throughout the span of my career,” said Wulff, who plans to complete her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in July. “Not only that, it expands my opportunities to try different things and see what works and what doesn’t work for me or my clients.”

For those who have questions about services offered through FamilyWorks, the main intake office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Telehealth and traditional therapy sessions are typically available seven days a week, including evenings. The clinic is located in Farbar Hall on the Oak Street side of VSU’s Main Campus.

Seating for each presentation is limited to 46 guests. Free admission ticket distribution begins as early as 5:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the VSU Planetarium.

“We are over the moon about the successes of NASA’s Artemis II mission and excited about the Moon, sky, planets, asteroids, and news from distant space,” shared Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy and physics at VSU. “We will visit the triumphs of the Artemis II mission and explore new insights about the surface of the Moon, front and back. We will also preview the skies for our spring and summer.”

If weather conditions permit, guests will have an opportunity to visit the VSU Observatory and view the night sky through telescopes until 10 p.m.

“We will have a dark sky — the Moon rises at 3 a.m. — and planet Jupiter, bright star Sirius, constellation Orion, and others will be gracing our evening skies,” Leake said.

Located on the third floor of Nevins Hall, the VSU Planetarium features a Digitarium Kappa digital projector, which can reproduce the night sky as seen from anywhere on Earth or from the surface of any object in the solar system, at any time in history, past or future.

Limited parking is available in front of Nevins Hall and across Patterson Street.

Planetarium public outreach shows are appropriate for all ages.

This is the VSU Planetarium’s final show of the season. However, guests are invited to visit the Observatory deck on April 24 for a special Astronomy Day Open House event.

Contact VSU’s Department of Data Science at (229) 333-5778 for more information.

The laptops, valued at $18,500, are part of a statewide initiative that has provided 1,250 students across the University System of Georgia with reliable, up-to-date technology to support their academic work. The effort reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers and ensuring students have the tools they need both in and out of the classroom.

At VSU, the laptops were distributed to students with the greatest need through a collaborative effort between the VSU Foundation and the university’s New Media Center. Students who frequently relied on checking out laptops from campus resources were prioritized, helping ensure the devices went to those who needed consistent access the most.

“Access to reliable technology is no longer optional; it is essential,” said Rick Munroe, vice president for University Advancement. “We are grateful to AT&T and the University System of Georgia Foundation for their partnership and for investing in our students.”

Each laptop is now the personal property of the student recipient, allowing for continued use throughout their academic journey. The devices came with a one-year hardware warranty and access to technical support, providing students with reliable tools they can depend on.

Through this initiative, 50 VSU students now have the technology needed to stay connected, complete coursework, and continue progressing toward graduation, an impact that will be felt far beyond the classroom.

VSU’s Music Scholarship Alliance and Golden Circle Scholarship and Support Fund Board will present Dancing with the Valdosta Stars 2026 at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. Admission is $125 per person or $1,200 for a table that seats 10 people. Limited $1,500 sponsorship tables are also available.

Eight couples — one local “star” paired with one local “pro” — will dance for the Audience Favorite Award and help raise much-needed funds for music, theatre, and dance scholarships. They are:

During the competition attendees will receive a token to drop in their favorite couple’s ballot box; these tokens are valued at $125. Additional votes may be cast by dropping cash or checks into a favorite couple’s ballot box at the event.

Early voting has already started, and anyone can participate by text or by making an online donation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/EqwLlw?vid=1pkukx. Online voting ends at noon on competition day. Text voting ends after the final dance. 

Dancing with the Valdosta Stars has raised more than $575,000 for scholarships since it started in 2012.

Call the VSU College of the Arts Outreach office at 229-333-2150 for more information or visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/EqwLlw?vid=1pkukx to purchase tickets or tables.

Affordability remains a cornerstone of VSU’s mission, and this recognition reinforces the university’s reputation as a leader in value-driven higher education.

“We are incredibly proud to see Valdosta State University recognized as the most affordable college in the nation for online doctoral programs,” said Dr. Becky K. da Cruz, associate provost for graduate studies and research. “This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education while keeping costs manageable for our students. Our goal has always been to empower working professionals and aspiring leaders to pursue advanced degrees without the burden of excessive financial strain, and this recognition affirms that we are making a meaningful impact.”

VSU offers the Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development (online), Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration (hybrid), Doctor of Education in Leadership (online), Doctor of Public Administration (online), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (online). Designed to deliver academic rigor, these programs emphasize practical application, research, and leadership development, preparing graduates for impactful careers in education, government, and more.

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, VSU offers nearly 70 online and hybrid programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This includes bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees, as well as minors, endorsements, certificates, and certifications. 

Newsweek recently named VSU to its 2026 list of America’s Top Online Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report named VSU to multiple categories on its 2026 Best Online Colleges report. This includes Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online MBA Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs, and Best Online Master’s in Education Programs.

VSU also earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s list of the Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2026.

Campus and community members are invited to take a walk through VSU’s Deaf Deaf World and gain a deeper understanding of what it is like to navigate a predominantly hearing world as a deaf or hard-of-hearing person. Spoken communication will not be allowed, and participants must rely on visual cues, body language, written notes, or assistance from an American Sign Language interpreter to engage with others and complete everyday tasks.

Deaf Deaf World participants will navigate through a selection of stations that simulate places a person might visit in their everyday life, such as a café or hospital. They will also have an opportunity to play ASL games, learn some basic ASL, and discover Deaf culture and history.

VSU is a destination for students across the United States who are eager to pursue careers in American Sign Language/English interpreting. It is one of only two colleges in Georgia to offer a Bachelor of Science in Education in the subject matter, and graduates are in high demand due to a critical shortage of American Sign Language interpreters.

VSU’s Department of Teacher Education also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education: Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and a Minor in Deaf Studies.

Deaf Deaf World activities will take place in Student Union Ballrooms B-C. VSU’s Student Union is located at the intersection of Baytree Road and Oak Street. Parking is available in the Oak Street lot.

The idea of creating immersive environments for hearing people to experience the Deaf world originated with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, said Mya Georgia, vice president of VSU’s ASL Club. Katie Norman serves as president.

Events like VSU’s Deaf Deaf World often highlight the need for access technology.  

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/teacher-education/

Editor’s Note: “‘Deaf’ and ‘deaf’ are two different words in Deaf culture. [Capital] ‘D’ Deaf is the culture/community of the group of people that consider their diagnosis not a disability. They are very proud of the way they are. Not capitalizing the ‘D’ in Deaf would be considered disrespectful to members of the Deaf community. [Lowercase] ‘d’ deaf is the diagnosis that medical personnel have given to the disability. If a person misuses these two terms, it could be the difference in offending someone and calling them disabled rather than actually respecting their culture.”

VALDOSTA — A group of Valdosta State University faculty recently traded lesson plans for lead lines when they participated in an innovative equine-assisted retreat designed to help them reduce stress, strengthen interpersonal awareness, and enhance their ability to engage and empower students.

Hosted by Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center in Hahira, Georgia, the immersive, day-long Faculty Development Retreat for Leading and Learning with Horses experience brought together faculty from a range of disciplines to interact with horses in a series of guided activities — herd observation, grooming and haltering, groundwork exercises, and more. This required the participating faculty to step outside their comfort zone and lead horses through obstacle courses, practice calm and assertive nonverbal communication, and reflect on how their behaviors influenced their horse’s response.

Because horses provide immediate, honest feedback, the experience helped the participating faculty grow by strengthening their self-awareness, emotional control, and authentic confidence.

“Horses are incredibly perceptive and without guile,” said Dr. Gwen Ruttencutter, VSU faculty member and equine-assisted learning facilitator certified by EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association). “As such, horses reflect back to show to humans who we are and how we are ‘showing up’ in that space. They respond to authenticity, presence, and leadership, and that makes them powerful partners in helping our VSU faculty better understand how they are showing up for themselves in everyday life and for their students in the classroom.” 

Working with the horses helped the participating faculty learn to set consistent boundaries, respond in the moment, and adapt to individual needs, shifting their approach from control to connection, from authority to respectful leadership.

This translated into a better understanding of how calmness, patience, and clearer communication impact their everyday lives — and how stronger classroom leadership, better nonverbal communication, and more effective relationship-building can impact students on campus.

“This retreat was impactful for me in a number of different ways,” said Dr. Paige Krispin, instructor and interim head of the School of Nursing. “From my perspective as a faculty member, it was a reminder to me of how every student is different. They all come to the classroom with backgrounds and experiences that impact their lives as students. Just as I had to get to know each horse and how they responded, I was reminded of the importance of getting to know each student. When I know them, I understand them better and can tailor my communication and my teaching to their particular needs.”

Dr. Ericka Parra, professor of Spanish, described how she was most impacted by the horse grooming activity and how it served as an effective, foundational teaching technique for developing trust, safety, and communication between horse and human, student and professor. She said it was a reminder to step back and listen carefully before stepping “forward to circle together,” which translates into “meeting students where they are.”

The Faculty Development Retreat for Leading and Learning with Horses experience reinforced VSU’s ongoing commitment to student success and faculty development by encouraging innovative, experiential approaches to teaching and learning. By stepping outside the traditional professional development model, the participating faculty gained new tools to create classrooms where students feel seen, valued, guided, and inspired to grow.

The retreat was designed and facilitated by Dr. Kate Warner, associate dean of the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services; Dr. Gwen Scott Ruttencutter, assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Workforce Development; and Dr. Jamie Landau, director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. This trio is now exploring other opportunities to expand experiential programs in the future, recognizing the growing importance of holistic approaches to education that support both faculty well-being and student achievement.

In Spring 2024 VSU began offering an equine-assisted experience for students called STRIDES (Students Together Reaching Individual Development and Educational Success). It is designed to help first-year students develop self-awareness, goal-setting strategies, as well as problem-solving, team-building, and communication skills.

On the Web:
www.valdosta.edu

Post-Event Feedback

“I would love to have more group activity like this one — working as a group to accomplish a goal in an experiential environment under thoughtful facilitations. This is the best retreat!”

“I think the equine-assisted learning is very powerful and transformative.”

“The program was exceptionally well-organized, thoughtfully structured, and deeply meaningful to me. I would truly welcome the opportunity to build on this experience, perhaps through a Part II offering in the fall semester.”

All VSU students, faculty, and staff will receive free admission, free parking, and a free concert with their current VSU ID. The free admission is also good for the water park. The concert that night is Blank Space, a Taylor Swift tribute experience. 

VSU employees and students will also receive 30% off select food, drinks, and merchandise at the park. Wild Adventures will remain open to the community as normal on April 25.

VSU will provide transportation for students to and from Wild Adventures starting at 10 a.m. and ending with the last bus departing Wild Adventures at 10 p.m. The busses will depart from the Oak Street Parking Lot. 

There is no limit on the number of guests employees and students can bring with them, but only VSU employees and students receive free admission. 

More on the Web:

Valdosta State University: https://www.valdosta.edu/

Wild Adventures: https://www.wildadventures.com/

This year’s theme, “Reimagine the Power of SHE (Safety, Health, and Education),” guided the day’s programming and emphasized the importance of making positive choices and recognizing personal potential. The sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade girls attended a variety of interactive workshops covering topics on the proper use of social media, self-empowerment, maintaining a healthy mind and body, empathy, and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“The adolescent stage from sixth through eighth grade is a very challenging time for middle school girls,” said Rosetta Coyne, co-president of the Valdosta branch of AAUW. “Through Sister-to-Sister, these girls learn that their voices matter more than the noise around them, that confidence can outshine doubt, and that every choice they make has the power to shape a future filled with strength, purpose, and self-belief.”   

Sister-to-Sister 2026 was sponsored by the Valdosta branch of AAUW and the Valdosta Rotary Club. Community volunteers collaborated with AAUW members to lead workshops, facilitate discussions, and serve as mentors and role models. Throughout the event the goal was clear — empower each girl to make the best choices for their education, personal well-being, and future careers.

“More than 3,000 girls have experienced our Sister-to-Sister Summit over the past 28 years,” Coyne said. “Many girls have gone on to attend VSU, or other colleges and universities, thrive in careers they once only imagined, and rise as confident leaders who uplift their communities and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams.”

The AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881. It brings people together for the common goal of breaking through educational and economic barriers for women and girls. It advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the AAUW has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 branches and 800 college and university partners, including Valdosta State University. Collectively they work to analyze gender equity issues in education and the workplace; help shape the lives of the next generation of women leaders; level the playing field for girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; advocate for policies that advance equity for women and girls; support challenges to sex discrimination in higher education and the workplace; provide educational and lifelong learning opportunities for women; respond to the global development needs of women by helping them contribute to the economic and social development of their countries; fight to close the pay gap; and much more.

The Valdosta branch of the AAUW is primarily comprised of VSU faculty, staff, students, and alumni, but it is open to any woman with at least an associate’s degree. The Sister-to-Sister Summit is its flagship program and continues a decades-long commitment to supporting young women in the region. 

Schools that participated in Sister-to-Sister Summit 2026 were Lowndes Middle, Pine Grove Middle, Berrien Middle, Brooks County Middle, Valdosta Early College Academy, Scintilla Charter Academy, Open Bible Christian, Valdosta Middle, and St. John’s Catholic.

The Valdosta Rotary Club received a $5,000 grant from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, managed by Rotary District 6920, to provide financial support for this event. This grant focuses on preventing future opioid misuse through education and prevention. It is part of a larger district-wide effort to help Rotary clubs address the opioid crisis in their communities.

Visit http://valdosta-ga.aauw.net/ to learn more.

Hosted by VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, AI for Beginners is designed to introduce the general public to the basics of artificial intelligence. This special community engagement initiative is open to anyone interested in learning more about AI, regardless of technical background.  

Dr. Ahana Roy Choudhury, assistant professor of computer science, hopes the AI for Beginners workshop will demystify artificial intelligence, allow attendees to gain some insight into how the technology is being used in various fields, and motivate them to want to learn more.

The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discuss real-world examples of AI applications.

AI for Beginners is the first of a two-part Lunch & Learn series dedicated to helping people understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly and effectively. The second event, AI Deep Dive, will be held on April 16.

“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life for many people,” said Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at VSU. “Our goal in offering this free educational opportunity to the community is to empower people to better understand this emerging technology and its impact on society. As the STEM hub of South Georgia, it is our responsibility to share knowledge with the broader community to ensure that our neighbors, business owners, friends, and leaders have the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.”

VSU’s Student Union is located at the intersection of Baytree Road and Oak Street. Parking is available in the Oak Street lot.

Visit https://bit.ly/4kZ5NEk to register for Lunch & Learn: AI for Beginners while space is available.

Seating for each presentation is limited to 46 guests. Free admission ticket distribution begins as early as 5:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the VSU Planetarium.

“Recent news of the success of the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) Mission showed that we can alter the orbit of an asteroid to protect the planet from a possible impact,” shared Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy and physics at VSU. “The DART Mission, sponsored by NASA and aided by the European Space Agency, was successful in demonstrating that a measurable push — or impulse — given to the moon Dimorphos, orbiting Didymos, altered both objects very slightly in their orbits of the Sun and each other.”

Leake said the program will “look at planetary protection involving astronomy themes ranging from asteroid redirection, reducing light pollution, de-orbiting stray satellites in orbit around Earth, and reusing our hardware for other missions.”

“We hope to enrich our community with news of exploration successes and implications,” she added.

If weather conditions permit, guests will have an opportunity to visit the VSU Observatory and view the night sky through telescopes until 10 p.m.

Located on the third floor of Nevins Hall, the VSU Planetarium features a Digitarium Kappa digital projector, which can reproduce the night sky as seen from anywhere on Earth or from the surface of any object in the solar system, at any time in history, past or future.

Limited parking is available in front of Nevins Hall and across Patterson Street.

Planetarium public outreach shows are appropriate for all ages.

The Planetarium will host its final show of the season on April 10 and a stargazing on the deck event for Astronomy Day on April 24.

Contact VSU’s Department of Data Science at (229) 333-5778 for more information.

A dementia care specialist will provide information and support for adults with dementia and their caregivers. They will also provide guidance on creating places where people with dementia can remain active and safe.

A virtual dementia tour will provide caregivers in attendance with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people living with dementia, as well as give them a glimpse into the disease’s impact on daily life.

Door prizes will be given away every hour. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by the VSU Department of Human Services Master of Social Work program and the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, My Friend’s House provides a day program for senior citizens who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is a free service that promotes social, physical, creative, and cognitive stimulation through exercise, music, games, arts and crafts, hug therapy, laughter, and memory lane activities that encourage conversations about important events and people from the past.

Community groups interested in supporting My Friend’s House are encouraged to connect with Jacquelyn S. Hopkins, program coordinator, at (229) 293-6145. Donations of any size are accepted, and funds are used to provide snacks, birthday parties, and other supplies for My Friend’s House participants.  

To register for Community Day 2026 or learn more about My Friend’s House, please email Jacquelyn S. Hopkins at jshopkins@valdosta.edu or Marsha Smith at marshasmith@valdosta.edu.

Showcasing an exciting range of original choreography, created and performed by VSU’s talented dance faculty and students, “Pulse” promises to provoke, inspire, liberate, and leave audiences in awe as dances intertwine storytelling, abstract thought, and superb artistry. Each piece reflects the innovation and artistic rigor that define VSU’s dance program.

Sarah Wildes-Arnett, professor of dance, described “Pulse” as “a celebration of creative risk-taking and collaboration.” She presents work alongside Melissa Pihos, associate professor of dance; Carol Gonsalves Bertho, lecturer of dance; and Deija Holden and Carlene Fults, senior dance majors.  

“It’s about connection, the shared rhythm that links one dancer to another and all of us to the audience,” she said. “Throughout the rehearsal process, we’ve explored vulnerability, trust, and the power of collective momentum. Watching these students commit so fully — to the craft and to one another — has been the most inspiring part of the journey. When the curtain rises, my hope is that the audience doesn’t just watch the performance; I want them to feel the pulse right along with us.”

Highlights of the program include:

• Two senior student works developed through engaged creative processes and research and selected for presentation at the American College Dance Association Southeast Conference at Brenau University in February.

• Works in a variety of movement languages and styles, such as contemporary ballet, theatrical jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and commercial dance forms.

“Pulse” features innovative lighting and costume design, creating an immersive theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Performance Times: 7 p.m. March 11-13 and 2 p.m. March 14

Tickets: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/about/coa-tickets.php

On the Web: 
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/

The Blazer Creators program brings together a team of student storytellers who produce authentic, behind-the-scenes short-form video and digital content that highlights their day-to-day student experience. By sharing real moments from classes, campus events, student organizations, and residence life, this initiative offers prospective students an unfiltered look at life at VSU — through the eyes of the students who live it every day.

“Today’s prospective students want to hear directly from other students,” said Madison Beaumarchais, assistant director for strategic initiatives in VSU’s Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs, which oversees the Blazer Creators program through its Office of Admissions.

“The Blazer Creators program allows us to showcase what it means to be part of the Blazer community while giving our current students a platform to share their stories.”

Unlike traditional institutional messaging, the Blazer Creators program empowers students to create and share content in their own voice. This approach has proven especially effective in connecting with prospective students who are exploring colleges through social media and looking for genuine insight into campus culture.

In just a few short months, Blazer Creators has helped expand the university’s social media reach and strengthen engagement with audiences online. The initiative has contributed to a steady growth in followers while increasing the visibility of campus traditions, Greek Life, intramural sports, faith-based organizations, academic programs, and more everyday experiences that make the VSU community unique. 

Since it launched in October 2025, Beaumarchais said Blazer Creators has already inspired:

• More than 7,000 percent increase in views and more than 20,000 percent increase in accounts reached on Instagram.

• More than 300 new followers in Instagram.

• More than 1 million views on TikTok.

• More than 4,000 new followers to TikTok, for a total of 8,000 followers.

“Students trust students,” she added. “When prospective Blazers see real students talking about their experiences, it helps them picture their own future here.”

VSU’s Spring 2026 Blazer Creators team members are: 

 • Kagan Ellis, a sociology and anthropology major from St. Marys, Georgia.

• Lydia Mattox, a communications major from Colbert, Georgia.

• Graci Ashworth, a psychology major from Brunswick, Georgia.

• Mallory Poole, a communications major from Orange Park, Florida.

• Jean Garcia, an interpersonal communications major from Norman Park, Georgia.

• Randy Lanton, a political science major from Valdosta, Georgia.

• Jasmine Jaimes, a management major from Valdosta, Georgia.

• Hailey Mabrey, a marketing major from Adel, Georgia.

• Beau Lindsey, an exercise physiology major from Nashville, Georgia.

Beaumarchais said students selected for Blazer Creators are eligible to serve throughout their entire VSU experience. This program is expected to expand throughout 2026 as more students join the team and new content initiatives are introduced across social media.

“In addition to helping us better connect with prospective students, this program provides a valuable professional development opportunity for our VSU students,” she added. “Creators gain hands-on experience in digital storytelling, social media strategy, content production, and brand communication, skills that are increasingly in-demand in today’s workforce.”  

Follow VSU’s Blazer Creators on Instagram (@valdostastate_admissions) and on TikTok (@valdostastate).

VSU’s Clyde Eugene Connell Visiting Lecture Program and Department of Biology have invited Utah-based cell biologist and physiologist Dr. Paul R. Reynolds to discuss “Breaking Chronic Disease: Targeting Glycation and Inflammation.”  He is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology at Brigham Young University.

“Chronic low-grade inflammation drives many modern diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, dementia, and autoimmune disorders,” shared event organizers. “A central culprit is glycation, the non-enzymatic binding of glucose to proteins and lipids, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that trigger oxidative stress, impair cells, and amplify inflammation across tissues. This presentation explores how dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance fuel the glycation-inflammation cascade and highlights practical lifestyle strategies, including carbohydrate control and intermittent fasting, to reduce AGE burden and systemic inflammation. Additionally, emerging evidence on xylitol will be discussed, demonstrating its potential to lower postprandial glucose, limit glycation, and support mucosal and gut microbiome health.”

The Clyde Eugene Connell Visiting Lecture Series honors the legacy of Clyde Eugene Connell, who served the faculty, staff, and students of Valdosta State’s Department of Biology for more than two decades. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Valdosta State College in 1954. After earning a Master of Science in Zoology from the University of Georgia, he returned to Valdosta State in 1958 as a member of the faculty. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology from UGA, and in 1962 he was named head of VSU’s Department of Biology, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. His contributions to the university, the community, higher education, and the field of biology continue to inspire new generations of Blazers.  

Dr. Cristina Calestani, professor of cell and molecular biology and interim associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, will discuss “How Genomics is Changing Our Lives.” This Science Café event is an informal opportunity for anyone and everyone to explore how advances in genetic science are shaping medicine, agriculture, and emerging technologies. She will answer questions about the fundamentals of genomics, recent scientific breakthroughs, how genetic research is transforming fields ranging from personalized medicine to biotechnology innovation, as well as its general impact on society.

“As DNA sequencing has become faster and more affordable, genomics has grown at a rapid pace and is now applied to many aspects of our lives, including personalized medicine, drug development, biotechnology, forensics, agriculture, and environmental science,” she said.

VSU’s Science Café series offers a space where university-based scientists and the broader community can come together to discuss topics at the forefront of scientific discovery. This helps foster public understanding and enthusiasm for the scientific and technological developments shaping the world.

“Science Café is an opportunity for anyone, from any background and level of education, to learn more about scientific discoveries that affect our daily lives,” Calestani said. “It is not meant to be a lecture. It is an opportunity for the public, as well as our VSU students and colleagues, to ask questions and receive answers in a format that they can understand. The informal setting facilitates the interaction between the scientist and the public. Our goal is to make cutting-edge topics like genomics accessible and to spark curiosity about the science shaping the future.”

Augie’s Cafe is located at 1811 Jerry Jones Drive in Valdosta. Attendees are encouraged to purchase a beverage or food item from the host site.  

Dr. Barry Hojjatie, professor and Engineering Studies Program coordinator in VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, said Engineering Night is designed to help students understand engineering and technology careers available to them across South Georgia (and even around the world), connect them with role models they can relate to, provide them with an opportunity to share their research with a diverse audience, and increase interest in engineering as an academic field of study.

Demand for engineers grows from year to year, Hojjatie said, and through events like Engineering Night and National Engineers Week, VSU is able to share its unwavering commitment to graduating students who have the skills necessary to create, build, and maintain infrastructure; solve problems; drive economic growth and innovation; overcome challenges; and improve quality of life for all.

Students in attendance were able to network and engage with industry leaders and technical representatives from Saft America Inc., Salvus LLC, Georgia Power, Packaging Corporation of America, and more during the nearly two-hour event. Hojjatie said this interaction is important because it transforms engineering education from purely academic learning into career-ready preparation. It equips students with knowledge, networks, perspective, and confidence, giving them a significant advantage as they enter the workforce after graduation. 

Engineering Night activities included:

• Anh Ho, an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was recognized for earning the Outstanding Student in the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program Award. As an Engineering Studies student, she will soon transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology, Mercer University, or University of Georgia to complete her studies in mechanical engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in spaceship creation.

• Ian Bittinger of Martinez, Georgia, was recognized for earning the Outstanding Student in Engineering Technology Award. He will graduate from VSU in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. As a cadet in VSU’s United States Air Force Detachment 172, his goal is to commission into the Air Force and become a pilot.

• Lynette Hepburn-Richardson with VSU’s Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services talked to attendees about the power of networking and how it directly impacts career opportunities, personal growth, and long-term success. She said networking helps students move from just earning a degree to building a career.

• Representatives from Packaging Corporation of America shared how they rely on almost every type of engineer to produce containerboard and corrugated packaging products; the majority of their workforce holds some type of engineering degree. They said that engineering is in high demand, and economic forecasters predict that there will be more vacancies than qualified engineers in the next decade.

To help meet the growing demand for engineers, PCA offers paid experiential learning opportunities for current college students. The company also offers scholarships that cover the full cost of college for high school students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, with a full-time job at PCA waiting for them after graduation.   

• Hojjatie presented a brief overview of his research, “Energy and Materials Sustainability in Papermaking.” He said the average person has no idea what it takes to make a simple piece of paper, and making the process more sustainable can help reduce climate impact, protect natural resources, lower costs, and keep the industry viable long term.

• A representative from Saft America Inc. shared how the company is committed to having a positive impact on the world every day. This includes making systems work better, finding ways to meet the changing needs of customers, as well as designing and developing new methods or products.

A subsidiary of TotalEnergies since 2016, Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry. The company offers a number of experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing a career in a variety of types of engineering.

• Paul Lee, an international student from Daegu, South Korea, shared his experience working with Salvus LLC, where he helped develop a sample transfer flow box. He plans to transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program and pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

“Since I was young, I’ve always been curious about how devices work,” he said. “I used to take things apart at home and put them back together to understand the mechanism behind them. I was especially fascinated by circuit boards. Over time, I realized that many assistive devices are deeply connected to electrical engineering, and that even though technology advances quickly, some people still don’t get to benefit from it.

“Last year, I designed a concept for an assistive device using LiDAR and an image sensor to help visually impaired people detect obstacles and navigate more safely. That idea advanced to the finals of a VSU business competition. After completing my degree, my goal is to attend graduate school to research sensor technology and autonomous robotics, and then found a startup focused on building assistive devices for people with visual impairments.”

• A representative from Salvus LLC gave a brief update on the company’s groundbreaking efforts to support and enhance the safety of people, animals, and the environment through its innovative on-site detection technology. He invited attendees to reach out about tours of Salvus or any of the other CJB companies, including CJB Industries Inc. and CJB Applied Technologies, to see how they are innovating and developing new technologies for chemical, biological, and life science industries.

• Representatives from Georgia Power Company discussed the various roles they play in delivering reliable energy to their customers. They company employs a wide range of engineers focused on power generation, transmission, and distribution. Austin Byrd of Hahira, Georgia, shared his work as a protection, control, and field services test engineer and how he hopes to remain at Georgia Power after completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. A first-generation college student, he previously pursued an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Studies at VSU through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program.

• Izavious Bundrage of Sparta, Georgia, discussed an experiential learning project involving the modernization of a 1982 GMC C10 through powertrain integration. He said this real-world test of engineering technology principles “has been a process.” His biggest challenge at this point is maintaining proper alignment, driveline angles, and clearance while introducing a physically larger and heavier powertrain. He will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. He hopes to attend Air Force Officer Training School or secure a position in automotive manufacturing or development.

• James F. Johnson Jr. of Winterville, Georgia, discussed his work with building critical thinkers through VSU’s Peer Alliance Learning (PAL) initiative. He anticipates earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from VSU in May 2028 and plans to spend the next couple of years gaining job-ready skills and clarifying his career direction through internships.

• Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said that VSU is committed to graduating career-ready graduates by aligning degree programs with workforce and employer demands. He said community and industry partners, like those attending Engineering Night, are “the lifeblood of what we do” because they provide guidance on how the university needs to evolve.

Cornely reflected on the unique role the College of Science and Mathematics plays in South Georgia and described it as the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) hub of VSU and its 41-county service area.

“STEM is the future, and that future is being built right here, right now at VSU,” he said.

Hojjatie has organized and hosted Engineering Night at VSU for 15 years.  With support from his colleagues at VSU, the community, and engineers from local industry, he said it has grown every year and had great success in helping students secure career-building opportunities. 

"I love National Engineers Week, and I love the VSU Engineering Night because it generates interest in and excitement about engineering among students,” he said. “I hope that other faculty members of engineering at VSU will continue to support such a wonderful event for many years to come."

VSU offers an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Studies, a traditional two-year program. These students typically transfer to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, or other Georgia institutions of higher education through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program.

VSU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, a traditional four-year degree program with a concentration in Industrial Engineering Technology.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/cset/