VALDOSTA — Andrew Madsen is Valdosta State University’s Summer 2026 Employee of the Semester.

Madsen joined Team VSU on Dec. 15, 2024. He currently serves as a systems services technician with the Division of Information Technology’s Identity and Enterprise Services team.

VSU: What do you enjoy most about the work you do each day?

Madsen: I most enjoy working with my fellow teammates to solve problems and architect solutions that make VSU more efficient and effective at our mission of serving students and the community.

VSU: How has being named Employee of the Semester inspired you?

Madsen: I feel inspired to continue onwards with trying my best each and every day to excel in all that I do and leave the world a better place wherever I go.

On the Web:

https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/it/

The expo takes place Nov. 9 – 10, 2026 in the Student Union and is being hosted by VSU’s Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning. Dr. Anne Price is the Executive Director of the Terry Center.

“Experiential learning is some of the most transformative learning our students can have,” said Price. “It allows them to move beyond the classroom, explore their interests, and develop their talents. It truly makes a difference in the academic experience, and our students graduate confident and career-ready.”  

Both graduate and undergraduate experiential learning will be featured at the expo. Students will share how they have been impacted by internships, field work, practicums, studying abroad, and more. Those wanting to take part in experiential activities can learn how to get started. Faculty, staff, and community partners looking to lead experiential initiatives can learn how. The event will end with the Graduate Experiential Learning Awards Ceremony.

VSU President Dr. Don Green will also hold his President’s Research Exchange during the expo. Students interested in research can meet with President Green and student research ambassadors for a relaxed conversation about opportunities available at VSU.     

The Terry Center leads the way with experiential learning for VSU students and partners with The Graduate School, Center for South Georgia Regional Impact, the Honors College, the Center for International Programs, the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, and faculty and staff across the university.   

More on the Web

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

Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning: https://www.valdosta.edu/terry-center/

About The Terry Center: https://www.valdosta.edu/terry-center/mary-virginia-terry.php

Seating for each presentation is limited. 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 excited to feature and celebrate the telescope, an instrument to gather light and energy to see the past and learn about our future,” said Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy and physics at VSU. “The telescope helps us to see from a distance. Such devices began as spyglasses to allow us to monitor the enemy or stranger and, thanks to Galileo and others, were aimed at the Moon, Sun, the planets, comets and asteroids. But that also led us to study the stars and ponder questions such as how hot they are, how far they are, and if our Sun is ‘just’ a nearby star. We will examine some of the instruments used in this adventure, from early ‘refractors’ to huge ‘reflectors,’ catching energy of all types, revealing some of the secretes of our cosmos.”

Each presentation will begin with “Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope,” a 23-minute full-dome educational show that traces the 400-year history of the telescope. Then the conversation will expand to the detection of gravitational waves. Reflectors and refractors will be on display, and guests will have an opportunity to use the telescopes on the rooftop Observatory deck to look at the Moon, planets, and double starts.

“The James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, and the Deep Space Network are examples of creativity in telescope design and function,” Leake shared. “We ‘travel’ through the Universe with our telescopes.”  

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.

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

Established in response to Georgia’s growing importance as a center for Korean business, investment, and cultural exchange, this new initiative positions VSU as a bridge between South Georgia and South Korea while expanding access to global learning and collaboration, said Dr. Byeonghwa Park, director of King Sejong Institute Valdosta.

“Georgia has never had a King Sejong Institute, and we saw a unique opportunity for VSU to help fill that gap,” Park explained. “Our goal was to create a place where VSU students, faculty, and staff along with members of the broader community could learn the Korean language, experience Korean culture, and develop a deeper understanding of Korea.

“At the same time, we believed the institute could support VSU’s broader internationalization efforts and help build stronger educational, cultural, and, eventually, business connections between South Georgia and South Korea. Becoming the first King Sejong Institute in Georgia makes this opportunity especially meaningful for VSU and our region.”

King Sejong Institute Valdosta recently held a Grand Opening event, inviting guests to learn more about this new initiative, participate in a calligraphy workshop, taste the unique flavors of Korean food, and enjoy a special Hunminjeongeum calligraphy performance by special guest Churlwoo Shin.

The first free, online Korean language courses were announced in late September and reached capacity in less than 24 hours. Additional language learning opportunities will be announced soon.

“The early response has been very encouraging,” Park shared. “Our initial language offerings attracted strong interest, and we received inquiries from people who wanted to join even after the courses had begun. That tells us there is genuine demand for Korean language learning in this area.”

“We have also seen strong participation and enthusiasm in our cultural programs,” he added. “The response to activities surrounding the Grand Opening, including the Korean calligraphy programs, reinforced our belief that people are interested not only in learning the Korean language but also in experiencing Korean culture firsthand.

“We are still in the early stages, but the level of interest has exceeded our expectations.”

King Sejong Institute Valdosta represents an important milestone in VSU’s efforts to expand international engagement and connect the region with a growing global network of educational, cultural, and business opportunities.

As interest in this new initiative increases, activities offered through King Sejong Institute Valdosta will include guest lectures and performances; special cultural events; opportunities for cultural exchange with Korean students, universities, and partner organizations; and courses in Korean language and conversation, Korean food and culinary culture, as well as K-pop, K-film, K-drama, and more contemporary culture. No prior knowledge is required to participate. Most of the programming is offered free of charge, but occasionally something may require a minimal fee.

“One of the most important features of King Sejong Institute Valdosta is that it is open not only to VSU students, faculty, and staff but also to members of the general public,” Park said. “That includes our Korean language courses as well as cultural programs and special events. Participants do not need to be affiliated with VSU to take part. Our goal is to make Korean language and culture accessible to the entire community and to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to learn together.”

King Sejong Institute Valdosta is an independent international language and cultural initiative operating under the umbrella of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration. It is funded by the King Sejong Institute Foundation, which was founded in 2012 by the South Korean government under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Its purpose is to encourage people around the world to learn the Korean language. Its name refers to Sejong the Great, the inventor of the Korean alphabet.

Park credited Dr. Guclu Atinc, dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, and VSU leadership for the institutional support that helped bring this new initiative to campus.

In his role as director of King Sejong Institute Valdosta, Park oversees the overall direction and development of the institute, including academic and cultural programming, partnerships with King Sejong Institute Foundation and Hannam University, community engagement, and the development of future opportunities for collaboration between VSU and Korean institutions and organizations. He also serves VSU as an associate professor of management in the Department of Management and Marketing, and as director of the J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship.

Park believes there will be opportunities in the future for King Sejong Institute Valdosta and the J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship to collaborate, “particularly as we develop relationships with Korean companies and organizations in Georgia.”

The King Sejong Institute Valdosta office is located in Pound Hall Room 1001B on VSU’s Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus. Email ksi@valdosta.edu for more information.

Dr. Zachary Karazsia, associate professor of political science at VSU, is proud of his appointment to the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Board of Directors. NMUN is a nonprofit educational organization that provides rigorous UN simulation experiences for students at conferences held in New York City, Washington, D.C., internationally, and online.

“It is a huge honor to be appointed to the NMUN Board of Directors,” said Karazsia. “It would not be possible without the support VSU has given our students and this program for decades.”

Karazsia has been the faculty advisor for VSU’s Model UN program in recent years and has overseen its successes, including a first place award at the 2024 NMUN Conference in Washington, D.C.

“This is a very exciting and well-deserved leadership opportunity for Dr. Karazsia,” said Dr. James LaPlant, dean of VSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “He is a wonderful ambassador for VSU and experiential learning.”

In 2027, VSU will mark 52 years participating in NMUN conferences while the organization itself will celebrate its 100th anniversary. NMUN prepares the next generation of leaders by fostering understanding of global issues and the work of the United Nations. During the 2025-2026 academic year, NMUN engaged over 5,800 global citizens from 122 UN Member States, 47 U.S. States, and more than 322 colleges and universities.

At VSU, Model UN is registered student organization in collaboration with courses offered by the Department of Political Science. Those interested in learning more about VSU’s Model UN program can do so here.

More on the Web

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

VSU Department of Political Science: https://www.valdosta.edu/polsci/

Stating it is best for working professionals seeking low-cost graduate study, VSU’s M.Ed. in Counselor Education ranks third among schools in Georgia. VSU offers both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health concentrations.

“This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence from our Counselor Education faculty,” said Dr. Kate Warner, interim dean of VSU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Developing a strong program takes tremendous effort, from providing high-quality instruction and mentorship to preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to the lives of individuals, families, and communities.”

In its assessment of VSU’s program, CounselingPsychology.org stated the following: “Valdosta State University's counselor education department keeps its focus on students who plan to practice in South Georgia. Its clinical mental health counseling track is CACREP accredited, spans 60 credit hours, and leans on agency partnerships across the region when it comes time to place students in practicum and internship sites. It is a sensible pick for anyone who wants a licensure track without leaving the area, and border-county residents in neighboring states should ask about regional tuition arrangements.”

School of Health Sciences Department Head Dr. Heather Kelley added, “Our program has a personalized and practice-oriented approach, which provides our students with key faculty mentorship and real-world clinical experience. Students graduate as compassionate professionals fully prepared for licensure and leadership.”

The rankings from CounselingPsychology.org focus on affordable options and programs that working students can complete without relocating. You can see the full rankings here.

More on the Web

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

VSU’s Master of Education in Counselor Education: https://www.valdosta.edu/programs/m-ed-degree-in-counselor-education/

VSU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/

“Every moment we are living in is going to be history,” said FitzGerald. “Realizing that helps us connect with the past and our communities.”

FitzGerald was hired to start the Public History program at VSU in Aug. 2021. She says public history is vital to support South Georgia and share our region’s history.

We asked her what distinguishes it from other types of history, what experiential learning and research look like within VSU’s Department of History and Interdisciplinary Studies, and what still excites her about teaching and studying public history.

What exactly is public history?

Public history used to be called applied history, and it refers to history that usually happens outside the classroom such as museums, historic structures, monuments, archives, even podcasts and video game documentaries. This all falls under the umbrella of public history. In the public history program, we train students to do the work of public historians. We have a track in our bachelor’s program, so you would get a Bachelor of Arts in History with an emphasis on public history. As part of your coursework, you take courses specific to public history as well as completing a public history internship in archives or museums in the region. We also have a Public History Graduate Certificate for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and are interested in continuing their education with a focus in public history. The B.A. with an emphasis in public history as well as our graduate public history certificate are incredibly useful for training students in public history methods and providing experience they can use on the job market for public history careers.

How did the public history track at VSU come about?

My department identified the need to train students in public history to support the region of South Georgia in order to teach students to interpret and share our region’s history with the local community.

Can you talk about experiential learning opportunities within the public history track

We do experiential learning within our coursework. Right now, I am developing an exhibit with my students. We do this every fall semester where we create exhibits and we put them on display at Odum Library to ensure they are accessible to our university community as well as the public community at large. Our students get hands-on experience handling artifacts. We are really grateful partners with VSU Archives, so students get a lot of hands-on experience in archives handling primary sources, handling historic artifacts. Students also do internships in our community, so we’ve placed students in a wide variety of locations for this hands on experience. They can do their internships here at VSU Archives as well as the Lowndes County Historical Society, the Copeland African American Museum, and other institutions in the region at large.

How can students interested in history find the right focus for them?

I would encourage those students to get started. The way to get started is to take coursework and get to know your professors. Share with your professors your interests, your curiosity, and your questions, because your professors are really the best path to help you understand what the profession looks like. They can also connect you with people who can best support you in your career moving forward.

What does research look like within history studies?

Research involves consulting primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources are what most of us are probably familiar with: textbooks that you use in your history classes, documentary films, and books written by historians. The primary sources are going to be the original material, documents and such from the time period you are studying. Students get really excited to be able to handle original documents from the past; the letters, speeches, journal entries, even songs and clothing can be considered primary sources. Doing research as a historian is bringing primary and secondary sources together to ask questions about what happened in the past and then viewing those sources to answer those questions and telling stories about the human experience through time.

What makes you excited about public history?

One of the things that gets me excited about public history is that people experience public history in their everyday lives. It can be as simple as visiting a state or national park. There is going to be interpretation of the history on that land. If you are traveling by car, you are going to see historic markers throughout your experience, talking about what happened in the past in the place that you live and the places you travel. What really gets me excited about it is that right now, getting to expose students in their undergraduate phase, having high school students come to our open houses and orientations saying they are interested in public history. I was a bit of a late bloomer; I didn’t really know about public history as a pathway until graduate school, so I’m really eager to share this with students to let them know what opportunities are out there with public history. Public history expands the way we can understand interpreting the past, as well as who our audiences are for telling stories about the past.

More on the Web

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

VSU's Department of History and Interdisciplinary Studies: https://www.valdosta.edu/history/

"Resonance" explores the synergy created when love, movement, and energy come together in powerful and expressive ways. Its content rating is PG, parental guidance encouraged; the production may contain mature themes and language.

The show runs Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17 at Sawyer Theatre on the first floor of VSU’s Fine Arts Building. All shows are at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for senior adults, and non-VSU students are $15. Tickets can be purchased here.

VSU students are admitted for free by logging into the above link using the student VSU Active Directory login.  Student will then pick up their tickets at will call at least 15 minutes prior to the announced start time by presenting their ID.

The in-person box office is in the Fine Arts Building, Room 1071.  Hours are 2-5 p.m. Monday - Friday.  The in-person box office will open for walk up sales one hour prior to announced start times.

More on the Web

VSU's Department of Theatre, Dance, and Media: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/tdm/

VSU's College of the Arts: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/

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

Rodríguez-Calderón’s visit provided the VSU students an opportunity to practice their developing Spanish speaking and listening skills while learning firsthand about Colombia’s rich geography, cultural diversity, and artistic and intellectual traditions. The students asked questions and communicated entirely in Spanish, demonstrating their growing confidence in using the language in an engaging, real-world setting.

During the special event, Dr. Luis G. Bejarano, professor of Spanish, conducted a “Wonders of Colombia” video presentation designed to spark curiosity and broaden cultural understanding. The discussion continued afterwards as Rodríguez-Calderón offered additional context and encouraged students to look beyond the images and facts presented on screen to develop a deeper appreciation for Colombia and its people.     

“My students were engaged the entire time,” Bejarano said. “This was a great opportunity for them to realize that they could interact even at their basic level. They learned mostly about the huge natural and cultural diversity of Colombia and got firsthand experience from another native speaker. Camila also shared some handmade crafts from her travels around Colombia.”

For students at the beginning of their Spanish language journey, opportunities like this can help build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and foster a greater understanding of the connections between language and culture. They can also highlight the importance of learning from individuals whose professional and personal experiences offer perspectives that extend beyond traditional classroom materials.

Rodríguez-Calderón participated in a number of Hispanic Heritage Month learning opportunities with VSU students during her three days on campus  — a workshop on the role of cooking in Colombia’s peace process;  a conversation with students participating in the Building Community Through the Humanities initiative funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through VSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences; a presentation on women as protagonists in building peace; an examination of how memory and lived experiences contribute to the formation of communities and influence how individuals and groups understand their realities; and more.

Rodríguez-Calderón’s visit reflects VSU’s commitment to creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and dialogue. This supports the university’s promise to prepare students for a changing global society, advance teaching and intellectual engagement beyond the classroom, and support community engagement and service.

Attendees had a chance to sample international treats, celebrate the many languages and cultures represented at VSU, and explore upcoming study abroad programs in Spain, Costa Rica, Korea, Japan, England, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, and other locations.

The Language and Culture Fair directly supports VSU's experiential learning promise and enhances students' collegiate experience by encouraging curiosity, cultural awareness, open-mindedness, and cross-cultural communication.

Presented by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, this annual event demonstrates how learning extends beyond the classroom at VSU, as the university strives to help students become more globally aware, adaptable, and engaged learners who are better prepared to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.  

PARADE

Themed “A Royal Affair,” Saturday’s Homecoming festivities kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. The route begins at VSU’s Oak Street parking lot and proceeds along Brookwood Drive to Patterson Street. It then turns right onto Patterson Street and continues onto Ann Street and Williams Street, traveling around Bazemore-Hyder Stadium before returning to Brookwood Drive and concluding at the Oak Street parking lot. 

This much-anticipated joyful celebration is the perfect opportunity to say hello to Dr. Donald J. Green, university president; catch a glimpse of Blaze; listen to the sounds of the Blazin’ Brigade; help fire up the football team, cheerleaders, and Red Hots; meet the Homecoming court; and enjoy the procession of floats, people, and vehicles representing the university and its Valdosta-Lowndes County hometown community.

TAILGATING

Homecoming festivities continue 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the President’s Tailgate at the Alumni House.

Individual tailgate access tickets are $25 and may be purchased by visiting the Alumni Events page at alumni.valdostastate.org. Children 12 years of age and younger are free. This event includes food, a cash bar, live entertainment, and visits with Blaze, as well as the Red Hots, cheerleaders, and Blazin’ Brigade.   

BLAZER WALK

VSU football fans have an opportunity to come face to face with their favorite athletes, coaches, and more during Blazer Walk at 1:15 p.m. The route begins at the Alumni House and travels through the University Center parking lot and breezeway to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

FOOTBALL GAME

The Blazers play the Shorter University Hawks at 3 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. Reserved seating is $21. General admission seating is $13 for adults, $9 for school-age children, $9 for seniors 60 years of age and older, and free for active-duty military and their immediate families. Tickets may be purchased online at www.vstateblazers.com or on gameday at the stadium.

Here’s what students, employees, and the community need to know.

• All vehicles need to be removed from both parking decks by Friday, Oct. 9.
• During the project, parking will be available in the Oak Street surface lot and Centennial Hall lot.
• Please park as far away from the parking decks as possible.
• Handicap-accessible spaces will be available in the surrounding parking lots.

Scheduling the work during fall break helps minimize the disruption to campus while also keeping vehicles safe. For vehicles not moved, any damage incurred will be the responsibility of the owner/operator of the vehicle.

More on the Web

Valdosta State University Parking Map: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/auxiliary-services/parking/documents/parking-map.pdf

Pops in the Park features entertaining performances by the VSU Department of Music’s Steel Drum Band, Wind Ensemble, Spotlighters, and Blazin’ Brigade.

This year’s featured soloist is Dr. Susan Boddie, assistant professor of voice at VSU who teaches students in the Department of Music and Department of Theatre, Dance, and Media. She holds degrees from the New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and University of Calgary. As a soprano, her performance experience encompasses a wide range of operatic and musical theatre repertoire, as well as featured solo appearances with major choral and orchestral works. She is also a frequent recitalist.

Proceeds from Pops in the Park benefit scholarships for the talented students studying in the Department of Music at VSU.

General admission tickets for Pops in the Park are $30 for adults; $20 for students, senior citizens, and military personnel; and free for children ages 12 and under. They may be purchased at https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/music/pops-in-the-park.php.

Pops in the Park attendees are welcome to bring their outdoor folding chairs, picnic dinners, and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical performances at the Fine Arts Building Amphitheatre. Tables for up to eight may be reserved for $200. Sponsorship tables for up to eight are available for $300. 

Call (229) 333-2150 or email Amber Porter, administrative coordinator for College of the Arts Outreach, at saporter@valdosta.edu for more information.

If there is inclement weather on Oct. 20, Pops in the Park will be rescheduled for Nov. 5.

Lee has been at VSU for six years. He was named a Fulbright Scholar for the 2025 – 2026 academic year and spent Jan. – June 2026 teaching at Palacký University in the Czech Republic.

While this was his first time teaching abroad, Lee had spent time in the Czech Republic before. He first went in 2010 as a Model UN student at VSU.

We asked Lee about earning this major achievement, what surprised him most about his time teaching and living in Europe, and why programs like the Fulbright Scholar are so important to higher education.

What does this honor mean to you personally and professionally?

It is a tremendous honor. The Fulbright is highly selective, and I always assumed it was reserved for faculty at Ivy League and large research universities. I never even looked into it.

I am a first-generation college student and a non-traditional academic. I didn't start college until I was 28 after eight years in the Navy and a stint as a truck driver. I've been teaching at the college level for 10 years, and I still sometimes feel like a fish out of water. There is a lot about academia I'm still learning.

So personally, it means a great deal, and I owe it to the colleagues who encouraged and supported me: Michael Baun, Jiří Lach, James LaPlant, and Joe Robbins. Professionally, it has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities I might have talked myself out of before.

What similarities and differences did you discover while teaching about American political institutions and public policy to students overseas?

The biggest difference was how much the students cared. My students at Palacký University in Olomouc were genuinely interested in the American political system because of America's role in the world. They see how decisions made in Washington affect them.

Students here tend to be more ambivalent, and I don't blame them. There is so much information coming at them that it's overwhelming. But the experience motivated me to work harder at making students care, and to teach the material in a way that leaves them wanting to get engaged. I am eight weeks into a new semester teaching freshmen now. I’m not sure yet how well I'm doing at inspiring them, but I'm doing my best.

What was the biggest surprise you discovered while living and teaching abroad for six months?

The slower pace of life. Olomouc is a walkable city, and everyone walks: to work, to class, to the supermarket, to meet friends. I walked everywhere too, and you notice so much more when you aren't in a car.

Meals are slower as well. There isn't a tipping culture like ours, so no one hurries you out to free up the table. You can sit, talk, and linger for hours. Because of that, conversations go deeper and relationships form more naturally. I came home with real friendships, not just professional contacts. It forced me to slow down, and I think I'm better for it.

What did you learn teaching abroad that you are bringing back to the classroom at VSU?

Seeing American politics through Czech students' eyes reminded me that our system is something the rest of the world watches closely. I am trying to bring that perspective into my classes. When students see that people halfway around the world care about Congress, elections, and American policy, it helps them see why it should matter to them too.

For faculty considering a Fulbright opportunity or students considering studying abroad, what would you say to them about the opportunity?

To faculty: Don't count yourself out. I did for years. If someone like me, a first-generation, non-traditional academic can earn a Fulbright, you can too. Talk to people who have done it and ask for help. The support of colleagues made all the difference for me.

To students: Go. Seeing another country, and seeing your own country from the outside, changes how you understand the world. And I'll be leading VSU's Czech Republic study abroad program in 2028, so come talk to me.

Why are programs like the Fulbright Scholar so important to higher education?

They build connections that no single institution could build on its own. When faculty teach abroad, they bring back new perspectives, new research partnerships, and a better sense of how the rest of the world sees the United States. That reaches their students and their campuses long after the award ends.

Programs like the Fulbright also create relationships between universities that last for years. Those relationships lead to exchanges and collaborations that give students opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have. And by opening those doors to faculty at all kinds of institutions, not just the most elite ones, the Fulbright helps make sure those benefits reach students everywhere.

More on the Web

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

Valdosta State University Department of Political Science: https://www.valdosta.edu/polsci/

Since joining the Complete College America initiative in 2011 to boost degree completion, USG has seen the number of degrees awarded jump by 58%. That growth far outpaces system enrollment, which grew 20.2% over the same period.

“Over my four years as chancellor, we’ve seen remarkable growth in degrees awarded across the system. But beyond the data, higher education is fundamentally a life-changing business,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Higher education and economic development form a powerful flywheel: as more Georgians earn degrees, individual families build financial security and our state’s economy gains momentum. I’m immensely proud of our graduates and the lasting prosperity they bring to their communities.”

Graduate and professional degrees accounted for much of the gain, rising 7.3% to 30,961. Undergraduates earned 55,699 degrees, up 3.6% from FY2025.

The latest numbers also show a surge in demand for short-term, career-focused credentials. One-year undergraduate certificates climbed 21.5% year over year — topping the 20.1% growth seen over the last five years combined. Graduate certificates jumped 12.2% over last year and have surged 125.2% since 2022, marking the fastest-growing credential at the graduate level.

To keep that momentum going, Georgia launched the DREAMS Scholarship this year — the state’s first need-based financial aid program. Having initially launched DREAMS as a system initiative, USG is now leading the drive to build a $1.5 billion state endowment that helps students every step of the way to finishing their degree.

Long before their statewide debuts, Chancellor Perdue also championed efforts to help more high school students prepare for college and future careers. Today, those concepts are core state priorities. The Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy recently announced Georgia Connect, a single online platform connecting every Georgian with a personalized plan for their education and career. It complements Georgia MATCH, launched in 2023 alongside state partners such as the Georgia Student Finance Commission, to directly match high school seniors with colleges that fit their goals. Last October, the state sent direct-match letters to over 132,000 seniors in the Class of 2026, with plans to reach at least 130,000 students in the Class of 2027.

Taken together, these programs clear a straightforward path for students — helping more Georgians from all corners of the state map out a career, pick the right college, access their education and cross the graduation stage.

USG also continues to roll out tools that help students stay on track to graduation. In 2022, the system launched Georgia Degrees Pay to give families clear data on tuition, student success and overall return on investment across all 25 of USG’s public colleges and universities. Last year, USG added the Academic Program Finder, allowing students to search across every campus and online degree to pinpoint the best fit for their goals.

That steady climb in degrees since 2011 mirrors the life-changing value of a USG education. A recent study found that USG graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn more than $1.4 million over their lifetimes than high school graduates do. 

Haunted Trail: Face Your Fears is open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 16, 17, 24, 25, and 29 at the VSU Center for Outdoor Recreational Experiences Challenge Course, 1300 Sustella Ave.

Admission is $10 per person. Ticket sales begin at 6:30 p.m. each night at the Red Cross Training Room located on the ground level of the Sustella Parking Deck. Advance tickets may be purchased weekdays at the Student Recreation Center. Ticket sales are limited each night to ensure every guest has a chance to complete the experience.

“This year’s trail is a journey through eight of the most common fears — darkness, spiders, dolls, the unknown, confined spaces, and being stalked, experimented on, or tracked,” said Davy Shaw, recreation supervisor. “Some will be portrayed by intense set designs and others by our talented scare actors.”

Due to the intense nature of this experience, Haunted Trail is not appropriate for children under the age of 13.

Haunted Trail: Face Your Fears is staffed by VSU volunteers who are committed to making the Halloween season a memorable one for all who dare to brave the darkness. All proceeds benefit experiential learning opportunities for students.

“Join us for an exhilarating evening filled with fun, fright, and community spirit,” Shaw says. “We look forward to seeing everyone at Haunted Trail.”

Because this is an outdoor experience, Haunted Trail guests are advised to wear appropriate footwear and use insect repellant as desired.

Contact Davy Shaw, recreation supervisor, at davshaw@valdosta.edu or Campus Recreation at (229) 333-5898 to learn more. 

Alyssa Foskey is the director of the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University (VSU). She was recognized as a State Star during America’s SBDC annual training in Atlanta.

“It is an honor to represent our great state,” said Foskey. “Working to make our business community better and seeing small business owners’ dreams become a reality brings me such joy.”

The State Star Award recognizes outstanding individual achievement within America’s SBDC Network. State Stars are nominated by their peers with winners being selected by their state directors.

Foskey was selected for her strong commitment to small businesses in the Valdosta area and for her statewide expertise in childcare-related businesses. She has worked in her current role since January 2019.

One recent client of Foskey’s had this to say about her impact: “Working with Alyssa has changed the trajectory of my business. Her knowledge and expertise are second to none.”

The University of Georgia’s SBDC at Valdosta State University is one of 17 SBDC area offices in Georgia, providing expert business and economic development assistance to entrepreneurs in Atkinson, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, and Thomas counties. As part of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, its center combines practical experience with advanced education to support the growth of South Georgia’s small businesses.

More on the Web

UGA SBDC at VSU: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/business/small-business-development-center/

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

Fanning, who was named the sole finalist for the position last month, succeeds Chancellor Sonny Perdue.

Perdue is retiring Dec. 31 after more than four decades in public service, a career that includes two terms as Georgia governor and four years as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

In his new role, starting Jan. 1, 2027, Fanning will lead one of the nation’s top public higher education systems, which includes 25 colleges and universities, more than 50,000 faculty and staff, and over 382,000 students across the state.

“USG is stronger than ever, and Tom Fanning is the right person to lead us forward,” Board Chair David B. Dove said. “Maintaining our competitive edge during a changing time in higher education takes a leader who knows how to guide big organizations, keep college affordable and position our graduates for career success. We’re deeply grateful for Chancellor Perdue’s decades of leadership in Georgia as we work with him on a smooth transition that will keep our momentum going and deliver the high-skilled talent Georgia needs.”

Fanning brings more than 40 years of leadership experience to USG. He spent over four decades at Southern Company, including 13 years as chairman, president and CEO before retiring in 2023. As CEO, he led the second-largest utility company in the country, serving about 9 million electric and gas customers across nine states.

Fanning joined Southern Company in 1980 as a financial analyst and went on to hold 15 distinct leadership roles, including chief information officer, chief financial officer for Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, and CEO of Gulf Power Company.

In addition to his corporate career, Fanning has held major national and regional leadership roles, serving as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and chair of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Advisory Board.

A product of the university system himself, Fanning earned both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the institution. His connection to Georgia Tech spans decades, including service on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board and the Scheller College of Business Advisory Board. In 2023, the Board of Regents named Georgia Tech’s Student-Athlete Performance Center in his honor to recognize his longstanding support and service.

“Sonny Perdue devoted his career to making Georgia a better place to live, learn and work,” Fanning said. “I’m grateful for his remarkable service and the strong foundation he built across the state and among our 25 institutions. As a proud USG graduate, I know firsthand the transformative power of this system. Alongside our regents, presidents, faculty and staff, my priorities are simple: ensure college stays within reach, support groundbreaking innovation on our campuses and graduate the high-caliber talent — from engineers and teachers to healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs — who drive Georgia’s economy forward.”

More on the Web:

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

Blaze the Trail is a new initiative of the Valdosta State University Foundation designed to establish endowed scholarships for students from each of the 41 counties in VSU’s South Georgia service region.

Built around the idea that “the path to Valdosta State University starts at home,” Blaze the Trail is about creating lasting connections between the university and the communities that have long been part of Blazer Nation. Through the initiative, VSU is working county by county to establish endowed scholarships that will provide financial support to students from those communities for years to come.

Each county has an opportunity to establish a minimum $25,000 endowed scholarship, with eligible gifts being matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Once fully funded, each county scholarship can create a $50,000 or greater endowed fund, providing ongoing support for students from that community.

The vision is ambitious: 41 counties, 41 endowed scholarships, and generations of South Georgia students with a pathway to Valdosta State.

The initiative recently took its first step into a South Georgia community with an event in Clinch County, bringing together community members, educational leaders, VSU supporters, and friends of the university to learn more about Blaze the Trail and the opportunity to create a lasting scholarship for local students.

The Clinch County community embraced the vision, with local and regional stakeholders helping raise funds toward the county’s endowed scholarship. The event marked an important milestone for Blaze the Trail, not only because it launched the initiative’s work in a South Georgia community, but also because it provided an opportunity to immediately see the impact of that support.

At the event, Ta’khyria Cole was recognized as the first recipient of the Clinch County Blaze the Trail Scholarship. Cole was selected by educational leaders and members of the Clinch County Blaze the Trail committee, who came together to identify a student they believed represented the promise and potential the scholarship was created to support.

Dr. Lori James, superintendent of Clinch County Schools, said the scholarship represents the power of a community investing in its students and their future.

“What makes this opportunity even more special is that it is supported by South Georgia and Clinch County stakeholders who believe in our students and want to invest in their future. Their support sends a powerful message to our students: we believe in you, we want to help you succeed, and we hope you will bring your talents and education back home,” James said.

James expressed that the goal extends beyond helping students earn a college degree; it is about creating opportunities that can strengthen Clinch County and South Georgia for generations to come.

“Our goal is not only to help our students earn a college degree but also to create a pathway for them to return to Clinch County to live, work, lead, and serve. We are grateful to Valdosta State University and to the local and regional stakeholders whose investment is helping open doors for our students and grow the next generation of leaders right here in South Georgia,” James said.

Cole’s story represents the beginning of what Blaze the Trail hopes to accomplish throughout the region: giving students an opportunity to pursue a VSU education while reminding them that their home communities believe in their potential.

With Clinch County serving as the first stop, Blaze the Trail will continue making its way across VSU’s 41-county service region. Lowndes County will be the next community to join the journey, with a Blaze the Trail fundraising event planned for December 8 at the VSU Alumni House.

The event will provide an opportunity for Lowndes County alumni, community members, businesses, and friends of Valdosta State to learn more about the initiative and help establish an endowed scholarship for students from the county.

From Clinch County to Lowndes County and eventually across all 41 counties, Blaze the Trail is built on a simple belief: the path to VSU starts at home.

By bringing communities together to invest in their students, Valdosta State is building more than endowed scholarships. It is building pathways to higher education, strengthening connections across South Georgia, and investing in the future of the region, one county at a time.

Science Saturday is a fun-filled educational opportunity for all ages to learn more about the fields of chemistry and geosciences. Activities include testing properties of materials, identifying chemicals and minerals, learning about biodegradable materials and reactions, taking a geography quiz, and more.

Science Saturday is supported by VSU’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Initiative and is part of an ongoing effort to inspire the next generation to learn more about these areas. Faculty in the College of Science and Mathematics understand that the nation’s future economic prosperity is closely linked with student success in the STEM fields. 

Educators across the nation and at VSU are committed to enhancing STEM instruction for students in preschool through 12^th grade, increasing and sustaining public and youth engagement with STEM, improving the STEM experience for undergraduate students at the college level, better serving groups historically underrepresented in the STEM fields, and designing graduate education for tomorrow’s STEM workforce.

Science Saturday activities are free of charge and open to the public. The most convenient parking is available along Georgia Avenue, between Oak Street and Patterson Street. A VSU parking permit is not required. 

VSU’s upcoming Science Saturday honors Earth Science Week Oct. 11-17, “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society,” and National Chemistry Week Oct. 18-24, “Chemistry Under Construction.”

Contact SciSat@valdosta.edu for more information.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/csm/
https://www.valdosta.edu/chemistry-geosciences/

Facebook Event Page:
https://tinyurl.com/ScienceSaturdayChemGeo