The Presidential Excellence Award for Teaching recognizes a faculty member who employs innovative teaching strategies and demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. 

Watson joined the faculty of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration in 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was in a new position, at a new school, teaching new classes under very unusual circumstances, and so I used that disruption as an opportunity to reimagine some of my approaches,” said Watson, who current serves as associate professor of marketing. “I really think this award is a reflection of the changes I made.”

VSU: What are your favorite classes to teach and your favorite topics to research?

Watson: I love teaching Introduction to Marketing and Marketing Strategy. I love being a student’s first experience with marketing concepts and then being their last stop before graduation to bring it all together before sending them confidently into their careers. I always incorporate a community partner into the Marketing Strategy class, and it is very rewarding to see the students develop critical thinking skills while tackling problems and creating solutions with local impact. It’s also an opportunity for them to learn about organizations and industries that they otherwise would not have known about that are right here in South Georgia.

VSU: What has proven most effective in increasing student learning in your classroom?

Watson: Storytelling and personal connection are my two biggest strategies. People love a good story, and they’re much more likely to remember a story over random knowledge. If I can get students invested in the story, then they’re more likely to want to dig into the nuances and details of the concepts that underlie the story. In the process, deep learning happens in a way that sticks with them long after the class has ended. And that learning is compounded if I can make the stories personal for them or help them connect with me, so they are engaged both relationally and cognitively.

VSU: Helping students achieve success often involves countless hours of work outside the classroom. In what ways do you actively engage with your students to continue the learning process outside of scheduled class times?

Watson: I sneakily hack the algorithms on their phones that determine what winds up in their feeds!! I have them pull out their phones and look things up during class, then they continue to receive content about that topic when we aren’t in class. They can’t escape my influence!! Beyond the technological engagement, because I develop a relationship with many of them, they feel comfortable coming to me for life and career advice. So, I spend a lot of time helping them plan for what comes next and connecting them with people and opportunities from my network when there’s alignment.

VSU: What advice do you have for other faculty who wish to identify more effective ways to stimulate engagement and comprehension in their own classroom?

Watson: I can’t overemphasize how effective personalized storytelling can be for facilitating engagement, understanding, and retention. You don’t have to redesign an entire course or become a Tony-winning stage actor. Start with one concept students struggle to care about and teach it through a true story with real people, decisions, and high stakes. There is less pressure if you remind yourself that the goal isn’t to make the material entertaining; it’s to make it meaningful by bringing it to life and embedding it in a complex context with characters, conflict, and consequences. Entertainment becomes a natural outcome.

This was Heath’s first time earning an invitation to develop and deliver an economic perspective for these two organizations, and he described the experience as both “rewarding and humbling.”

“Georgia’s economy depends on strong industries and the communities they support,” he said. “Knowing that my research can provide useful insight for industry leaders, policymakers, and others makes the work meaningful. I am proud to contribute data and analysis that can help strengthen an industry vital to Georgia’s future.”

Heath noted that the Pre-Harvest Meeting brought together approximately 150 members of Georgia’s peanut community, including industry professionals, producers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The annual event is regarded as one of the most important gatherings of the peanut industry, providing an opportunity for leaders to discuss the issues shaping the upcoming harvest.

Heath shared the stage with U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. of Georgia’s second congressional district; Bob Redding, president of the U.S. Peanut Federation; Dr. Samara Sterling, director of research and nutrition for The Peanut Institute; Dr. Charles E. Konrad, director of the Southeast Regional Climate Center; and Bryan Lawson, federal program manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service Southeast Federal-State Inspection Office.

“The significance of the Pre-Harvest meeting extends well beyond the peanut industry itself,” he said. “Peanuts are the cornerstone of Georgia’s agriculture and an important contributor to the state’s economy. Georgia is also the world leader in peanut exports, making the state’s peanut industry a key player in the global agricultural marketplace.”

VSU’s Department of Economics and Finance is committed to connecting academic expertise with the economic issues facing Georgia’s businesses, agricultural producers, and communities. By bringing economic insight to conversations with industry and government leaders, the department continues to demonstrate the value of economics and finance education and expertise in understanding and shaping the forces that drive Georgia’s economy.

Heath said he is often called upon by different groups to provide independent economic forecasts and analysis that helps leaders better understand market conditions, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions.

Contact Emily C. Rogers at (229) 245-3748 or ecrogers@valdosta.edu to learn more.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/library/
https://www.valdosta.edu/chss/
http://constitutioncenter.org/

Constitution Fast Facts

• The U.S. Constitution was written in the same Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as commander of the Continental Army. Now called Independent Hall, the building still stands on Independent Mall in Philadelphia, directly across from the National Constitution Center. 


• Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on Sept. 17. But it wasn’t until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states. 


• The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries. 


• Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were very troubled that the original Constitution lacked a description of individual rights. In 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first 10 amendments became known as the Bill of Rights. 


• Of the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed and three dissented. Two of America’s “founding fathers” didn’t sign the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was representing the country in France, and John Adams was doing the same in Great Britain. 


• Established on Nov. 26, 1789, the first national “Thanksgiving Day” was originally created by George Washington as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution. 


• Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest. 


• At 81, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention, and at 26, Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the youngest. 


• The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping. 


• More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty-three have gone to the states to be ratified, and 27 have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the Constitution.

Source: National Constitution Center

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, one of the defining moments in our nation's 250-year history,” said Dr. Zachary Karazsia, associate professor of political science at VSU. “Whether you were born before or after that fateful day, this is a chance to understand how it continues to shape the world we live in.”

Dr. Edward “Ted” Duggan, guest speaker, will reflect on the lasting impact of 9/11 on American foreign policy. He will also take questions from the audience.   

Duggan is an associate professor of political science and Model United Nations program adviser at Tallahassee State College. He recently earned a 2026 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award.  

Sept. 11, 2001, marked one of the darkest days in American history, when terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City and a third into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back against the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day.

Cooper planned to attend an in-state university and play soccer, but he fell in love with performing on stage. When he asked his high school teacher to recommend a school with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, she told him about VSU. A campus visit and tour with his dad, and Cooper was hooked.

We asked him how he knew VSU was the right choice, the secret to getting involved on campus, and how he secured in-state tuition to attend VSU?  

Why did you decide to come to school at VSU? 

I decided to come here for multiple reasons: it was close to home and my mom was very sick during my senior year of high school, so I wanted her to be able to still watch me perform with as little travel as possible. I also came here because when my dad and I decided to randomly take a tour of the school and meet with the heads of the Theatre department, we looked at each other and said this felt like home. I felt connected with the people here already, and the faculty immediately treated me like one of their own. 

How did you learn about the Border State Tuition Waiver, which allow students in states  
surrounding Georgia, like Florida, to apply for in-state tuition at VSU? 

I learned about the Border State Tuition Waiver through my advisor. She told me that I was eligible for Border State Tuition Waiver since I’m from Jacksonville. It has blessed me and my family having the waiver. With two other sons in colleges like FSU and UCF, it really helps out more than people would ever think. 

Why did you decide to study theatre? 

I decided to do theatre, because it’s an environment where everyone comes from different backgrounds, different stories, and different styles of acting. When I’m acting onstage, I get to become someone else who isn’t me. For about two hours, I forget about all my stresses and worries of that day, perform, and completely forget about them when I’m done. It brings people joy; it can make you cry and laugh all at the same time. It’s my passion because I’m human. And I believe it’s the truest human art form to witness.  

What have you enjoyed most about the theatre department and the College of the Arts at VSU? 

What I have enjoyed most about the College of Arts is how welcoming everyone is. The faculty are there to push you until you succeed, because that’s all they want for you. They understand what it was once like in our shoes, and the thing I love most is that they will make sure you graduate as the best version of yourself. 

Which plays are you most excited for this academic year? 

I am most excited about all of the productions. We have “Boeing-Boeing” (which I’m in by the way) which will be a hilarious show that you do not want to miss! After that, we have “Resonance: The Dance Concert” which will have the most spectacular pieces choreographed by our faculty and our students. “For The Love” is a beautiful show with a great message and amazing performers. “A Christmas Carol” is a classic that you can’t miss. Next semester, we have “A Chorus Line” and “Much Ado About Nothing” which will both make you want to come back again and again each night.  

You are very involved on campus. How did you start that process? 

I got involved through connecting with people who were older than me. I started by joining my fraternity, Delta Chi, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From then on, I would keep being introduced to people throughout campus and make connections with them as well. I followed those connections to the fullest and have made some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. 
 
What advice do you have for students who are just starting their college search process? 

Remind yourself, this will be your home for the next four years. This is where you will make life-long friendships, meet people who could give a speech at your wedding, and somewhere you can always be proud of. Follow your heart. And when asked about where you went to college, be proud of your answer like there’s not a doubt in your mind. 
  
What do you plan to do with your theatre degree after your spring 2027 graduation? 

I plan on moving back to Jacksonville to work with some theatre companies and save up financially so that eventually, I can move to New York and follow my dreams. After that, I hope to teach one day, in honor of my mom who was an English teacher while I was growing up.  

More on the Web:

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

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

Dean's List honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. The Summer 2026 Dean's List recognizes more than 500 distinguished and accomplished students for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals.

To qualify for Dean's List at VSU, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Please note that developmental studies, transient, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean's List status.

View the full list, excluding students who opted out of public recognition, at https://valdosta.meritpages.com/.

The findings, published as part of a 25-page report to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, underscore VSU’s vital role as an economic engine for Valdosta-Lowndes County and its expanded host region of Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, and Lanier counties.

“VSU is more than a place where students learn and prepare for their careers,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, university president. “We are an economic powerhouse for the Valdosta-Lowndes County area, a place we have called home for more than a century. Our $412.5 million economic impact is measured not only in dollars but also in jobs created, businesses supported, opportunities expanded, families strengthened, and communities made more resilient because VSU is here.”

Long before its impact is measured in research breakthroughs, community partnerships formed, or new employment opportunities attracted to the area, VSU fuels the Valdosta-Lowndes County economy through student spending, personnel services, and everyday university operations. 

Thousands of students spend money on housing, food, transportation, retail, and other services. Faculty and staff earn and spend wages that circulate through the local economy. Day-to-day operations, like purchasing goods and services and maintaining the campus grounds and facilities, send additional dollars to businesses and workers across VSU’s host area.

But VSU’s economic impact is about more than the money it spends every day.

VSU also strengthens its host communities by offering academic programs designed to meet the evolving needs of employers, fostering innovation, and helping attract businesses and investments that benefit from access to an educated talent pool. Through these connections, the university functions as both a center of higher education and an economic anchor that contributes to the growth and long-term development of the Valdosta-Lowndes County area.

“Our greatest contribution to this area may be the people we prepare to lead, serve, innovate, and build a future here,” Green said. “Every student who chooses to study at VSU and every partnership we forge is an investment in our area’s economic capacity. The impact of that investment compounds over time as our students graduate, build careers, and reinvest their talent and resources into the communities they call home.” 

Visit https://pxl-usgedu.terminalfour.net/prod01/channel_4/media/usg/news-documents/USG-Impact-FY-2025-06-08-2026.pdf to learn more about the University System of Georgia’s collective economic impact on Georgia and view the full Economic Impact of University System of Georgia Institutions on their Regional Economies in Fiscal Year 2025 report.  

Fall 2026 New Students: 3,729

• New Freshmen: 43%
• Graduate Students: 29%
• Transfer Students: 14%
• Dual Enrolled: 12%
• Other Undergraduate: 2%

Fall 2026 New Freshmen: 1,609

• From Georgia: 88%
• From Florida: 9%
• Countries Represented: 19
• States and Territories Represented: 14

This is the largest first time, full-time freshman class at VSU since fall 2021. (Source)

Fall 2026 New Graduate Students: 1,081

• From Georgia: 80%
• Countries Represented: 18
• States and Territories Represented: 40

The Graduate School continues to see record enrollment after crossing 3,000 students for the first time in August 2024. 

On the Web:

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

VSU Admissions: https://www.valdosta.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-now.php

The Graduate School: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/graduate-school/

Advanced degrees boost those earnings even more.

“This report puts a powerful number behind something we see every day at Valdosta State University and that is the life-changing impact of a VSU degree,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, university president.

“Higher education is one of our most powerful engines for social mobility. For many of our students, especially those from our 41-county South Georgia service area, a VSU degree represents an opportunity to change the trajectory of their own lives, create greater possibilities for their families, and contribute to the prosperity of the communities they call home. That makes our work serious business because what we do on this campus every day has the potential to shape a stronger future for everyone.”

The Lifetime Earnings for University System of Georgia Class of 2025 study states that the increase in earnings associated with a degree varies from one person to another, over time, geographically, and by field of study. However, it is possible to provide a rough approximation of the aggregate benefits to VSU’s Class of 2025 graduates, as well as benefits accruing to the average degree holder.

According to the study, prepared by the Selig Center for Economic Growth’s Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director, and Alexandra Hill, public service assistant, the most relevant measure of the economic “worth” of a college education is increased earnings over a working lifetime. The team prepared estimates of work-life earnings by level of educational attainment for Georgia and the United States based on median personal earned income data from the Census Bureau’s most recent five-year American Community Survey. On average, high school graduates who obtained a bachelor’s degree in 2025 are projected to boost their work-life earnings by 80 percent in Georgia, or 77 percent across the United States.

These estimates are important, the financial analysts noted, because they show to what extent higher education pays off, which may motivate students, employers, workers, and policymakers to pursue and support postsecondary education.

Visit https://pxl-usgedu.terminalfour.net/prod01/channel_4/media/usg/news-documents/USG-Lifetime-Earnings-FY-2025-06-08-2026.pdf to read the full 17-page report.

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.

“August Skies, Eclipses, and Meteor Showers: Oh My!” will highlight celestial events from around the world, including The Perseids and a total lunar eclipse in Northern Europe, both of which occurred on Aug. 12. Later, guests will be invited to the Observatory deck to enjoy a partial lunar eclipse.

According to Time and Date, the penumbral eclipse will begin locally at 9:23 p.m., when the lighter, outer part of Earth’s shadow starts touching the Moon’s face. The partial eclipse will begin at 10:33 p.m. By 12:12 a.m. Friday, the moon will be closest to the center of the shadow; 96 percent of the moon will enter the umbra creating a heavy copper-red “blood moon” look. The partial eclipse will end at 1:51 a.m., followed by the penumbral eclipse at 3:01 a.m.

“With the telescopes, we can see the Moon, stars, and brighter objects,” said Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy and physics at VSU.

Depending on the weather, area residents should be able to see the red glow of the moon near maximum without a telescope.

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 first show of the 2026-2027 season. Shows are typically presented on Friday nights.

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

The Presidential Excellence Award for The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning recognizes a faculty member who produces innovative scholarly work on the science of teaching and learning and regularly contributes new knowledge on the subject.

Nguyen joined the VSU faculty in 2017. She currently serves as associate professor and clinical supervisor for the Marriage and Family Therapy program, one of many healthcare disciplines under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

VSU: What are your favorite classes to teach and your favorite topics to research?

Nguyen: I love teaching Foundations of Family Therapy, where students undergo a fundamental paradigm shift in looking at individuals in isolation to understanding the webs of connection and context that shape human behavior. It is also an opportunity for them to develop a broader, more compassionate lens for human relationships and conflict. My current research is in dialogic pedagogy and cultural humility in family therapy education and training.

VSU: Why do you believe it is important for teachers to do the work necessary to keep their class content interesting and relevant to new generations of students?

Nguyen: In this generation where knowledge is at a student's fingertips through technology and AI, teachers play a critical role in not just dispensing information but also fostering a community of learners and cultivating engaging learning experiences that connect our students to real-world practices, problems, and solutions.

VSU: What has proven most effective in increasing student learning in your classroom?

Nguyen: Experiential learning, multimedia, and dialogue are my go-to strategies to engage students in active, applied practices. Techniques that encourage retrieval practices, self-evaluation, and low-stakes assignments to scaffold and build their skills in a well-paced curriculum. When applicable, I use assignment menus to cater to diverse learning strengths and modalities, while supporting their ownership and investment in the class. I also believe it's important for students to see themselves and their lives reflected in the course. Thus, student-driven projects and activities that connect to their curiosities and contexts are key to supporting students' agency in their learning and growth.

VSU: What drives your scholarly work in the field of teaching and learning?

Nguyen: For me, scholarship isn't separate from the classroom, but a reflective loop that informs our scholarly work and how we teach the next generation of practitioners. By researching and refining our teaching and training methods, we ensure students graduate equipped with a profound systemic lens and practical skills to spark meaningful, lasting transformation for the individuals, couples, and families they serve.

VSU: What advice do you have for other faculty who wish to identify more effective ways to stimulate engagement and comprehension in their own classroom?

Nguyen: I would encourage other faculty to seek mentors, attend trainings on pedagogy, observe other classes, and invite colleagues to observe yours. VSU has provided an incredibly supportive, warm, and welcoming environment to nurture educators. My colleagues, mentors, and the Center for Learning and Teaching have been vital in helping me explore more effective ways to stimulate engagement and comprehension. 

This distinguished recognition is an annual tradition at VSU, one that recognizes the high standards of service, initiative, reliability, professional attitude, exemplary job performance, and leadership of the university’s dedicated staff.

Crumpton joined the VSU staff in 2013 and currently serves as associate director of facilities for Housing and Residence Life, a member of the Council on Staff Affairs Executive Board, and organization advisor for Collegiate Women of VSU and the Lambda Phi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Crumpton previously worked in Admissions, where she helped shape many of the university's signature recruitment events, including Open House, Scholarship Day, and Counselor Appreciation Day. She has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

VSU: What advice do you have for anyone who wishes to demonstrate excellence in their current / future professional roles?

Crumpton: Your first job does not have to be your dream job. Look for opportunities that give you experience, connections, skills, and room to grow. Learn how to communicate professionally. Your degree may get you in the door, but your ability to communicate, collaborate, listen, and follow through will help you stay in the room.

You do not know everything. Ask questions. Your attitude matters. Build relationships, not just resumes. Find mentors and eventually become one. My favorite saying:  A “no” is not always a denial; sometimes it is just a delay. Your degree opened the door. Now let your character, work ethic, relationships, and consistency determine what happens after you walk through it.

The Presidential Excellence Award for Service recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to service at VSU and to the community.

Witherspoon joined the faculty of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration in 2012. She currently serves as a professor of accounting with a passion for teaching individual taxation and fraud examination courses and writing about current tax issues. She has also served as head of the Department of Accounting.

VSU: Teaching, mentoring, and conducting research are already full-time jobs. What motivates you to make time for service?

Witherspoon: First, I love service. Second, I believe it is everyone’s moral and civic responsibility to give back to the community.

VSU: Which service roles have allowed you to have the biggest impact on VSU and the community?

Witherspoon: Serving as department head, co-coordinating the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and volunteering at the animal shelter have allowed me to have the most significant impact. In the fall, I prepare for the next season of VITA (testing and recruiting), co-advise Beta Alpha Psi (accounting student organization), co-host Meet the Firms (career fair), continue as the financial secretary of the Georgia Association of Accounting Educators (GAAE), and continue creating the School of Accountancy E-Bulletin, as well as serve on the Ethics Week Committee, College of Business Administration Strategic Planning Committee, and other committees. I also plan to continue my work at the animal shelter.

VSU: What advice do you have for other faculty who want to make time for service?

Witherspoon: My dissertation advisor told me, “You don’t need to look for service; it will find you.” There are lots of opportunities for service, but not as much time. Be selective. Choose things you enjoy and weigh the impact. Designate a certain number of hours for service each week.

A member-led and VSU-sponsored organization, Learning in Retirement offers area residents 50 years of age and older more than 70 opportunities to learn something new during Fall Semester 2026. The program lineup features special events, excursions and tours, topics that are simply “good to know,” and classes in the areas of health and fitness, fine arts, literature, games, leisure, arts, crafts, history, social studies, and science.

“Learning doesn’t have to have an expiration date,” said Sue Bailey, program coordinator. “Learning in Retirement is designed for adults who enjoy learning for the sake of learning. It allows participants to explore a wide range of topics, engage with knowledgeable speakers, have fun, and connect with others who share a passion for education and intellectual curiosity.”

The Learning in Retirement fall season runs through early December.

Founded in January 1996, Learning in Retirement provides a unique opportunity for cultural growth, lifelong learning, and recreation. The program offerings and curriculum are chosen, designed, and often led by the members, encouraging peer learning and active member participation.

Learning in Retirement capitalizes on the strengths and experiences of older adults, empowering them to continue learning, expand their horizons, and enhance their personal development.

Membership costs $75 per person per semester — fall and spring —and allows members to participate in as many Learning in Retirement classes and activities as their schedules can accommodate. Yearly memberships are available for $135, when purchased in the fall. A few special activities require an additional fee, which is noted in advance.

Joyce Aigen, a long-time member of Learning in Retirement, established the Joyce Aigen Learning in Retirement Scholarship Fund to support community residents who wish to participate in the program but are unable to afford the membership fee. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are appreciated and help ensure older adults living on limited fixed incomes are able to remain active, engaged, and connected with others.

The Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning at VSU hosts Learning in Retirement this fall at University Center Entrance 1, located at 1215 North Patterson Street.

The Terry Center team believes that experiential learning is valuable at every stage of life. By connecting learning to real-world experiences, curiosity, and personal interests, it gives lifelong learners meaningful opportunities to discover new ideas, build knowledge, and apply what they learn in ways that enrich their everyday lives.

Call (229) 253-2985 or email terrycenter@valdosta.edu to learn more.

The Presidential Excellence Award for Research recognizes a faculty member with a strong record of creative scholarship.

Rion joined the faculty of VSU’s College of the Arts in 2021. He was recently awarded tenure and promoted to professor of theatre with the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Media. He also serves as artistic director of Peach State Summer Theatre. His work includes teaching acting and directing, mentoring students, directing productions, and continuing his own creative scholarship as a playwright and theatre artist.

VSU: What are your favorite classes to teach and your favorite topics to research?

Rion: I love teaching acting and directing because both allow me to work very closely with students as they discover their own artistic voices. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a student take a risk, make a discovery, and suddenly see what is possible in their work.

My research is primarily creative scholarship, particularly playwriting and directing. I am interested in telling stories that explore family, identity, memory, relationships, and the ways our past continues to shape who we become. I am especially drawn to stories rooted in the South and to finding the universal within very specific people and places.

VSU: Why do you believe it is important for faculty to conduct research and contribute new knowledge to their fields?

Rion: For me, research and teaching are inseparable. As artists and educators, I think it is important that we continue to practice the very things we are asking our students to pursue. When I am writing a new play, working with professional artists, directing a production, or participating in a reading or workshop, I am continually learning. I bring those experiences directly back into the classroom.

Research also keeps us curious. It reminds us that our education does not end when we earn a degree or accept a faculty position. We should continue asking questions, taking risks, creating new work, and contributing to the ongoing conversation in our fields.

VSU: How many publications, presentations, and other scholarship have you completed? What drives you to find time outside of teaching, mentoring, and serving the university to conduct this research? 

Rion: Over the course of my career, I have directed more than 100 plays/musicals, and I have received readings, workshops, presentations of my original works as a playwright. My original plays have been recognized through national and international competitions and have received professional readings and workshops, including work in New York City and at theatres around the country.

What drives me is that I genuinely love the work. Writing and directing are not simply requirements of my academic position; they are an essential part of who I am as an artist. The process can certainly be difficult, and finding the time is always a challenge, but there is something exciting about beginning with an idea and eventually seeing actors bring those words to life.

I also think continuing to work professionally makes me a better teacher. I can talk to students about rejection, revision, collaboration, deadlines, auditions, readings, and professional expectations because I am experiencing those things alongside them.

VSU: What advice do you have for other faculty who wish to get more involved in research?

Rion: Start with something you are genuinely curious or passionate about. Research should not feel like something you are simply checking off a list. Find the question, subject, or creative project that keeps pulling you back.

I would also say not to wait for the perfect amount of time, because it probably will never appear. Sometimes the work happens in small pieces between classes, meetings, rehearsals, and everything else we do. Those pieces eventually become something much larger.

And perhaps most importantly, allow yourself to take risks and fail. Not every project will succeed, every article will be accepted, or every play will receive a production. That is part of the process. The important thing is to remain curious, keep creating, and keep putting the work into the world.

The Bradenton, Florida, resident quickly fell in love with the satin shoes, the precise vocabulary of movement, the feeling of standing at the barre, one hand resting lightly against the wood. 

“Ballet has always been my favorite,” she shared.

She danced throughout her childhood and adolescent years, gradually expanding her practice to include other dance art forms like jazz, tap, and contemporary.

Ballet was her first love, the style that built her technical foundation and taught her how to move, but contemporary, with its anatomical freedom and expressive range, became her emotional sanctuary and allowed her to truly express herself.

Fults dreamed of a future built around creativity and movement, and for her, there was never any question about the path she would take after high school.

She sought the rigorous, high-intensity professional training that a college dance program could provide.  

“I had danced nearly my whole life up to that point, and I knew I wanted more of it,” she said.

But as rejection letter after rejection letter arrived, the certainty Fults felt about studying dance in college began to fade. Then her dad discovered VSU — and with it, a new path toward a future she had almost stopped believing was possible

“… my dad did lots of research on the VSU Dance program and convinced me this was the place for me,” she said.

“VSU was the best decision I ever made,” she added. “My dance professors are the reason I am the person I am today.”

Fults graduated magna cum laude May 9 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Entrepreneurship. After taking a break to plan her wedding — she got engaged in March — her goal is to build a dance company that nurtures performers and artists and creates opportunities for them to conceptualize and develop dance projects focused on bringing communities together.

“VSU’s Dance program is small but mighty,” she said. “My resume and portfolio are overflowing from the number of opportunities I put myself out for and received. There are so many paths to take in this industry, but my professors set goals and gave me personalized advice that helped me step outside my comfort zone and thrive beyond what I thought were my limits.”

Her list of achievements as student, performer, artist, and leader are long. She was cast in 21 on-campus dance pieces, including several lead roles. She served as dance captain for VSU Theatre and Dance’s “The Addams Family” musical and president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. She and a friend created a series of weekly dance classes for VSU students. She volunteered to represent the VSU Dance program and perform at special events, including recruitment fairs and fundraisers. She participated in a summer intensive in Italy with Staibdance, an Atlanta-based contemporary dance company; traveled to New York City with VSU’s Pro-Conn program to network with industry professionals; and performed with the Emily Cargill and Dancers Women Arts Exchange in Jacksonville, Florida. She earned Dean’s List honors every semester, the Golden Circle Scholarship as a freshman, the Crockett-Youmans Dance Scholarship every year after that, and the Service Excellence in Dance Award. 

Three months before graduation, Fults presented the results of a 15-month original solo contemporary dance choreography project — “Sweet Dreams” — at the 2026 American College Dance Association Southeast Conference.

“The piece showcases a woman, portrayed by me, getting ready for bed,” she explained. “As she lays down to dream, her reality suddenly shifts to a nightmare. She experiences discomfort, extreme happiness, extreme sadness, horror, being naked, peeing herself, getting hurt, playfulness, and complete release of person.”

The tension builds and builds until a sudden feeling of falling jolts the woman awake — and she realizes it was just a dream, Fults said.

“I started with maniacal gestures that felt good. Then eventually I pieced them together with high intensity movement,” she shared, describing the inspiration behind “Sweet Dreams.”

Fults challenged herself to look beyond standard stage vocabulary, to expand the boundaries of traditional choreography, and redefine what, in her mind, a dance performance can encompass.

On graduation day, she ended her four-year VSU experience with discipline, confidence, self-awareness, courage, and resilience that will empower her for years to come, both inside and outside the dance studio.

“If you want something, you must do it yourself,” she said, offering advice for current VSU Dance students. “College is not a place where things will be handed to you. The VSU Dance program faculty are fully equipped to help you do anything you put your mind to. Opportunities exist everywhere, but it’s up to you to say yes, to show up, and to give it your all. Push yourself, because nobody else will. Never forget why you’re in the room.”

VALDOSTA — Kevin Carter is Valdosta State University's Spring 2026 Employee of the Semester.

Carter joined Team VSU in 1990 and currently serves as a plumber with Plant Operations: Maintenance.

During his 36 years with VSU, he has risen through the ranks and obtained master plumbing certification and back-flow prevention certification. He has more than 50 years of experience and is well known for his quick thinking, agility, and ingenuity. In 2016 he earned the University System of Georgia Distinguished Service Award.

When asked what he enjoyed most about working at VSU every day, Carter replied, “I love interacting with the students, and I am inspired every day just coming to work. I have good people to work with.”

All classes and faculty offices have been moved to other buildings on campus. Students with in person education classes should read their schedule carefully to determine their class location. Students should also refer to their class syllabus to determine where their professor’s office has been temporarily relocated.

The Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Education Building is also closed due to the renovations. The Einstein’s in the HSBA Building on North Campus will be open for business as usual during the fall semester.

Jennett Lecture Hall remains open during the fall 2026 semester, but it should be accessed from the Baytree Rd. side.

Students and community members can utilize the VSU campus map to find any alternate locations. 

Also on the Web:

James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education & Human Services: 
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/

Their research project — “Exploring a Potential Host Range Shift of Xanthomonas campestris pv. raphani in Commercial Tomato and Pepper Production in South Georgia” — focused on tracking changes in populations of the bacterial spot pathogen Xanthomonas in commercial greenhouses and production fields.

It was one of six projects selected for the VSU Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning’s 2026 Blazer Summer Research Institute, a highly competitive program that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on real-world, potentially life-impacting, research projects. This year’s BSRI kicked off June 9 and continued through July 31.

As part of their research, Vallad and MacLellan worked to develop pathogen identity profiles that can be used to identify the harmful bacteria before infected seedlings are transplanted into fields, where outbreaks can lead to widespread crop losses.

“This topic was something Dr. MacLellan was working on previously at the University of Georgia, and I was interested in helping her complete her work while also learning about plant pathology and gaining experience in lab work,” said Vallad, a senior biology major from Riverview, Florida, who anticipates graduating in May 2027.

“I have enjoyed how this project gives a little more purpose to my schoolwork. Participating in research helps me put more reason behind what I am learning in my classes. It has really enhanced my academic experience.”

Vallad said that she has been inspired by MacLellan’s passion for the work and credited the assistant professor of biology with helping to shape her growth as both a student and a scientist.

“Dr. MacLellan has been a great help in cultivating my curiosity and guiding me to the next steps in my education,” she shared.

“This is my first year at VSU and my first time participating in BSRI, and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with Alyssa throughout the summer and share my passion for research with her,” MacLellan said. “The dedicated research time has allowed us to work together through the different stages of a real research project and build a strong mentor-student relationship. It has also been a great opportunity for me to start building my undergraduate research program at VSU and create meaningful research experiences for students.”

Vallad and MacLellan recently discussed their BSRI project during VSU’s Summer Showcase: Research, Innovation, and Impact event. They also traveled to Rhode Island to present their research at the 2026 American Phytopathological Society Plant Health conference.

“I have seen Alyssa grow tremendously throughout the summer,” MacLellan noted. “She started by learning how to collect and process samples from commercial fields and has progressed to isolating bacteria and using molecular methods to help identify bacterial pathogens. It has been very rewarding to see her laboratory skills develop and watch her become more comfortable with the research process, from asking questions and troubleshooting experiments to interpreting her results.”

Vallad plans to continue working on research with MacLellan throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. When asked if she had advice for prospective student researchers, she said that she would encourage them to get started as early as possible and to get involved in as many projects as possible to gain experience and expand their skillset.

“There’s a learning curve between what you do during in-class labs versus what you do in the research lab,” she said. “It requires a different way of thinking.”

VSU’s Blazer Summer Research Institute is funded by the Division of Academic Affairs and private donors. Student-faculty research is central to the university’s commitment to experiential learning and plays a critical role in the academic setting by fostering deeper understanding through active participation. Students who engage in applied learning experiences demonstrate higher retention rates, improved academic performance, and greater post-graduation success.