VSU Student Recognized for Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers recently honored Valdosta State University’s Jeffrey Pham with its 2025-2026 Jack Mangham Experiential Learning Award. He anticipates completing his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing in July. He previously earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance in 2025, graduating cum laude. He works as a graduate assistant in the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services on campus.

VALDOSTA — The Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers recently honored Valdosta State University’s Jeffrey Pham with its 2025-2026 Jack Mangham Experiential Learning Award.

Named in honor of the late Jack Mangham, a respected advocate for experiential education and student career development, this award celebrates students who have successfully connected classroom learning with meaningful real-world experiences, while making a positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Pham said the road to this prestigious recognition began the day he walked into VSU’s Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services and asked for help developing a resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding how to present himself professionally.

“At the same time, I was building experience on campus through roles like being a marketing ambassador with Aramark, leading Enactus as president, and serving as marketing chair for the Gardening Guild,” he shared.

Working with Aramark and Gardening Guild strengthened Pham’s communication skills.

Leading Enactus taught him how to manage a team and reinforced the value of community impact through business.

“These experiences helped me develop leadership, creativity, and confidence, and ultimately helped me secure my first internship with PepsiCo,” he said.  

Pham completed back-to-back summer internships with PepsiCo, working in both marketing and sales, first in Valdosta, then in Jacksonville, Florida.

“During this past summer with PepsiCo, I was given more responsibility than I expected,” he shared. “I helped lead a territory with more than 20 sales representatives, which pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and communicate more effectively. I also analyzed Power BI dashboards to improve reporting and track performance, which showed me how important data is in decision making. One of my biggest projects was creating an incentive program that improved performance by more than 10 percent, and it was rewarding to see something I worked on make a real impact.”

“Going into it, I had knowledge from classes, but being in a real business environment showed me what it actually takes to perform, communicate, and take responsibility for real results,” he added.

Pham, of Valdosta, anticipates completing his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing in July. He previously earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance in 2025, graduating cum laude.

As an undergraduate student at VSU, Pham served on the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Business Student Advisory Council, presented research at a Society for Marketing Advances national conference, and competed in the J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition, earning runner-up honors. He was a four-year HOPE Scholar, a repeated Dean’s List honoree, and the recipient of several additional scholarships, including the Tyson Family Foundation Scholarship (four years), two Bank of America scholarships, the Steele Scholarship, and the Take a Chance at VSU Scholarship.

He is excited to pursue a career in corporate marketing soon and “combine my experience in marketing strategy, analytics, and consumer engagement to help build strong brands and meaningful customer experiences.”

Until then Pham can be found serving as a graduate assistant with VSU’s Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, where he enjoys assisting students with resume development, organizing and hosting career fairs and employer events, and supporting the office’s marketing and outreach initiatives to connect students with career resources.

“Looking back, everything feels connected,” he said. “What started with support from the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services turned into real leadership experience and a clearer sense of direction for my future. It showed me how impactful experiential learning can be, and I’m excited for what comes next.” 

Darius Anthony, assistant director of the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, nominated Pham for the Jack Mangham Experiential Learning Award.

He described Pham’s journey as a powerful example of how experiential learning bridges the gap between academic knowledge and professional success.

“What sets Jeffrey apart is his ability to connect each of these experiences into a cohesive path of growth and purpose,” Anthony explained. “He has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn, lead, and apply his skills in meaningful ways. His journey reflects the true intent of experiential learning — to develop students into well-rounded, career-ready professionals who are equipped to contribute immediately and effectively in their chosen fields.”