Model UN Faculty Advisor and Associate Professor Appointed to National Board of Directors

Dr. Zachary Karaszia is an associate professor of political science at VSU.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Model United Nations (UN) program at Valdosta State University is one of the longest running programs in the world. It has a history of success and providing students with real-world experience. The faculty expert leading those efforts in recent years is receiving a big honor.

Dr. Zachary Karaszia, 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/