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Ronald M. Zaccari, president of Valdosta State University, in Valdosta, Georgia. Zaccari became Valdosta State University’s seventh president on January 7, 2002, following five years as president of West Liberty State College, in West Liberty, West Virginia.
Since his arrival, Zaccari has worked to establish a strategic plan for Valdosta State University, one that provides clear direction and defined goals for future growth. This year he is working with campus and community leaders to develop a new physical master plan for the campus. This master plan will reflect the University’s overall strategic goals, address the changing profiles of the campus, and design new buildings, use of space, landscape, walkways, traffic patterns, and parking.
President Zaccari is actively involved in productive partnerships with the city and county, public school systems, medical community, Chamber of Commerce, and many other local and regional organizations that are committed to enhancing the educational, cultural, and economic development of this region. He is an active participant in the newly formed Partnership for Metropolitan Development. This group will serve as the catalyst for creative thinking to promote a strategic vision for our geographic region and build partnerships to enhance economic development.
Prior to his first presidential appointment at West Liberty State College, Zaccari was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, an institution of approximately 13,000 students. Zaccari has held art professorships at Edinboro State College and the University of Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University at Slippery Rock, a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University.
President Zaccari and his wife, Nancy, have two sons Rahn and Rick.