Bekah McCord Earns Outstanding Arts Student Award at VSU

Rebekah Kate “Bekah” McCord of Dexter, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award. She is pictured with Dr. William Crowe, interim president of VSU, and Nicole Cox, dean of the College of the Arts.

VALDOSTA — Rebekah Kate “Bekah” McCord of Dexter, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award.

The College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award is presented to a student with a record of academic excellence and distinguished service inside and outside the classroom.

McCord graduated May 9 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She plans to continue her education at VSU, pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education and a career as an elementary school music teacher.

“My time at VSU has been incredible,” she shared. “It’s a blessing to have such supportive peers and faculty. I couldn’t be more excited to continue my education here.”

As an undergraduate student at VSU, McCord’s passion for excellence, musical precision, and supporting her fellow marching band members contributed to her success as drum major for the Blazin’ Brigade, a role she held during her senior year. She served as secretary of the National Association for Music Education Collegiate, performed as principal flutist with the Wind Ensemble, and shared her artistry with the Opera program and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Her commitment to academic, artistic, leadership, and service excellence resulted in her earning a spot on the Dean’s List every semester and the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of the Arts. She was a Zell Miller Scholar.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/