Kassidy Hernandez Earns Student-Athlete Academic Award at VSU

Kassidy Jazmine Hernandez of Miami, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. She is pictured with Dr. Guclu Atinc, dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration; Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president of the Division of Academic Affairs; Dr. William Crowe, interim president of VSU; and Troy Katen, director of athletics.

VALDOSTA — Kassidy Jazmine Hernandez of Miami, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award.

The Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award is presented to a junior, senior, or graduate student-athlete with the highest grade point average. Ties are not broken. Hernandez was a member of the VSU Red Hots dance team.

“My time at Valdosta State University has been defined by meaningful relationships, unforgettable experiences, and personal growth,” she said. “I will miss the close-knit environment and the people who made VSU feel like home. From building lifelong friendships to forming genuine connections with professors who saw me as more than just a student, I always felt supported and valued. Being part of the Red Hots allowed me to proudly represent the university. Performing on the football field and basketball court are memories I will always cherish. While graduating is bittersweet, I am grateful for everything VSU has given me and excited to carry these experiences into my next chapter.”

Hernandez graduated May 9 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics, a Minor in Applied Mathematics, and a Certificate in Data Science. She will now begin her career with the Marriott International Voyage Program, while also preparing for her actuarial exams and working towards becoming a credentialed actuary. 

As an undergraduate student at VSU, Hernandez was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, Beta Gamma Sigma: The International Business Honor Society, and The National Society of Leadership and Success, where she served as secretary. She volunteered at local elementary schools and represented the Data Science program at Open House events as a student ambassador. She also presented mathematical modeling research at the university’s 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium and recently learned that her work will be published in an upcoming volume of Omnino, VSU’s undergraduate research journal.   

Hernandez joined VSU’s Red Hots dance team three years ago. That decision proved to be one of the most defining parts of her college journey, giving her a sense of belonging and becoming a source of discipline, confidence, and connection.

She earned All-American honors at the 2024 National Dance Alliance College Camp and was later recruited to be part of the NDA staff in 2025. She was also a member of the 2025 and 2026 NDA Hip Hop and 2026 NDA Jazz Division II Collegiate National Championship-winning VSU teams, further establishing the Red Hots as a powerhouse dynasty. The double win this year was a first for the VSU Red Hots. She will continue her dance career this summer as a member of the NDA staff.  

Hernandez’s commitment to academic, athletic, leadership, research, and service excellence resulted in her earning Dean’s List honors every semester, the 2024-2025 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship, the 2025-2026 Outstanding Applied Economics Student Award, and the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration. She was a finalist for the Annie Powe Hopper Award and was also honored by VSU Athletics with a Student Athlete Academic Spotlight recognition in Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Spring 2025.