Meet Dr. Sheri Gravett, Spring 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Mace Bearer

Dr. Sheri Gravett joined the Valdosta State University faculty in Fall 1989. She currently serves as associate provost for academic programs and services and as professor of English. She will retire at the end of June.

“I am honored to serve. Valdosta State College — and now VSU — has played an important role in my life, and I am grateful to colleagues and students, both past and present.”

Valdosta State University Mace

The mace has evolved through the years from a “hand combat” weapon of the middle ages, employed by archers and other unmounted warriors, to a club-shaped staff used as a symbol of authority by legislative, religious, academic, and other assemblies to give a ceremonial character to official functions.

The Valdosta State University Alumni Association commissioned Hollis Barnett, VSU professor of art, to design and sculpt the mace. It was first used at the June 12, 1994, commencement ceremony presided over by President Hugh C. Bailey. It has subsequently served President Ronald M. Zaccari, President Patrick J. Schloss, Interim President Levy, President William J. McKinney, Interim President Staton, Interim President Brown, President Richard Carvajal, and now Interim President William R. Crowe.

The design of the Valdosta State University mace is based on the dome of West Hall. It was sculpted by hand in wax and cast in bronze using the lost wax casting process. Black onyx and red carnelian stones, representing the VSU colors, are set into the bronze. The shaft is carved in a dark mahogany. The mahogany base is engraved with the university’s logo.