South Georgia State College President Credits VSU Master’s Degrees for Growth as Educator, Leader

Dr. Greg Tanner is the President of South Georgia State College.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Ask Dr. Greg Tanner about his journey to becoming president of South Georgia State College, and he will tell you about the professional community and friendships built that continue to endure today. He also talks about collaboration, opportunity, and hard work that included not one, but two master’s degrees from Valdosta State University (VSU).

Tanner is a first-generation college student who has seen the transformative power of a college degree. Four degrees later, he is reflecting on the institutions that shaped his experience as an educator and leader, including his time at VSU.

We asked Tanner about his experience as an on-campus masters student, how it prepared him for his current role, and what advice he has for those also wanting to go into higher education leadership.    

Why did you choose Valdosta State University (VSU) to earn your M.Ed. in Physical Education and your M.Ed. in Education Leadership?

I chose Valdosta State University because it aligned with both my professional goals and my desire to keep growing as an educator and leader. After graduating from Georgia Southern University with my bachelor’s degree in education, I knew I wanted to teach and coach in higher education. I reached out to Valdosta State University’s head women’s basketball coach, Charles Cooper, who was an outstanding coach, to ask if he would consider allowing me to serve as a graduate assistant with the program. He agreed, and at that moment I thought my next step was set.

However, shortly after that opportunity came together, I was offered a teaching position at the high school level. I decided to accept that position and began taking classes at VSU part time while continuing to build my career. Once I earned my M.Ed. in Physical Education, I began teaching at Abraham Baldwin College in Tifton, Georgia, which moved me closer to my goal of working in higher education.

Later, as my career path expanded and I began serving as an elementary principal, I returned to VSU to pursue my M.Ed. in Education Leadership. VSU was a natural choice because of its excellent reputation for preparing educators, coaches, and school leaders. The university provided the flexibility, academic quality, and professional preparation I needed at each stage of my career. Looking back, VSU played an important role in helping me move from coach and teacher to administrator and, ultimately, higher education leader.

Is there a special memory that stands out from your studies at VSU that you’d like to share?

There is not just one memory that stands out from my time at VSU; there are several. Some of my most meaningful memories come from simply arriving at class and seeing other educators from surrounding school districts who were also committed to growing in the profession. Even before class began, we were learning from one another by sharing experiences, challenges, ideas, and best practices.

That sense of professional community was very special. VSU created an environment where educators could connect, collaborate, and support one another. The friendships and professional relationships I built during that time have continued throughout my career, and many of those connections have had a lasting impact on me as an educator and leader.

How did your masters programs at VSU prepare you for your career in higher education leadership?

My master’s programs at VSU helped prepare me for a career in higher education leadership by giving me both the academic foundation and the practical perspective needed to lead effectively. Through my coursework, I strengthened my understanding of organizational leadership, student development, institutional policy, assessment, and the broader role colleges and universities play in serving students and communities.

VSU also helped shape my leadership philosophy. I learned the importance of being student-centered, data-informed, collaborative, and mission-driven. Those principles have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to guide my work as a college president. The experience gave me the confidence, knowledge, and professional grounding to move into roles with greater responsibility and to lead with purpose in a constantly changing higher education environment.

What would you say to anyone considering attending VSU to continue growing as an educator?

I would tell anyone considering VSU to take that step. Valdosta State University is one of the finest institutions in the University System of Georgia, and it provides an environment where educators can continue to grow both personally and professionally. One of the things that makes VSU special is the personal attention students receive. Faculty members know you by name, invest in your success, and bring real-world experience into the classroom. That kind of support matters, especially for working professionals who are trying to balance career, family, and graduate study. VSU is also affordable and offers strong academic programs with meaningful experiential learning opportunities. You are not just learning theory, you are applying what you learn in ways that help you become a stronger educator and leader. For anyone who wants to keep growing, deepen their impact, and prepare for the next level of service in education, VSU is an excellent choice.

You have been a part of four University System of Georgia (USG) institutions: your bachelor’s degree is from Georgia Southern University, two masters degrees from VSU, you coached softball and are a member of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Hall of Fame, and you have been at South Georgia State College in several roles since 2012. What do you think makes USG institutions great places to further your education?

What makes University System of Georgia institutions such great places to further your education is the combination of quality, accessibility, affordability, and opportunity. Each USG institution has its own unique mission and culture, but they all share a commitment to student success and to serving the people and communities of Georgia.

I also believe the value of a degree is clear. A bachelor’s degree can pay off significantly over a lifetime, with college graduates earning about $1.4 million more over their careers compared to someone with only a high school diploma. That kind of return shows that higher education is not just an academic investment, but a life-changing financial and professional investment.

My own journey is a great example of the opportunities USG institutions provide. Georgia Southern University gave me a strong foundation through my bachelor’s degree. Valdosta State University helped me continue growing as an educator and leader through my two master’s degrees. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College gave me the opportunity to teach, coach, and build meaningful professional relationships, and I am proud to be a member of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Hall of Fame. South Georgia State College has allowed me to serve in several roles since 2012 and continue making an impact in higher education.

USG institutions provide students with pathways to grow at every stage of life and career. They offer strong academic programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and real opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership development, and career advancement. They are also deeply connected to their regions, which means students are not only earning degrees, but they are also preparing to contribute to their communities. For me, the University System of Georgia has been more than a collection of institutions; it has been a lifelong educational and professional home. USG institutions are great because they open doors, support students, and prepare people to lead and serve.

Being named President of a higher education institution is the culmination of many years of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Can you share some insights about your journey for those hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Being named President of South Georgia State College is truly an honor, but it is also the result of many years of learning, serving, listening, and growing. My journey did not happen overnight. As a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand the transformative power of higher education and the doors it can open for students and families. That experience has shaped the way I lead and strengthened my commitment to helping others see what is possible through education.

My journey began in the classroom, where I learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, preparation, and investing in people. As my career progressed, I had opportunities to serve in different roles, from teaching and coaching to administration and college leadership. Each position taught me something valuable. I learned how important it is to understand the needs of students, support faculty and staff, build relationships in the community, and make decisions that are aligned with the mission of the institution. Every step helped prepare me for the next one.

For anyone hoping to follow a similar path, I would say be willing to do the work, even when no one is watching. Stay focused on students, continue learning, and seek out mentors who will challenge and support you. It is also important to remain humble and grounded in your faith, remembering the truth of Deuteronomy 4:39. Be open to opportunities that may not look exactly like the path you planned, because sometimes those opportunities prepare you in unexpected ways.

Leadership in higher education is about service. It requires patience, integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. If you remain grounded in your values, build strong relationships, and never stop growing, you can make a meaningful impact at every stage of your journey.

On the Web:

Valdosta State University: https://www.valdosta.edu/

VSU's College of Education and Human Services: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/