Dr. George Staton Named 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. George Staton with the 2026 College of Science and Mathematics Alumnus of the Year Award. He is pictured with Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics; Dr. Donald J. Green, president of VSU; and Thomas D. Head, president of the VSU Alumni Association Executive Board.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. George Staton with the 2026 College of Science and Mathematics Alumnus of the Year Award.

“Being named a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is truly an honor and a privilege,” he said. “It inspires me to reflect on my time and growth while at Valdosta State.”

Staton earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1999. He is an interventional cardiologist with South Georgia Medical Associates.

“Dr. Staton’s story is a beautiful example of the lasting impact of a VSU education and the power of coming home to make a difference,” said Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “From a young biology student inspired by dedicated professors and local physicians to an accomplished interventional cardiologist serving the very community that helped shape his dreams, he has brought his journey full circle. His accomplishments reflect not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to family, community, and service. We could not be prouder to recognize someone who embodies the true spirit of VSU, taking the opportunities given to him and turning them into a lifetime of opportunities to care for others.”

VSU Alumni Relations: How did your time at Valdosta State University shape your personal and professional?

Staton: My time at Valdosta State allowed me to build upon my educational foundation that launched me into my career as a physician.

VSU Alumni Relations: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since graduating from VSU? 

Staton: Since graduating from VSU, I continued my education, graduating from Mercer University School of Medicine. I then went to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to complete my internal medicine residency. Academically, I then finished my cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville. It was a 15-year journey of education and training to return to Valdosta to practice. 

During this time, I also met my wife, Stacie, while training at Shands. We got married and started a family, which we have been blessed to raise in this wonderful community.

VSU Alumni Relations: What person, experience, or opportunity at VSU had the greatest impact on your life?

Staton: First, Dr. Thomas Manning made a huge impact with his love for science, enthusiastic teaching, and continued encouragement during my time at Valdosta State. 

Second, Dr. Joe Stubbs allowed me the opportunity to shadow and learn from him throughout my four years at Valdosta State. He also served as my preceptor during medical school. I was blessed after completing my training to return to Valdosta and practice as an interventional cardiologist joining his medical group.

VSU Alumni Relations: What advice would you give today’s VSU students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

Staton: The days go by slow, but the years go by fast. Cherish all the experiences and opportunities that present themselves while in undergrad and enjoy the adventure.

VSU Alumni Relations: Where do you currently live and how do you spend your time? Your answer could include where you work and what you do there, community service you enjoy doing, the church you attend and organizations you are a member of, your family, your pets, your hobbies, etc.  

Staton: I currently reside in Valdosta, Georgia, with my wife, Stacie; our three boys, Gavin, Parker, and Cole; and our dog, Toby. We are blessed to be able to raise our children with the support of our parents, Faye Staton, the late Everett Staton, and Allan and Carol Zimmerman. 

I am currently in private practice as an interventional cardiologist with South Georgia Medical Associates, which was founded by Joe Stubbs in 1965. I have been practicing there for the past 16 years. 

My family and I are members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.