A dementia care specialist will provide information and support for adults with dementia and their caregivers. They will also provide guidance on creating places where people with dementia can remain active and safe.

A virtual dementia tour will provide caregivers in attendance with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people living with dementia, as well as give them a glimpse into the disease’s impact on daily life.

Door prizes will be given away every hour. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by the VSU Department of Human Services Master of Social Work program and the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, My Friend’s House provides a day program for senior citizens who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is a free service that promotes social, physical, creative, and cognitive stimulation through exercise, music, games, arts and crafts, hug therapy, laughter, and memory lane activities that encourage conversations about important events and people from the past.

Community groups interested in supporting My Friend’s House are encouraged to connect with Jacquelyn S. Hopkins, program coordinator, at (229) 293-6145. Donations of any size are accepted, and funds are used to provide snacks, birthday parties, and other supplies for My Friend’s House participants.  

To register for Community Day 2026 or learn more about My Friend’s House, please email Jacquelyn S. Hopkins at jshopkins@valdosta.edu or Marsha Smith at marshasmith@valdosta.edu.

Showcasing an exciting range of original choreography, created and performed by VSU’s talented dance faculty and students, “Pulse” promises to provoke, inspire, liberate, and leave audiences in awe as dances intertwine storytelling, abstract thought, and superb artistry. Each piece reflects the innovation and artistic rigor that define VSU’s dance program.

Sarah Wildes-Arnett, professor of dance, described “Pulse” as “a celebration of creative risk-taking and collaboration.” She presents work alongside Melissa Pihos, associate professor of dance; Carol Gonsalves Bertho, lecturer of dance; and Deija Holden and Carlene Fults, senior dance majors.  

“It’s about connection, the shared rhythm that links one dancer to another and all of us to the audience,” she said. “Throughout the rehearsal process, we’ve explored vulnerability, trust, and the power of collective momentum. Watching these students commit so fully — to the craft and to one another — has been the most inspiring part of the journey. When the curtain rises, my hope is that the audience doesn’t just watch the performance; I want them to feel the pulse right along with us.”

Highlights of the program include:

• Two senior student works developed through engaged creative processes and research and selected for presentation at the American College Dance Association Southeast Conference at Brenau University in February.

• Works in a variety of movement languages and styles, such as contemporary ballet, theatrical jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and commercial dance forms.

“Pulse” features innovative lighting and costume design, creating an immersive theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Performance Times: 7 p.m. March 11-13 and 2 p.m. March 14

Tickets: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/about/coa-tickets.php

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

The Blazer Creators program brings together a team of student storytellers who produce authentic, behind-the-scenes short-form video and digital content that highlights their day-to-day student experience. By sharing real moments from classes, campus events, student organizations, and residence life, this initiative offers prospective students an unfiltered look at life at VSU — through the eyes of the students who live it every day.

“Today’s prospective students want to hear directly from other students,” said Madison Beaumarchais, assistant director for strategic initiatives in VSU’s Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs, which oversees the Blazer Creators program through its Office of Admissions.

“The Blazer Creators program allows us to showcase what it means to be part of the Blazer community while giving our current students a platform to share their stories.”

Unlike traditional institutional messaging, the Blazer Creators program empowers students to create and share content in their own voice. This approach has proven especially effective in connecting with prospective students who are exploring colleges through social media and looking for genuine insight into campus culture.

In just a few short months, Blazer Creators has helped expand the university’s social media reach and strengthen engagement with audiences online. The initiative has contributed to a steady growth in followers while increasing the visibility of campus traditions, Greek Life, intramural sports, faith-based organizations, academic programs, and more everyday experiences that make the VSU community unique. 

Since it launched in October 2025, Beaumarchais said Blazer Creators has already inspired:

• More than 7,000 percent increase in views and more than 20,000 percent increase in accounts reached on Instagram.

• More than 300 new followers in Instagram.

• More than 1 million views on TikTok.

• More than 4,000 new followers to TikTok, for a total of 8,000 followers.

“Students trust students,” she added. “When prospective Blazers see real students talking about their experiences, it helps them picture their own future here.”

VSU’s Spring 2026 Blazer Creators team members are: 

 • Kagan Ellis, a sociology and anthropology major from St. Marys, Georgia.

• Lydia Mattox, a communications major from Colbert, Georgia.

• Graci Ashworth, a psychology major from Brunswick, Georgia.

• Mallory Poole, a communications major from Orange Park, Florida.

• Jean Garcia, an interpersonal communications major from Norman Park, Georgia.

• Randy Lanton, a political science major from Valdosta, Georgia.

• Jasmine Jaimes, a management major from Valdosta, Georgia.

• Hailey Mabrey, a marketing major from Adel, Georgia.

• Beau Lindsey, an exercise physiology major from Nashville, Georgia.

Beaumarchais said students selected for Blazer Creators are eligible to serve throughout their entire VSU experience. This program is expected to expand throughout 2026 as more students join the team and new content initiatives are introduced across social media.

“In addition to helping us better connect with prospective students, this program provides a valuable professional development opportunity for our VSU students,” she added. “Creators gain hands-on experience in digital storytelling, social media strategy, content production, and brand communication, skills that are increasingly in-demand in today’s workforce.”  

Follow VSU’s Blazer Creators on Instagram (@valdostastate_admissions) and on TikTok (@valdostastate).

VSU’s Clyde Eugene Connell Visiting Lecture Program and Department of Biology have invited Utah-based cell biologist and physiologist Dr. Paul R. Reynolds to discuss “Breaking Chronic Disease: Targeting Glycation and Inflammation.”  He is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology at Brigham Young University.

“Chronic low-grade inflammation drives many modern diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, dementia, and autoimmune disorders,” shared event organizers. “A central culprit is glycation, the non-enzymatic binding of glucose to proteins and lipids, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that trigger oxidative stress, impair cells, and amplify inflammation across tissues. This presentation explores how dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance fuel the glycation-inflammation cascade and highlights practical lifestyle strategies, including carbohydrate control and intermittent fasting, to reduce AGE burden and systemic inflammation. Additionally, emerging evidence on xylitol will be discussed, demonstrating its potential to lower postprandial glucose, limit glycation, and support mucosal and gut microbiome health.”

The Clyde Eugene Connell Visiting Lecture Series honors the legacy of Clyde Eugene Connell, who served the faculty, staff, and students of Valdosta State’s Department of Biology for more than two decades. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Valdosta State College in 1954. After earning a Master of Science in Zoology from the University of Georgia, he returned to Valdosta State in 1958 as a member of the faculty. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology from UGA, and in 1962 he was named head of VSU’s Department of Biology, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. His contributions to the university, the community, higher education, and the field of biology continue to inspire new generations of Blazers.  

Dr. Cristina Calestani, professor of cell and molecular biology and interim associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, will discuss “How Genomics is Changing Our Lives.” This Science Café event is an informal opportunity for anyone and everyone to explore how advances in genetic science are shaping medicine, agriculture, and emerging technologies. She will answer questions about the fundamentals of genomics, recent scientific breakthroughs, how genetic research is transforming fields ranging from personalized medicine to biotechnology innovation, as well as its general impact on society.

“As DNA sequencing has become faster and more affordable, genomics has grown at a rapid pace and is now applied to many aspects of our lives, including personalized medicine, drug development, biotechnology, forensics, agriculture, and environmental science,” she said.

VSU’s Science Café series offers a space where university-based scientists and the broader community can come together to discuss topics at the forefront of scientific discovery. This helps foster public understanding and enthusiasm for the scientific and technological developments shaping the world.

“Science Café is an opportunity for anyone, from any background and level of education, to learn more about scientific discoveries that affect our daily lives,” Calestani said. “It is not meant to be a lecture. It is an opportunity for the public, as well as our VSU students and colleagues, to ask questions and receive answers in a format that they can understand. The informal setting facilitates the interaction between the scientist and the public. Our goal is to make cutting-edge topics like genomics accessible and to spark curiosity about the science shaping the future.”

Augie’s Cafe is located at 1811 Jerry Jones Drive in Valdosta. Attendees are encouraged to purchase a beverage or food item from the host site.  

Dr. Barry Hojjatie, professor and Engineering Studies Program coordinator in VSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, said Engineering Night is designed to help students understand engineering and technology careers available to them across South Georgia (and even around the world), connect them with role models they can relate to, provide them with an opportunity to share their research with a diverse audience, and increase interest in engineering as an academic field of study.

Demand for engineers grows from year to year, Hojjatie said, and through events like Engineering Night and National Engineers Week, VSU is able to share its unwavering commitment to graduating students who have the skills necessary to create, build, and maintain infrastructure; solve problems; drive economic growth and innovation; overcome challenges; and improve quality of life for all.

Students in attendance were able to network and engage with industry leaders and technical representatives from Saft America Inc., Salvus LLC, Georgia Power, Packaging Corporation of America, and more during the nearly two-hour event. Hojjatie said this interaction is important because it transforms engineering education from purely academic learning into career-ready preparation. It equips students with knowledge, networks, perspective, and confidence, giving them a significant advantage as they enter the workforce after graduation. 

Engineering Night activities included:

• Anh Ho, an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was recognized for earning the Outstanding Student in the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program Award. As an Engineering Studies student, she will soon transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology, Mercer University, or University of Georgia to complete her studies in mechanical engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in spaceship creation.

• Ian Bittinger of Martinez, Georgia, was recognized for earning the Outstanding Student in Engineering Technology Award. He will graduate from VSU in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. As a cadet in VSU’s United States Air Force Detachment 172, his goal is to commission into the Air Force and become a pilot.

• Lynette Hepburn-Richardson with VSU’s Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services talked to attendees about the power of networking and how it directly impacts career opportunities, personal growth, and long-term success. She said networking helps students move from just earning a degree to building a career.

• Representatives from Packaging Corporation of America shared how they rely on almost every type of engineer to produce containerboard and corrugated packaging products; the majority of their workforce holds some type of engineering degree. They said that engineering is in high demand, and economic forecasters predict that there will be more vacancies than qualified engineers in the next decade.

To help meet the growing demand for engineers, PCA offers paid experiential learning opportunities for current college students. The company also offers scholarships that cover the full cost of college for high school students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, with a full-time job at PCA waiting for them after graduation.   

• Hojjatie presented a brief overview of his research, “Energy and Materials Sustainability in Papermaking.” He said the average person has no idea what it takes to make a simple piece of paper, and making the process more sustainable can help reduce climate impact, protect natural resources, lower costs, and keep the industry viable long term.

• A representative from Saft America Inc. shared how the company is committed to having a positive impact on the world every day. This includes making systems work better, finding ways to meet the changing needs of customers, as well as designing and developing new methods or products.

A subsidiary of TotalEnergies since 2016, Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry. The company offers a number of experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing a career in a variety of types of engineering.

• Paul Lee, an international student from Daegu, South Korea, shared his experience working with Salvus LLC, where he helped develop a sample transfer flow box. He plans to transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program and pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

“Since I was young, I’ve always been curious about how devices work,” he said. “I used to take things apart at home and put them back together to understand the mechanism behind them. I was especially fascinated by circuit boards. Over time, I realized that many assistive devices are deeply connected to electrical engineering, and that even though technology advances quickly, some people still don’t get to benefit from it.

“Last year, I designed a concept for an assistive device using LiDAR and an image sensor to help visually impaired people detect obstacles and navigate more safely. That idea advanced to the finals of a VSU business competition. After completing my degree, my goal is to attend graduate school to research sensor technology and autonomous robotics, and then found a startup focused on building assistive devices for people with visual impairments.”

• A representative from Salvus LLC gave a brief update on the company’s groundbreaking efforts to support and enhance the safety of people, animals, and the environment through its innovative on-site detection technology. He invited attendees to reach out about tours of Salvus or any of the other CJB companies, including CJB Industries Inc. and CJB Applied Technologies, to see how they are innovating and developing new technologies for chemical, biological, and life science industries.

• Representatives from Georgia Power Company discussed the various roles they play in delivering reliable energy to their customers. They company employs a wide range of engineers focused on power generation, transmission, and distribution. Austin Byrd of Hahira, Georgia, shared his work as a protection, control, and field services test engineer and how he hopes to remain at Georgia Power after completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. A first-generation college student, he previously pursued an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Studies at VSU through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program.

• Izavious Bundrage of Sparta, Georgia, discussed an experiential learning project involving the modernization of a 1982 GMC C10 through powertrain integration. He said this real-world test of engineering technology principles “has been a process.” His biggest challenge at this point is maintaining proper alignment, driveline angles, and clearance while introducing a physically larger and heavier powertrain. He will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. He hopes to attend Air Force Officer Training School or secure a position in automotive manufacturing or development.

• James F. Johnson Jr. of Winterville, Georgia, discussed his work with building critical thinkers through VSU’s Peer Alliance Learning (PAL) initiative. He anticipates earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from VSU in May 2028 and plans to spend the next couple of years gaining job-ready skills and clarifying his career direction through internships.

• Dr. Pierre-Richard Cornely, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said that VSU is committed to graduating career-ready graduates by aligning degree programs with workforce and employer demands. He said community and industry partners, like those attending Engineering Night, are “the lifeblood of what we do” because they provide guidance on how the university needs to evolve.

Cornely reflected on the unique role the College of Science and Mathematics plays in South Georgia and described it as the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) hub of VSU and its 41-county service area.

“STEM is the future, and that future is being built right here, right now at VSU,” he said.

Hojjatie has organized and hosted Engineering Night at VSU for 15 years.  With support from his colleagues at VSU, the community, and engineers from local industry, he said it has grown every year and had great success in helping students secure career-building opportunities. 

"I love National Engineers Week, and I love the VSU Engineering Night because it generates interest in and excitement about engineering among students,” he said. “I hope that other faculty members of engineering at VSU will continue to support such a wonderful event for many years to come."

VSU offers an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Studies, a traditional two-year program. These students typically transfer to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, or other Georgia institutions of higher education through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways Program.

VSU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, a traditional four-year degree program with a concentration in Industrial Engineering Technology.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/cset/

Hosted by VSU’s Department of Chemistry and Geosciences, this fast-paced academic competition tested 40 students from Camden County High School, Statesboro High School, Frederica Academy High School and Valdosta High School on their knowledge of energy, earth and space, biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Teams of four faced off in a lively quiz-bowl format, buzzing in to answer complex questions and solve problems under time pressure.

“The Georgia High School Regional Science Bowl highlights the incredible talent we have in our high schools and demonstrates the importance of investing in STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — education,” said Dr. Donna Gosnell, associate professor of chemistry who directed this year’s event with Dr. Dean Duncan, chemistry lecturer. “It is important to me personally, to my colleagues in the College of Science and Mathematics, and to all of us at VSU in general to foster excellence and interest in STEM fields. This event builds connections between VSU and high school STEM teachers and students while also giving them an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and experience a collegiate environment.”   

Nearly two dozen VSU faculty, staff, and students served as volunteer moderators, judges, question readers, scorekeepers, and timekeepers throughout the event.

The Southwest Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society provided a pizza lunch for competitors, coaches, and volunteers.

The Office of Admissions shared information packets with students to introduce them to academic programs, campus life, and future opportunities at VSU.

Camden County High School finished the competition in first place honors, Frederica Academy High School finished second, and Statesboro High School finished third. Gosnell said that the top one or two teams advance to the Georgia Science Bowl at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. Winners at the state level proceed to the National Science Bowl, which is sponsored by the United States Department of Energy. 

VSU has hosted the Georgia High School Regional Science Bowl for more than 30 years. This work reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and academic excellence, as well as its focus on inspiring future scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators, difference-makers, and more. 

“My hope is that this competition sparks a lifelong curiosity in every high school student who participated and inspires them to become the next generation of STEM leaders who will push the boundaries of discovery,” Gosnell said.

Speaking to a class of graduate-level students in VSU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kidd-Gilchrist opened up about his lifelong journey as a person who stutters and his mission to advocate for greater awareness, acceptance, and support. He spoke candidly about growing up without early intervention, navigating a world that often misunderstood him, and pursuing his dream of playing professional basketball despite the communication challenges he faced. He grew up believing his voice was something he had to hide.

When Kidd-Gilchrist shared how he did not receive his first speech therapy until he was 18 years old, a sharp gasp went around the room. Early intervention for a child who stutters is not just about supporting smoother communication. It’s also about protecting a child’s confidence, nurturing their resilience, and ensuring their voice grows stronger than their fear.

Kidd-Gilchrist said the world can be a lonely place for people who stutter. He said he did not know where he would be without the speech-language pathologist he met and worked with in college. 

He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but he grew up in Somerdale, New Jersey. As a student at St. Patrick High School, he was considered one of the best basketball players in the United States. In July 2010, about three months after he committed to playing for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, he was part of the gold medal-winning United States team in the FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Germany.

After one season with Kentucky, where he helped the Wildcats earn their eighth NCAA National Championship, Kidd-Gilchrist was selected second overall in the 2012 NBA Draft to play for the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). He remained with the Hornets through early 2020 when he joined the Dallas Mavericks.

Kidd-Gilchrist played eight years in the NBA, and while his achievements as an athlete captured national attention, he said his most meaningful work began off the basketball court, when he decided to use his platform to publicly embrace his stutter and advocate for children who lack access to early intervention resources.

He said he may have slipped through the cracks, but he does not want another child who stutters to grow up feeling isolated and overlooked.  

In 2021 Kidd-Gilchrist founded Change & Impact Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness around stuttering, while also expanding resources and improving access to healthcare. His advocacy has focused particularly on underserved communities and on reducing the stigma surrounding speech differences. He is proud of his efforts to encourage state leaders across the country to pass legislation that guarantees children can get the early intervention speech therapy they need regardless of their family’s ability to pay. 

This work is his true passion.

Aliyah Ryan, a VSU Master of Education in Communication Disorders student from Augusta, Georgia, said she found Kidd-Gilchrist’s message inspiring.

“This presentation encouraged me to reflect on the important role speech-language pathologists can play in state-level advocacy,” she shared. “As a future speech-language pathologist who plans to work with children, I recognize that many families face barriers to accessing services, and policies like these can help improve access to care. It reinforced my commitment to not only support clients clinically but to also advocate for equitable services.”

Kidd-Gilchrist’s visit highlights VSU’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, connecting students with leaders whose lived experiences deepen their understanding of the populations they will serve.

“Michael travels around and speaks with groups, organizations, and universities about the impact of stuttering on everyday life,” said Dr. Matt Carter, professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and program director for the Scottish-Rite Literacy Center, both at VSU. “His visit enables our students to better understand the stuttering community by interacting with an individual who has lived with and persevered through the difficulties that are associated with a severe communicative impairment.”  

Before he left, Kidd-Gilchrist emphasized the critical, life-changing role speech-language pathologists play, not only in helping people develop communication skills but also in building their confidence and self-worth. He stressed the importance of compassionate, informed intervention. He reminded the VSU students that while fluency may be part of the goal, empowering a voice that once struggled to be heard is more important.

On the Web:https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/communication-sciences-and-disorders/https://changeandimpactinc.org/

VALDOSTA — Jerry Oliver Jr. is Valdosta State University's Fall 2025 Employee of the Semester.

“Being named Employee of the Semester is truly humbling,” he said. “I am grateful for the recognition and thankful to my leadership team for the opportunity to serve in a role that allows me to contribute in meaningful ways. It affirms that the work I care deeply about — supporting our people, strengthening our processes, and contributing to a culture of excellence — matters. The people that I get to meet through my role confirms that I am where I need to be at this point in my life.”  

Oliver joined the VSU staff in September 2024 and currently serves as a compliance officer with Human Resources/Employee and Organizational Development. He has more than 15 years of experience with human resources, student affairs, academic affairs, and student success initiatives.

“I am passionate about leading through collaboration and service,” he said. “I genuinely value the relationships I build through my work and the opportunity to grow each day. I especially enjoy researching best practices and finding thoughtful ways to incorporate them into my work to strengthen processes while maintaining compliance. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of colleagues across the university.”

Oliver holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Augusta State University, as well as a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Master of Education in Evaluation, Assessment, Research, and Learning, both from Georgia Southern University. He began working on a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, concentration in Higher Education, at Georgia Southern University in 2020 and hopes to graduate sometime this year, pending the defense of his dissertation.

“I remain committed to growing as a leader and making a meaningful impact on the VSU community,” he said. “I am grateful to work alongside colleagues who inspire and encourage me every day.”

Dr. Linda Most joined the Department of Library and Information Studies faculty at VSU during Fall Semester 2009. She was passionate about the intersection of information, people, technology, and society, and she taught her students that democracy, education, and equity are impacted by how access to information is organized, protected, and provided.  

From her first day at VSU, Most was also a tireless advocate for the university’s green space initiatives, championing the pinetum outside her Odum Library office windows as fiercely as she promoted information literacy. She died Nov. 19, 2024.

“What we plant today shapes the world we leave for tomorrow,” shared Melinda Harbaugh, chief officer to the president. “Strong roots, careful tending, patience, and time can produce something beautiful and enduring. Dr. Linda Most understood this deeply.

“Through her many years on the Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee, she gave generously of her time, her expertise, and her passion. Her impact lives on, not only through her students, colleagues, and friends, but in the quiet spaces, flowering and green, between buildings, beneath trees, and along shaded walkways.”

Joined by Most’s sister, Sandy Osborne, and a representative from the Georgia Forestry Commission, members of VSU’s Campus Beautification and Stewardship Subcommittee and Campus Groves Committee grabbed a shovel and planted a Red Buckeye — a symbol of resilience, renewal, good luck, and positive energy — outside Odum Library. A commemorative plaque was placed next to the tree, recognizing Most’s lifelong dedication to nurturing both the natural landscape and the minds of students. 

“To honor Dr. Most, we knew we needed a tree that was native, unique, beneficial to wildlife, and planted where it could be seen from the offices of Odum Library,” said Monica Haynes, superintendent of Landscape and Grounds at VSU. “The Red Buckeye was the perfect choice. It will ensure her legacy will continue to grow, providing shade, beauty, and inspiration for generations to come.”

Haynes said the VSU community — as well as nearby hummingbirds and butterflies — are sure to enjoy the tree’s vibrant red, tubular blooms every spring. 

During the on-campus Georgia Arbor Day ceremony, VSU received its 14^th Tree Campus designation, and Haynes shared a bit about the work behind maintaining the university’s urban forest. As she and her grounds maintenance team have shared before, these efforts are important to student success and the health and well-being of every member of the VSU community.

Tree Campus Higher Education, previously known as Tree Campus USA, is a national program created by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging college and university community members in conservation goals.

Georgia Arbor Day, observed annually on the third Friday in February, encourages communities to plant and care for trees during the Peach State’s optimal planting season.

VSU’s Department of Landscape and Grounds is committed to providing the campus community with the highest quality service in the areas of horticulture, landscape maintenance, landscape construction, irrigation, and trash compaction. Each grounds maintenance team member takes pride in his or her efforts to maintain the distinctive beauty of the campus and how that supports university-wide recruitment and retention efforts. 

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/plant-ops/landscape-and-grounds.php
https://www.arborday.org/our-work/tree-campus-higher-education

The Valdosta Tree Commission recently presented its prestigious Arboreal Legacy Award to Valdosta State University's Monica Haynes, a truly deserving community champion whose dedication has helped our campus and city grow greener, healthier, and more beautiful.

This award honors Haynes' ongoing and lasting impact on Valdosta's urban forest through advocacy, education, preservation, and hands-on stewardship. From planting initiatives to conservation leadership, her efforts reflect the very heart of what the Arboreal Legacy Award represents — a deep-rooted love for our community and its natural spaces. Thanks to her commitment, future generations will continue to enjoy the shade, beauty, and environmental benefits of our area trees.

“Like so many before me, I’ve always believed that when we plant and protect trees, we’re investing in the future of our community,” Haynes said. “Valdosta’s beauty grows from the dedication of so many caring hands, and I’m grateful to serve a community that understands the value of preserving and growing our urban forest.”

Haynes, supervisor of Landscape and Grounds at VSU, is pictured with Scott James, Valdosta mayor. She joined the VSU Plant Operations staff 13 years ago and has worked in the Lowndes County landscape and nursery industry for 25 years.  

The Distinguished Teacher Award from the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing is presented annually to a voice educators who has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, significant contributions to the vocal arts community, and a lasting impact on students’ professional and artistic development. 

Mikkelsen joined the VSU Department of Music faculty in 1970 and the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing the following year. Over the course of five-plus decades she has built a vocal studies program known for its technical rigor, expressive artistry, and supportive learning environment.

Under Mikkelsen’s mentorship, VSU students have earned top honors in regional and national competitions, secured roles with respected opera companies and musical theatre productions, as well as pursued advanced study at leading conservatories and graduate programs.

As an active performer and clinician, Mikkelsen has presented masterclasses, workshops, and adjudications throughout the region, contributing to the professional development of fellow educators and aspiring singers alike. Her work reflects a deep understanding of vocal science, stylistic versatility, and the transformative power of music education.

Mikkelsen has served as president and governor of the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and as governor for the Southeastern Regional Chapter of the organization. Since 2000, she has chaired the organization’s Art Song Composition Award and “championed the creation of new art song repertoire,” said Dr. Bradley Sowell, assistant professor of voice in VSU’s Department of Music.

She also established the Judith Cloud Award “to bolster the composition of new art song literature that serves as a cooperation between singer and composer,” Sowell added.

“Her work has made a lasting impression,” he continued. “This tribute is a testament to her intelligence, warmth, professionalism, dedication, humor, humility, and helpfulness. Her career is a legacy of nurturing voices, championing new music, and uplifting others. She has helped guide our professional community with vision, integrity, and care. I am in awe of Carol’s commitment to this profession. It is so inspiring. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Mikkelsen retired from full-time teaching in 2014 and returned as a part-time adjunct professor of voice.

“Teaching is a collaborative and deeply meaningful journey,” said the professor emerita of music at VSU. “It’s more than technique or performance; it’s nurturing confidence, discovering authentic expression, and helping each student find the courage to share their unique voice with the world. I am incredibly grateful to every student who has trusted me with their artistry, vulnerability, and growth. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to witness their journeys.” 

The Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing supports voice teachers and singers across the state through competitions, workshops, conferences, and professional resources aimed at fostering excellence in singing and vocal instruction.

Students have always enjoyed Einstein Bros. Bagels, and thanks to their thoughtful feedback, the experience just got even better at Valdosta State University's Education Center. The space has been completely refreshed with vibrant digital menu boards, upgraded coolers, a convenient grab-and-go case, and a delicious new donut display. We know that the best campus experiences are created together. When students share their voices, great things happen. Because the strongest dining programs aren’t just built FOR students; they’re built WITH them.

On the Web:
https://valdosta.mydininghub.com/en

Events like this support VSU’s ongoing efforts to create career-ready graduates by encouraging students to practice professional communication skills early and often, network and interview with industry professionals, explore career pathways connected to their major, and discover options available to cultivate their intellectual growth. 

Career Opportunities strives to provide career development and awareness, structured experiential learning, and professional employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. Its staff collaborates with the university’s employer and community partners to develop the employment potential of all VSU graduates.

The keynote speaker is Torren Calhoun-Ray, a VSU alumnus and leader with the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s Mentoring Program for Young Men. His presentation is titled “Best Practices and the Discipline of Impact: How Daily Practice Shapes Leadership, Performance, and Meaningful Change.”

Drawing from his personal experiences across business, sports, and life, Calhoun-Ray shares his practical reflections on leadership, culture, and personal growth — offering insights for students and professionals committed to creating meaningful change through consistent, intentional action. He is a former defensive lineman for VSU’s Blazer Football team who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at VSU in 2023.      

Under the direction of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, the J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship brings emerging student entrepreneurs, faculty, staff, and experienced entrepreneurs together to ignite a spirit of innovation and foster connections that extend across the university, the region, and even the world. This creative and collaborative hub offers a wide range of resources, technology, equipment, and mentorship needed to unlock the potential of the next startup generation. It is named in honor of Don Lee, founder of Lee Container and 1957 VSU alumnus.

The Health Science and Business Administration Building is located on VSU’s Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus at the intersection of Patterson Street and Pendleton Drive.

Email JDLcenter@valdosta.edu for more information.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance presents "Marisol" Feb. 19-22 on the Sawyer Theatre stage. Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for senior adults, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card.

Written by Obie Award-winning playwright Jose Rivera, "Marisol" is an apocalyptic urban fantasy. Pulled into a celestial war to save the human race, Marisol Perez finds herself on a surreal journey through a terrifying New York City in chaos. A gritty, beautiful, often humorous, tale of one woman’s struggle to retain hope and sanity in the midst of devastation, "Marisol" is a bold, thought-provoking triumph of the human spirit.

Please not that this production is intended for adult audiences. This show contains adult themes, language, blasphemy, violence, and sexual violence. Visual effects include flashing lights. Sounds in the production include loud noise, screams, gun shots, explosions.

Performance Times: 7 p.m. Feb. 19-21 and 3 p.m. Feb. 22

Tickets: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/about/coa-tickets.php

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

VALDOSTA — Newsweek has named Valdosta State University to its 2026 list of America’s Top Online Colleges.  

“Being named among the nation’s best for our online programs is more than an honor; it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to innovation, accessibility, and academic excellence,” said Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are proud to expand opportunity beyond the classroom borders, empowering students everywhere to achieve their goals with the same rigor, support, and distinction that define VSU.”

This is the fifth consecutive year Newsweek has collaborated with Statista, a global data firm, to determine which colleges and universities across the United States offer the best online programs to degree-seeking students at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as learners seeking personal and professional development opportunities.

Newsweek determined the nation’s best online learning schools by surveying thousands of individuals who earned a college degree online or pursued some type of online continuing education training. 

Survey respondents were asked to identify which institution of higher education they chose for their online education and to share their experiences by rating the institution on several criteria. They were also asked to indicate how satisfied they were with their college or university and to what extent they would recommend it to others.

Newsweek combined the survey feedback with additional research, including institutional data, to finalize its 2026 America’s Top Online Colleges list.

As a public comprehensive university, VSU offers more than 150 academic programs, including more than 60 fully online and seven hybrid, leading to associate, bachelor, master, specialist, and doctoral degrees, as well as to certifications, minors, endorsements, and certificates. Eight of the most in-demand bachelor’s degree programs are housed in the university’s Online College for Career Advancement.   

Valdosta State University recently welcomed hundreds of school children to campus to experience the magic of live orchestral music through a special Youth Concert Series event hosted by the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. Designed to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, this interactive program introduced students to the instruments, musicians, and inner workings of a full symphony orchestra — and to the sounds of George Frideric Handel’s famous “Messiah,” a Baroque-era oratorio originally created as an Easter offering. VSU believes that experiencing live orchestral music helps young learners build focus and empathy while igniting curiosity and a deeper connection to creative expression.

On the Web: www.valdostasymphony.org      

Created and performed by acclaimed Atlanta-based storytellers Barry Stewart Mann and Deborah Strahorn, this detective-style storytelling performance examines the little-known roots of the Statue of Liberty and its connection with abolitionism through historical enactment, folklore, personal narrative, humor, and imagined reenactments.

Audiences are invited to become more familiar with the national symbol while uncovering other truths about its origin.

Following each performance, attendees will participate in guided discussions led by Dr. Sarah FitzGerald, Public History Program coordinator and assistant professor of history at VSU. These discussions will focus on how societies create and interpret national symbols and how historical narratives evolve through cultural memory and identity.

The events will conclude with “Liberty Reflected,” a collaborative public art project led by Turner Center Assistant Director and Curator Madison Caldwell and Artist-in-Residence Annette Crosby. Community members and artists will contribute mixed-media elements inspired by themes of liberty, identity, historical memory, and cultural symbolism. The completed artworks will be displayed at both the Turner Center for the Arts and VSU, as well as documented digitally to extend the project’s reach.

Designed for community members ages 10 and up, “The Strange Case of Lady Liberty” offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Audiences will have two opportunities to participate in this special event:

• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the Turner Center for the Arts.
• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the VSU Odum Library Auditorium.

“The Strange Case of Lady Liberty” is presented free of charge at both locations.

“This honor reaffirms our unwavering commitment to preparing transformative leaders in education, the quality of our programs, our faculty expertise, and the success of our students,” said Dr. David Slykhuis, dean of the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services at VSU. “Our faculty are deeply dedicated to mentoring scholar-practitioners who are ready to lead with integrity, apply research to real-world challenges, and make a lasting impact in schools, colleges, and communities.”  

The Princeton Review evaluates online programs based on a number of factors, including curriculum rigor and reputation, technology and learning resources, program flexibility, accreditation and quality, as well as student satisfaction — making this honor a meaningful indicator of program excellence.

VSU offers an online Doctor of Education in Leadership, an online Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development, and a hybrid Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration.

VSU’s online Doctor of Education programs are designed to prepare experienced educators and professionals to excel in leaderships roles across K-12, higher education, and other organizational contexts. They emphasize advanced research skills, ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and transformative practice — all delivered through a flexible format that meets the needs of working adults.