As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. 

– Valdosta State University Mission Statement

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is conducting a national search for the 11th President of Valdosta State University, who will continue to increase the university’s educational opportunities and student success. VSU serves a diverse student body of more than 10,000 students working toward bachelor, master, specialist, and doctoral degrees. VSU is a vital part of the South Georgia economy.   

Valdosta State University has enjoyed recent enrollment growth with a renewed focus toward traditional on campus students, while also supporting graduate students and online adult learners. The next VSU president will be a highly visible, transparent, and visionary leader, engaged listener, effective communicator, and exceptional relationship builder. 

For more information, email Ann Yates at VSUPresident@buffkinbaker.com.

November 2025

• Valdosta State University Presidential Search Committee announced

December 2025

• Charge to Valdosta State University’s Presidential Search Committee by Chancellor Perdue, University System of Georgia (USG), and Presidential Search Committee Chair and USG Regent, Studstill

December 2025

• In-person/virtual listening sessions to discuss expectations and desired qualifications of Valdosta State University’s next president
• Presidential Search webpage and feedback survey launched

Winter 2025

• Candidate recruitment and identification through advertising, correspondence, solicitation of nominations, and direct recruiting of candidates

Winter 2025

• Presidential Search Committee reviews all resumes and nominations submitted for consideration
• Presidential Search Committee Meeting to select candidates for first-round interviews

Winter/Spring 2025

• President Search Committee interviews first-round candidates
• The Presidential Search Committee may select 3-5 unranked candidates for recommendation to the USG Board of Regents for additional consideration

Spring/Summer 2025

• 3-5 candidates interview with the USG Board of Regents

Spring/Summer 2025

• Public announcement listing the finalist or finalists for the presidency
• An offer may be extended to the selected candidate

The members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows: 

• Regent Haynes Studstill, committee chair 

• Regent and Board Chairman-elect David B. Dove 

• Regent Richard “Tim” Evans 

• Susan Boddie, Ph.D., president, VSU Faculty Senate; assistant professor of voice and area chair, VSU College of the Arts 

• Bert Brantley, president and CEO, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Joe Brownlee, region executive, Georgia Power 

• Nick Buford, regional public policy lead, Amazon 

• Kai Kemp, president, VSU Student Government Association 

• John W. Langdale III, vice president, The Langdale Company 

• Teresa MacCartney, chief operating officer, USG 

• Corinna Robinson, president, VSU Alumni Association

Seeking Feedback:

The Presidential Search Committee is seeking feedback on the qualities the next president of VSU should possess and what their priorities should be. Click here to provide your feedback.

Listening Sessions:

The Valdosta State University Presidential Search Committee held listening sessions for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Thank you to all who attended virtually and in person and provided feedback.

Please check back for future updates.