Meet The Speakers

Dr. Gerald Williams - Keynote Speaker

Dr. Gerald Williams, Jr., currently serves as the Administrator for the Cook County School District’s Alternative Education Program. Before joining Cook County Schools, he was recognized as an accomplished higher education administrator with a proven track record of strategic leadership and institutional transformation.

With over 20 years of experience in student and academic affairs, Dr. Williams has spearheaded the creation and reorganization of academic and student services departments at numerous institutions, including the University System of Georgia and private institutions. Also, throughout his career, he has served as a leader on numerous boards.

He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Argosy University, a master’s in educational leadership, a master’s in public administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Valdosta State University. Additionally, he holds several certifications and has been recognized by various organizations for his educational leadership.

Dr. Williams has been married to his wife, Dr. Joi Williams, for 19 years. They have a 17-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. In his spare time, he enjoys competing in martial arts, obstacle course racing, preparing for marathons, and practicing yoga.

Dr. James LaPlant - Keynote Speaker

Dr. James LaPlant is the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science at Valdosta State University. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and is currently serving as President of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), which is a national organization that promotes undergraduate research in higher education. He also served for six years as the Editor-in-Chief of SPUR: Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research.

Dr. LaPlant has recently taught courses on Research Methods in Political Science, Southern Culture and Politics, and Conspiracy Theories in American Politics. His research has dealt with topics ranging from policy diffusion to southern politics to conspiracy theories in American politics.  He has led study abroad trips to the Czech Republic. He has published numerous articles in various journals and supervised many undergraduate and graduate students in research related to the field of Political Science.

Dr. Anne Price - Speaker

Anne Price is University Coordinator of the Trailblazer Program for Experiential Learning (SACSCOC Quality Enhancement Plan) and Professor of Sociology at Valdosta State University. She holds certification from the Experiential Education Academy and serves in a leadership role with the Council on Undergraduate Research. She received her BA in English Literature and Sociology, with Honors, from Florida State University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the Ohio State University. She has worked at VSU since 2013, where she is an advocate for mentored undergraduate experiences and programs. She has recently published on VSU’s experiential learning program in Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.

Wendy Byrd - Speaker

Rosalyn Martinez - Speaker

Rosalyn Martinez serves as the Program Coordinator for Graduate Studies and Research at Valdosta State University, bringing over a decade of experience across K–12 and higher education. Her career began as a bilingual speech-language pathologist and has developed

into key leadership roles that focus on supporting students from historically marginalized communities. She previously directed a federally funded program for five years serving first-year college students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds, where her student-centered approach resulted in 100 percent retention and pass rates. Rosalyn also serves as faculty advisor to Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., holds leadership roles in numerous faculty/staff organizations, is director of the Migrant Education Summer Leadership Academy, and co-vice president of programs of the Valdosta chapter of the American Association of University Women. In addition, she contributes to regional efforts through the local Chamber of Commerce and is a frequent guest speaker on migrant and farmworker student success.

Rooted in her own lived experience and guided by a deep belief in equity, Rosalyn has led numerous faculty and staff initiatives that focus on Latinx student success and building inclusive campus climates. Her approach to leadership blends mentorship, cultural advocacy, and reflective practice. In times of transition, which is the only constant in the field of education, she finds strength in revisiting her professional "why," which is the foundation of this session, Rooted and Rising: Rediscovering Your Why in Higher Education. Through storytelling, guided reflection, and peer discussion, Rosalyn helps participants realign with their core motivations and return to their work with renewed clarity and purpose.

Sheila Richardson Hall - Facilitator

Information Technology Communications and Support Coordinator. Provides technical support to VSU faculty and staff and assists in implementing and communicating major technological initiatives that support the university's goals. Former COSA Executive Member. 24-year Valdosta State University staff member.

Darious Anthony

Darius L. Anthony serves as the Assistant Director in the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services at Valdosta State University. A proud Blazer, he earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration degree from the same institution.

In his role, Darius is committed to empowering students through career readiness and experiential learning. He serves as a dedicated mentor and Career Counselor to students in the College of the Arts and is actively involved with M.O.C.H.A. (Men of Character, Honor, and Achievement), helping young men navigate academic, professional, and personal growth.

Darius also represents the Division of Student Affairs on the Council on Staff Affairs (COSA), advocating for staff development and engagement. His commitment to service extends beyond campus—he is a passionate community advocate and proudly serves on the Board of Directors for LAMP, Valdosta’s local homeless shelter.

Guided by the philosophy of “each one reach one,” Darius is driven by a calling to uplift others, believing it is both a privilege and responsibility to support those in need.

Carla Jordan

Carla Carter Jordan, MPA Carla Carter Jordan is an accomplished public service professional with more than 20 years of experience across multiple sectors of Georgia State Government, including the Department of Family and Children Services, the Department of Adult and Technical Education, and the Office of the Secretary of State. She currently serves as the Director of Career Opportunities & Volunteer Services at Valdosta State University (VSU), where she has been a dedicated member of the university community since 2007.

Carla holds both a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Valdosta State University. Her commitment to leadership and civic engagement extends beyond the university. She is the Chair of the Lowndes County Board of Elections and actively serves as a charter member of the Valdosta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

An alumna of the Leadership Lowndes Class of 2009, Carla served on the Leadership Lowndes Board from 2022 to 2024. She was also a board member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County United Way from 2018 to 2021. A sought-after motivational speaker, Carla regularly facilitates workshops aimed at empowering individuals through personal and professional development.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2021 NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award (Valdosta Chapter), the 2020 Blazer Creed Award for Integrity, and the 2014 Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also honored with the 2014 Community Bethune Leadership Award (NCNW), the 2015–2014 VSU Greek Advisor of the Year, and the 2009 Metro Valdosta Emerging Leaders Award.

Despite her many professional achievements, Carla considers her most meaningful roles to be those of wife, mother, and daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and leading workshops that inspire growth and transformation.

Conference Committee Members

COSA Executive Board