b'MESSAGE from the DEANAfter more than 40 years of distinguished service, Dr. L. Wayne Plumly announced his retirement from Valdosta State Universitys Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, effective Aug. 1, 2020. Wayne came to VSU as a faculty member in 1980. He was named head of the Department of Marketing and Economics in 2006, interim dean of the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration in 2008, and permanent dean in 2010. Wayne accomplished much during his long service to VSU, particularly as a teacher, as demonstrated by his having been recognized an incredible 12 times for excellence in teaching at the state, regional, and national levels. He was the longest-serving dean and one of VSUs longest-serving faculty members, and we will miss his institutional knowledge, as well as his strong connections with the local business community and his deep understanding of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation. We will also miss his tireless fundraising efforts. Please join us in thanking Wayne for his outstanding service and in wishing him well in his retirement.Ed Walker Ph.D.Interim Dean,I am inspired every day by the students, faculty, and staff of the Harley Langdale Harley Langdale Jr.Jr. College of Business Administration. Together we are changing lives and shaping College of Businessthe future. The entering class this fall exceeded 1,700 undergraduate and graduate Administration students. Enrollment in all business majors is at all-time highs. Our programs are ranked nationally as well as globally. With record enrollment, expanding Professor of Management opportunities for experiential learning, talented students, and dedicated faculty, our college has entered a period of unprecedented achievement.We are also entering the most peculiar time of my academic career as we face circumstances weve never encountered. Course delivery now includes both the familiar face-to-face classes and asynchronous, online classes and the unfamiliar synchronous, streamed classes and classes with both remote and face-to-face students. Our faculty, staff, and students have risen to the challenges of our new times. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie before us.Our focus continues to be on innovation, impact, and engagement. We have made it our mission to offer a challenging curriculum and to modify or expand that curriculum to better serve the needs of our students and those of their future employers. Our students engage in research with faculty, experience the world through study abroad, and develop skills through internships and membership in our award-winning student organizations.The Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration continues to attract and retain top-notch students and renowned faculty, to respond to cultural changes in the market, and to provide unique programmatic opportunities.As interim dean, I am honored to partner with you. Each tour of our college or visit to a classroom reminds me of the tremendous impact we have as we educate the next generation of leaders and put knowledge to work in our community and beyond. We hope this issue of Blazer Business makes you excited to be a Blazer. RememberOnce a Blazer, Always a Blazer!4 Langdale College of Business'