2 EDITOR IN CHIEF Jessica R. Pope WRITERS Peter C. Failor Rebekah Foster Hunter Pope Jessica R. Pope Camille Ralston John Stephen Halle Zimmerman MAGAZINE DESIGNER Jessica Sharp PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Adams Manbinty Bangura Peace Corps Dr. Timothy Henkel Sara Beth Hobbs Paul Leavy Matt Malone Gregory B. McFall Jody Patterson ADVERTISING Ali Bridges ADVERTISING DESIGNER Daniel Oppel Issue 3 Winter 2018 Valdosta State University Magazine is an annual publication for students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and friends of Blazer Nation. It is designed to reflect the university’s commitment to being a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community dedicated to expanding opportunities for all who live, learn, work, and/or play at VSU or in the 41 counties it serves throughout the South Georgia area. It is also designed to reflect VSU’s commitment to changing lives through excellence in teaching, service, and research on campus, in the community, and around the world. ValdostaState U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E