Real world experience starts here.

The Mary Virginia Terry Center (The Terry Center) brings students, faculty, and community partners together through meaningful hands-on learning experiences. By serving as VSU's centralized hub for internships, undergraduate research, service learning, study abroad, and other forms of applied learning, YOU build real-world skills, strengthen relationships, and are prepared for lifelong success after graduation. 

The Terry Center offers a three-tier progressive experiential learning program incorporating curricular and co-curricular opportunities:

  • Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors
  • Internship & Career-Connected Experiences
  • Global Learning & Study Abroad
  • Signature Experiential Learning Showcases
  • Community-Engaged Learning and Partnerships

 

Student Experiential Learning Programs

Students who engage in applied learning experiences demonstrate higher retention rates, improved academic performance, and greater post-graduation success.

Experiential Learning Across the University

VSU's Trailblazing through Experiential Learning is a comprehensive offering of educational activities that align to VSU's 2030 Strategic Plan and the USG's 2029 Strategic Plan. Experiential learning guides students in the development of theory, skills, techniques, and/or practices in a context that focuses on application outside the traditional classroom. Students who complete experiential learning activities develop career-ready skills for the workplace and connect the experiential learning to their skill development through active reflection. VSU's three-tiered system tracks students as they complete increasingly more impactful experiences in quantity and quality. As VSU students progress from Ignite to Flame to Blaze, they will be guided by the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning in collaboration with designated faculty advisors and Student Affairs staff in aligning their experiential learning activities directly with their academic major and career plan.

The Terry Center is currently seeking applications for experiential courses from academic departments. Faculty or department heads may apply for experiential learning designation for courses: https://valdosta.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9QUCgRlT1kRkvs

Community Learning Programs

Our community learning programs extend the Mary Virginia Terry Center's outreach beyond current VSU students.

Community Partnerships

Our community partners play a critical role in helping us achieve our goals here at the Mary Virginia Terry Center.

 Experiential learning in action . . .

VSU Community Partnership on Affordable Housing

  • The Terry Center Team
  • Dr. Anne Price, Executive Director of the Terry Center; Chair of Blazer Summer Research Institute

    Sue Bailey, Administrative Coordinator, Learning in Retirement and the Terry Center

    Dr. David Starling, Director of Global Initiatives

    Dr. Irina McClellan, Assistant Director of International Programs

    Dr. Denise Reid, Chair, Student Research Council; Professor of Mathematics

    Dr. Charles Talor, Co-Chair of Blazer Summer Research Institute; Professor of Psychology

    Valdosta State University Center for Experiential Learning logo with a red V State emblem and the text “Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning, Valdosta State University.”.

  • The Mary Virginia Terry Center
    • Current Location
      University Center, Room 3103
      1500 N. Patterson St.
      Valdosta, GA 31601

      The Center's permanent home will be Martin Hall once renovations and upgrades are completed there.

    • Mailing Address
      1500 N. Patterson St.
      Valdosta, GA 31698
  • 229.253.2985