The following items highlight what for Valdosta State University is a normal year – one that continued to
demonstrate the significant achievements of our faculty, staff and students. This sampling speaks to
what George Mahaffey of AASCU terms “stewards of place.” The engagement exhibited here is central
to our mission in being the intellectual, cultural and economic center of this region of the state.
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Valdosta State University Theatre and Dance’s production of “She Stoops to Conquer” traveled
to the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Feb. 3-7. “She Stoops to
Conquer” was originally one of 220 productions from 170 colleges and universities in nine states
— Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern
Virginia, and Tennessee — submitted to the Region IV Kennedy Center American College
Theater Festival for consideration. VSU was one of 7 to receive invitations to New York City to
perform.
The Migrant Farmworkers Clinic, located in South Lowndes County, has recognized Dr. Michael
Meacham, professor of sociology, for his service to the clinic with a “Very Special Therapist”
plaque. Meacham is also a part of the American Red Cross Georgia Chapter disaster team and
teaches courses to licensed members on disaster preparation. The Migrant Farmworkers Clinic
also recognized Dr. Tracy Woodard, Valdosta State University professor of sociology and director
of Women’s and Gender Studies, for her outstanding service to the clinic and the migrant
farmworkers community.
Valdosta State University students are working on the application of cellulose and cement to
construct artificial mediums that encourage the growth of marine life. VSU biology and
chemistry students are one step closer to commercializing a green technology artificial reef used
to stimulate marine growth. Earlier this year, students –under the direction of Dr. Tom Manning,
professor of chemistry – filed for patents that support their marine project. The project includes
the application of cellulose and cement to construct artificial mediums that encourage the
growth of marine life. The project involves more than a dozen students at VSU.
Valdosta State University’s Marie M. Elliott was among 20 educators from colleges and
universities across the United States selected by the Television Academy Foundation to attend
its 27th annual Faculty Seminar Fellowship Nov. 10-14 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Valdosta State University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is reserving 10 percent of the
School of Nursing’s enrollment for active-duty military personnel who wish to pursue a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing (BSN). “Across the services there has been a shortage in the nursing career
field, and this is a great opportunity for enlisted personnel to earn an officer commission while
completing their bachelor’s degree,” said Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark A. Smith,
coordinator of the VSU Center at Moody. “This move just reinforces our goal to be more military
friendly.”
Brian Haugabrook, Valdosta State University’s chief information officer, was selected as IDG’s
Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2015. The recognition honors information
technology professionals from both the technology and business sides of companies and
organizations for their exceptional technology leadership and innovative approaches to business
challenges.
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Marie M. Elliott also lead students in producing “Food Trucks of Dublin,” a Web series produced
by 15 Valdosta State University Mass Media Area students during an experiential learning
opportunity in Ireland. The project was among the official selections presented at the 2014 ATL
WEBFEST, held Oct. 24-26 at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. “Food Trucks of
Dublin” was filmed over the course of 10 fast-paced days in May as the students traveled
throughout Dublin, Waterford, and other cities experiencing a different culture while receiving
hands-on experience in media production. In September, Elliott and her team of 15 students
learned that a short documentary version of “Food Trucks of Dublin,” created from the four
websides produced during the Ireland study abroad, had won second place in the Student Video
Category of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) District II Production Competition.
Valdosta State University’s Information Technology Helpdesk was named the Gold recipient of
the Chancellor’s Service Excellence Contact Center Team Award by the University System of
Georgia. This is the highest award given in this category.
The online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at Valdosta State
University has been named a Best Buy by the experts at GetEducated.com. VSU’s MLIS program
was among 23 similar online degree programs across the nation to be independently reviewed.
Of those, 12 were found to offer a high quality education at a cost that ranks well below the
national average. VSU came in at No. 2.
The Georgia Chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has recognized Valdosta State
University and design engineers for improvements to the Lake Louise Environmental Research
Station. ASCE presented Innovate Engineering Solutions, Crews Engineering and VSU with the
Outstanding Civil Engineering Award for Natural Environment during its annual meeting and
awards ceremony in Atlanta.