Valdosta State University

Connor Bland and Pearce Persaud dedicated their summer term at Valdosta State University to studying moral injury in the healthcare system and identifying ways to address its contributing factors and help alleviate healthcare workers' psychological distress.

Fabiola Torres of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, partnered with Dr. Haley Sherman of the Department of Psychological Science at Valdosta State University to research the relationship between physical pain and psychological challenges in military-affiliated individuals. Throughout her study, she also questioned the role mindset plays in overall well-being.

Sidney Wilson of Valdosta, Georgia, recently teamed up with Dr. Ellis Logan from the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice to investigate the concept of success and wellbeing in a world that seems to encourage an all-or-nothing mentality.

Valdosta State University's Cameron Bennett and Cason Zachary partnered with Dr. Jia Lu of the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences this summer to study spatial disparity in healthcare facilities across Georgia.

Mallory Jablonski of Gainesville, Florida, devoted her summer semester at Valdosta State University to investigating the role artificial intelligence plays in the creative process. Her project - "The Unreliable Resource: Is AI the Artist or an Artistic Tool?" - was one of six selected for VSU's 2025 Blazer Summer Research Institute. Evelyn Davis-Walker from the Department of Art and Design served as her faculty mentor.

Tyress McGauley of Waycross, Georgia, recently received a full scholarship and an invitation to spend eight days in the majestic redwoods of Northern California at Jazz Camp West. It was an opportunity for this talented drummer and Valdosta State University senior to learn from all-star artists committed to teaching him about music business entrepreneurship and helping him improve his technique as well as his performance and leadership skills.

Morgan Wynn of Valdosta, Georgia, is Valdosta State University's 2025 Graduate Assistant of the Year.

Mason Thompson graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Minor in Entrepreneurship, and Minor in Aerospace Studies in May. His next stop is the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.

Valdosta State University is proud to announce the members of its graduating class of Spring 2025.

Addeline Wright of Dawsonville, Georgia, recently presented "The Communication Question: Finding a Method of Communication for a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child" at the 2025 Georgia Collegiate Honors Council Conference.

Jillian Blevins and Gabrielle Howell earned first place honors at Valdosta State University's 2025 Graduate Student Research and Scholarship Symposium.

Jacee Holton and Leah Kubiak earned third place honors at Valdosta State University's 2025 Graduate Student Research and Scholarship Symposium.

Morgan Wynn of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 American Association of University Women Award.

More than 2,000 students were named to Valdosta State University's Spring 2025 Dean's List. To qualify for Dean's List at VSU, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Please note that developmental studies, transient, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean's List status.

Kassidy Hernandez of Miami, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship.

Reagin Jones of Lanier County, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 University System of Georgia Legislative Academic Recognition Day Award.

Jayme Prandine of Bradenton, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award.

Farid Eljaiek of Jacksonville, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award.

Mallory Allison Bennett of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 College of Nursing and Health Sciences Outstanding Senior Sciences Award.

Jordan Marie Lowe of Macon, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Highest Academic Achievement Award.

Mason Thompson of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Department of Aerospace Studies Most Outstanding Professional Officer Course Cadet Award.

Alec Robert Denison of Fitzgerald, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Outstanding Student Award.

Valdosta State University's Gabrielle Lorentz earned a $1,000 scholarship and individual debate semifinalist honors during the University System of Georgia's second annual Regents Cup Debate Series competition.

Kiersten Sarah Ley of Lakeland, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award.

Bonnie J. Hamer of Bonaire, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Student Award.

Cecilia Grace Kee of Gainesville, Florida, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Bartram Award for Intellectual Exploration.

Ella Risa Marroquin of Brunswick, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 College of the Arts Outstanding Student Award.

Alyssa Archer of Jesup, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2024-2025 Annie Powe Hopper Award. It's the highest honor bestowed upon a VSU student. She anticipates earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Criminal Justice at VSU in December. She plans to continue her education in law school in Fall 2026.

Ella Risa Marroquin of Brunswick, Georgia, has earned the Spring 2025 President's Award for Academic Excellence for the College of the Arts at Valdosta State University.

Kiersten Sarah Ley of Lakeland, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2025 President's Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Science and Mathematics at Valdosta State University.