Valdosta State University Alumni Relations

08/25/2026

This Thursday we are kicking off football season with the first President's Tailgate starting at 4:30 PM. Come join us for food and fun as we get ready for another season of Blazer football!

Thank you to this week's sponsor Duggan Dental, we appreciate your continuous support of VSU!

Go Blazers!

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Mrs. Brittany Sjogren ‘11!

We are proud to honor Mrs. Brittany Sjogren as the 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year for the College of Arts at Valdosta State University.

Mrs. Sjogren earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communication and is the Founder/ Visionary of Loverly Grey, in Athens, GA.

Join us as we celebrate Mrs. Sjogren at the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Friday, October 23.

Reserve your seat now: https://alumni.valdostastate.org/e/2026-distinguished-alumni-awards-dinner/

08/21/2026

Blazer Alumni Spotlight: Tony Emetu '09

We're proud to spotlight Tony Emetu, a Valdosta State University graduate who is making an impact in higher education through research, teaching, and academic leadership.

Tony recently presented his research paper, "Management Strategies for Maximizing Faculty Motivation in Higher Education: A Scholarly Literature Review," at the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines (IABPAD) Conference in Milan, Italy. His presentation explored research-based strategies for strengthening faculty motivation through institutional support, professional recognition, and opportunities for growth.

Tony currently serves as a Lecturer of Management at Troy University and as a dissertation chair at the University of Arizona Global Campus. He credits his time at Valdosta State with providing the academic foundation that helped make this achievement possible.

We're proud to see Blazers representing VSU on an international stage and advancing excellence in higher education!

08/19/2026

Blazer Owned Business Spotlight

This week we're proud to highlight Turner Insurance, owned by Valdosta State University alumnus Justin Turner '04.

Justin earned his degree in Marketing from the Langdale College of Business Administration in 2004. A licensed health insurance agent since 2008, Justin and his wife, Amber, took over ownership of the family-owned agency in 2023, continuing its tradition of providing trusted guidance and personalized service.

Turner Insurance specializes in individual health insurance and group employee benefits, helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate their healthcare coverage with confidence. Through a commitment to exceptional service and industry expertise, Justin and his team work to find insurance solutions that best meet each client's unique needs.

We're proud to recognize alumni who are building businesses that strengthen our communities and provide trusted services to those they serve.

Do you own a business? Let us hear from you!
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/business-directory

08/18/2026

Important announcement for game days!!

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University Athletics announced the implementation of a Clear Bag policy at home Blazer athletic events this year.

08/17/2026

Blazer Nation!

The countdown is on!

Football season is almost here, and we are kicking it off in true Blazer fashion with the first President's Tailgate on Thursday, August 27 starting at 4:30 PM.

Come join us for food and fun as we get ready for another season of Blazer football!

Explore all tailgate packages at the link below:
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/presidents-tailgate

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Mr. Ryan Warren ‘98!

We are proud to honor Mr. Ryan Warren as the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University.

Mr. Warren earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and is the President and Chief Executive Officer at CBC Bank, in Valdosta, GA.

Join us as we celebrate Mr. Warren at the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Friday, October 23.

Reserve your seat now: https://alumni.valdostastate.org/e/2026-distinguished-alumni-awards-dinner/

08/15/2026

Calling all Blazers in education!

Join us for the Blazers in Education Alumni Social on Thursday, September 10, and connect with fellow Valdosta State graduates working in education across the region.

Enjoy refreshments and the opportunity to reconnect with your fellow Blazers.

Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Children’s Imagination Station
512 N. Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register today: alumni.valdostastate.org/e/blazer-in-education-alumni-social/

08/14/2026

Blazer Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Chris Chastain '02, '07, '09, '21

This week, we're proud to spotlight Dr. Chris Chastain, a four-time VSU graduate and principal of Brooks County High School.

Earlier this year, Dr. Chastain was named the Georgia Secondary School Principal of the Year by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP), recognizing his outstanding leadership and dedication to student success.

A proud Blazer, Dr. Chastain earned his bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education ('02), two Educational Leadership degrees ('07, '09), and his Doctorate in Leadership ('21), all from VSU's Dewar College of Education and Human Services.

Congratulations, Dr. Chastain, and thank you for representing VSU with excellence!

08/12/2026

Blazer Owned Business Spotlight

This week we're proud to highlight Wes Sewell Photography, owned by Valdosta State University alumnus Wes Sewell '90, '97.

Wes earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the Langdale College of Business Administration in 1990 before returning to VSU to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997. Combining his business education with his passion for photography, he launched Wes Sewell Photography in 2004 and has been serving clients ever since.

For more than 20 years, Wes Sewell Photography has captured everything from weddings and newborns to milestone moments and special events. A 12-time Best Photographer of South Georgia recipient, Wes has traveled around the world photographing everyone from presidents to brides, building a reputation for exceptional photography and outstanding customer service.

We're proud to celebrate Blazers like Wes who combine creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship to build lasting businesses and serve their communities.

Do you own a business? Let us hear from you!
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/business-directory