VSU names Keppler as vice president for Student Affairs

Valdosta State University President Ronald M. Zaccari has submitted the name of Dr. Kurt J. Keppler for approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, to be appointed as the university's next vice president for Student Affairs.

Pending final approval at the regents? June meeting, Keppler will assume the VSU position on July 22.

Keppler has spent the past nine years at Georgia State University (GSU) as assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, interim vice president for student services and currently as associate vice president and dean of students.

He is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) serving on both the national and regional board of directors and chair of the 2003 NASPA National Conference.

Keppler received the NASPA Region III John Koldus Award and the Fred Turner Award for contributions above and beyond the normal service required by position of leadership in NASPA.

"Dr.Keppler is actively engaged in his profession at the regional and national level and it is my expectation that he will bring this same enthusiasm and organization to his position at Valdosta State," said Zaccari.

Keppler will report directly to the president and serve as a member of the president's cabinet. This position is responsible for the staff, programs, services, facilities and resources of those departments comprising the Division of Student Affairs. Additionally, Keppler will provide support to student leaders, student groups and organizations, Greek organizations and serve as a liaison between students and the university administration.

During his tenure at GSU, Keppler assisted in the development of a wide array of new student service facilities, including a 2000-bed residential community, which was constructed for the 1996 Olympics, a 130,000 sq. ft. student center and a new $32 million state-of-the-art recreation center.

"I am excited about joining the VSU community and becoming part of President Zaccari's leadership team," Keppler said. "Everyone has been so supportive and I strongly believe that the sky is the limit for the university's future."

"I am also glad that I will be remaining in the University System of Georgia. The state of Georgia is fortunate that growing enrollments, creative programs and the uniqueness of the HOPE Grant have put our institutions on the cutting edge nationally. I have had a wonderful nine years at Georgia State and I look forward to serving the students, faculty and staff of Valdosta State.?

Keppler earned a Bachelor of Science in recreation and park administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a Master of Science in public and community services and a doctorate in higher and adult education administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.