VSU Foundation elects officers, adds two new trustees

The Valdosta State University Foundation, Inc., recently elected a new chairman and president and welcomed two new trustees.

Jim Kunkle was elected chairman, Bubba Campbell was elected president and Dr. Gregory Beale and Mike Harpe joined the Foundation as trustees.

Kunkle retired from J.C. Penney Co. in April 1998. He has served as chairman of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Heart Association and is also a Rotarian.

Campbell is a senior vice president and general manager for Florida/South Georgia Group Belk Stores. He is also a member of the board of directors for the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Beale works with South Georgia Medical Associates and is on staff at South Georgia Medical Center.

Harpe is a senior banking executive and president of NationsBank. He currently serves on the boards of the United Way and the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Harpe is a 1977 graduate of Valdosta State.

"The Foundation is delighted to have individuals of this caliber as part of our university family," said Ray Devery, VSU Foundation executive vice president and VSU vice president for Institutional Advancement. "This diverse group of business professionals brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our educational efforts."

The VSU Foundation exists to support the development of educational excellence at Valdosta State University. The Foundation's primary efforts are directed toward attracting, receiving, investing, managing and expending gifts and other resources designated for the educational programs of VSU.