Keppler Resigns as Vice President for Student Affairs

VALDOSTA -- Dr. Kurt Keppler has resigned the position of vice president for Student Affairs at Valdosta State University, announced President Patrick J. Schloss. Keppler has accepted the position of vice chancellor for Student Life and Enrollment Services at Louisiana State University, effective May 1, 2010.

“It is with mixed emotion that I accept Dr. Keppler’s resignation. Valdosta State University has benefited from his expertise and leadership for the past seven years,” Schloss said. “He has been a guiding force in the expansion of the residence halls, student-centered programs and areas that directly benefit the total educational experience for our students.”

Under his leadership, Student Affairs has made remarkable achievements including a new student union, three new residence halls and four renovated residence halls -- doubling the new number of beds on campus. He has guided the development of the Emerging Leaders program and the newly formed Parents Association.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and I am very excited; however, it is bittersweet as it will be very tough to leave VSU,” Keppler said. “I have had an awesome experience here, and I am lucky to have worked with such a talented and hard-working Student Affairs staff. Their commitment and dedication to helping students be successful is unsurpassed. It has also been a joy to work with our enthusiastic and highly engaged students.”

Keppler joined the university in 2002 as vice president for Student Affairs. Prior to this position, he served as associate vice president and dean of students at Georgia State University. He received his Ph.D. in higher education and adult education administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1984. He also received his master’s degree in public and community services from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981, and his bachelor’s degree in recreation and park administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1978.

Schloss said that he will meet with members of the Student Affairs administrative team and other campus constituents to develop a plan for the transition.