VSU President Assuming New Position with USG

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University President Patrick J. Schloss announced today that he is taking a new position with the University System of Georgia effective this summer.

Schloss, who has been president at VSU for three years, will begin working with the 35 USG institutions on improving retention and graduation rates.

“After 35 years of service in various capacities at outstanding institutions, I have the opportunity to work on a broader scale,” Schloss said. “Effective this summer, I will assume a leadership role focused on retention and graduation rates across the University System of Georgia. I look forward to this new challenge and the service it entails, though I will deeply miss accompanying my friends at Valdosta State on their journey to excellence.”

When Schloss arrived at VSU in August of 2008, the university was facing the worst budget reductions in its history.

“My tenure at VSU began in a context of precipitous decline in state appropriations,” Schloss said. “We immediately began to focus on increasing VSU’s impact on higher education in the Southeastern United States, providing an infrastructure to accommodate that vision, and increasing academic and research opportunities for our students and faculty.”

VSU Foundation Board Trustee Jerry Jennett has worked closely with Schloss on various projects for the university.

“Patrick Schloss, in difficult budget times, has been a great asset to this university and he has been a wonderful friend to the Valdosta community and to me personally,” Jennett said. “I take great pleasure in sharing the transformational achievements of Valdosta State University with colleagues in the College of Business and the Advancement Office at my alma mater, the University of Kansas. The success of VSU is a reflection of Patrick’s dedication to quality. I am proud of his many accomplishments and I wish him well.”

In the past three years, VSU's enrollment has increased by more than 1,600 students in both undergraduate and graduate levels.

“I am deeply saddened, but on the same note, very happy for Dr. Schloss and Maureen for this new opportunity that they will embark on,” said Student Government Association President Demario Jones. “Valdosta State’s loss is the entire University System of Georgia’s gain. On a personal note, Dr. Schloss and Maureen have been a great part of my life the last three years. I wish them well. God bless.”

This year, the university’s Faculty Senate worked with the administration to establish a university-wide standards for tenure and promotion ensuring a high-level of academic quality among our faculty.

“President Schloss has tremendous insight into what Valdosta State University is and what it can become,” said Dr. Wayne Plumly, dean of the Harley Langdale College of Business Administration. “Through his leadership, VSU in the past three years has laid the groundwork for a very bright future. Dr. Schloss’ vision of shared and open governance, academic excellence through scholarship, and always placing the mission first has made VSU second to none in the University System of Georgia. Despite very tough economic times, VSU is a much better university than it was three years ago.”