Fall 2013 Graduates Share Their Stories

Military spouse Danielle Boyett has achieved her dream of becoming a nurse

Danielle Boyett understands the challenges that face college students today are not easy.  As a military wife and mother, she traveled the world with her family, but never lost sight of her dream to become a nurse.  Now living in Florida, Boyett drives 500 miles per week to attend nursing classes at Valdosta State University.  She wants others to know that even with a demanding life outside the academic world, obtaining a college degree is not just a dream.

Valdosta State Helen Brown find her passion for dancing

Senior dance major Helen Brown has been dancing since she was two years old. During her junior year she lost her sister, it was through her experience with dancing that she was able to create a dance piece that included movement and expression in dealing with her grief.

Tawanna Woods begins her job as marriage and family therapist days after graduating

Tawanna Woods will start her first job as a marriage and family therapist two days after graduation. The single mother of a 5-year-old boy was offered the position in July, and the South Georgia-based practice agreed to hold the position for her due to her work ethic and the reputation of VSU's Marriage and Family Therapy Program. She is so excited to have a job waiting for her, but she will miss her professors and her fellow students and the nonjudgmental, supportive environment they offered her. 

Charlotte Grady plans to take her acting chops to the Windy City

As Charlotte Grady prepares to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre performance on Saturday, she is already dreaming of a future as an actress in Chicago. She says that she will miss her VSU theater family and her time on the Sawyer Theatre and Lab Theatre stages, where she performed in such plays as "Lonely, I'm Not" and "As You Like It."  

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.