President William J. McKinney Calls for Day of Reaffirmation

Dear Valdosta State Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Much has been written and spoken about our university in the past several days. What is written in subsequent days and weeks will in large part depend on our actions and our values as an institution of higher learning.

Ours is a university that values our students as the core of our mission.

Ours is a university that values civil discourse and debate, even in the midst of great disagreement.

Ours is a university that values free inquiry and research.

Ours is a university that values our veterans and active duty military personnel.

Ours is a university that values our community, city, region, state, and country.

Therefore, as president, I am asking that each and every one of us dedicate Friday, April 24, 2015, as a Day of Reaffirmation. In all that we do, on campus and off, let us reaffirm those values that have made VSU a great institution for well over a century. I am, therefore, cancelling my State of the University Address scheduled for that day. Instead, I am asking that as individuals, or in groups large or small, we reflect upon and reaffirm our core values in all that we do.

Dr. William J. McKinney, president of Valdosta State University