Meet Shana Yorkey, 2022 VSU Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff Honoree

Pictured are Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, and Shana Yorkey, chief budget officer in the Division of Finance and Administration’s Office of Budget and Payroll Services. She is the recipient of the 2022 Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, recently honored Shana Yorkey with the 2022 Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff.

The Presidential Excellence Award for staff is an annual tradition at VSU, one that recognizes the high standards of service, initiative, reliability, professional attitude, exemplary job performance, and leadership of the university’s dedicated staff.

Yorkey joined the VSU staff in 1993 and currently serves as chief budget officer in the Division of Finance and Administration’s Office of Budget and Payroll Services. She also serves as a member of the University System of Georgia’s Budget Issues Committee.

Yorkey enjoys collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators across campus as she works to ensure the effective use of financial resources in pursuit of the university’s strategic goals and overall mission.

VSU: What advice do you have for VSU’s upcoming fall and spring graduates and young alumni who wish to demonstrate excellence in their current / future professional roles?

Yorkey: Never give up on yourself. When you encounter challenges, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take it one step at a time. Surround yourself with others who will support you in your challenges but also keep pushing you forward. And remember that obstacles are just an opportunity to shine.