Meet Dr. Linda de la Garza, Winner of VSU’s 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Service

Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, recently honored Dr. Linda de la Garza with the 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Service. She joined the faculty of VSU’s College of Science and Mathematics in 2005 and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, recently honored Dr. Linda de la Garza with the 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Service.

The Presidential Excellence Award for Service recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to service at VSU and to the community.

De la Garza joined the faculty of VSU’s College of Science and Mathematics in 2005 and currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences.

VSU: What are your favorite classes to teach? What are your favorite research topics? 

De la Garza: My favorite class to teach is CHEM 1211: Principles of Chemistry I (and CHEM 1211L: Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I) because students who may not have had a formal chemistry course prior to this one start to see how the fundamental theories help explain the word around us and they become skilled in using laboratory instrumentation. I also have to mention CHEM 2310: Quantitative Analysis because in this class students realize the importance of the work of the chemists and get to work with real-world type of analysis.

In research, I study the electron transfer processes in materials like solar cells. My work with undergraduates involves the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles to make light-sensitive films that are modified further with organic molecules. We also have worked on developing new teaching laboratory experiences for chemistry courses using active learning components.

VSU: Teaching and mentoring are already full-time jobs. What motivates you to make time for service?  

De la Garza: The responsibility of serving others was instilled in me at a young age by my parents and through the values of my pre-college education. Service is an integral component of being a chemistry professor. In addition to dedicating time to institutional and professional service, I place special value on serving the community because of the broader impact we can have. Since there is no interactive science museum in our local area, VSU’s science outreach is greatly needed. Our society must cultivate more scientists and science-literate citizens, so we in academia have a social responsibility that goes beyond our classrooms. I am happy to contribute to these efforts along with many other professors and volunteers in the College of Science and Mathematics.

VSU: As a chemistry faculty member, what does service look like to you?

De la Garza: Since 2005 I have participated in more than 200 service events and commitments. At the departmental level I have coordinated the assessment efforts for core courses since 2010. At the university-wide level I have been chair and member of the Academic Honors Committee, participated in Faculty Senate, and contributed to the Gateways to Completion (G2C) initiative to enhance student success in general chemistry courses. I also served in our mentoring group for Hispanic/Latin students known as MESA (Mentor, Engage, Support, and Achieve). Currently, I am a member of the Faculty Success Council.

Since 2009, I have been the advisor for Student Members of the American Chemical Society, developing networking activities like hosting guest speakers and helping students develop their professional skills. I was honored as Student Life Advisor of the Year in 2022. I also engage in community outreach, involving VSU students in hands-on activities for K-12 students through VSU’s Science Saturday program and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) nights at local schools. This helps our VSU students to learn chemistry in a different way, practice their communication skills, and build their resume.

Additionally, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Southwest Georgia Local Section of the American Chemical Society, where I’ve held various roles, including chair and councilor. Our local section received a ChemLuminary Award in 2012, and I’ve been recognized as Local Section Outreach Volunteer of the Year three times.

The service areas that involve direct interaction with students have been the most rewarding, allowing me to appreciate their dedication and creativity beyond the classroom.

VSU: What advice do you have for other faculty who want to make time for service?

De la Garza: In any leadership position, it is important that we leverage our strengths and that we focus on the areas we are passionate about. By doing so, we can find fulfillment in our contributions and feel that our time is well invested.

I would like to add that it is important that faculty have support from their departments to explore innovative ideas that can enhance our common efforts. I am grateful for the encouragement and backing of both the chair and my colleagues in my time at VSU.

As the winner of the Presidential Excellence Award for Service, de la Garza received a framed certificate and a $1,000 cash prize.