Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin Named 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin of Bluffton, Georgia, with its 2024 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. She earned a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Leadership Certification in 2006. She is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU, and Corinna Robinson, president of the VSU Alumni Association.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin of Bluffton, Georgia, with its 2024 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award.

“Being a VSU distinguished alum inspires me to continue to work in education,” she said. “VSU’s curriculum and professors gave me tools and knowledge to become a leader. Being recognized creates a circle that has taken me from preparation to my roles as a local and state leader and now inspires me to mentor others and help young leaders on their journey.”

Ragan-Martin earned a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Leadership Certification in 2006.

VSU: What are some highlights from your Valdosta State experience?  

RAGAN-MARTIN: Most of my highlights include the guidance of professors like Steve Smith, Leon Pate, Don Leech, Richard Schmertzing, Andy Brovey, Ellen Wiley, and Brian Gerber. My doctoral cohort was also great. Jennifer Brown and I drove from Blakely together and spent many hours in the car, studying, and working on coursework. 

VSU: Tell us how you currently spend your time.   

RAGAN-MARTIN:  I have worked for the Georgia Department of Education for the past three years as the deputy superintendent of the Office of Rural Education and Innovation. Before that, I was the superintendent of the Early County School System in Blakely, Georgia, for eight years. This is my 35^th year in public education, and I am still passionate about impacting students and educators. I have two boys, Jarrett (20) and Atticus (18), who are both in college. I serve on the board of the Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce and am a rotarian. I have also served on the Early County Health Department board and on the Lucy Hilton Maddox Library board. I am an active member at Colomokee Baptist Church, where I teach youth Sunday School. I have one dog and a lot of cats. I love to read, travel, and practice yoga in my spare time. 

VSU: What advice do you have for current Valdosta State students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?  

RAGAN-MARTIN: My advice for current VSU students is to find your passion and work hard. Figure out how to find and use your resources, which include your professors and all of the services provided on campus. The one thing I wished someone had told me as a freshman was to learn how to be an advocate for myself and not stop if one person tells me no. Keep pushing until you get what you need.