Lindsay Strickland Named 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Lindsay Strickland of McDonough, Georgia, with its 2024 College of the Arts Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications in 2008. 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 Lindsay Strickland of McDonough, Georgia, with its 2024 College of the Arts Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award.  

“This honor inspires me because it represents the deep connection I’ve always had with VSU,” she said. “From the moment I started my college journey in 2004, VSU felt like a second home, and I truly believe it was where I was meant to be. Over the years, the university has shaped my life in countless ways, from introducing me to lifelong friends to leading me to my husband. Receiving this award reaffirms my pride in being a Blazer alumna and strengthens my commitment to continue advocating for our university. Georgia, and the world, needs to know about the incredible institution we have here, and this recognition motivates me to spread that message further. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honor that reflects my love for and dedication to a place that has given me so much.”

Strickland earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications in 2008.  

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

STRICKLAND: Some of the highlights from my Valdosta State University experience include a few unexpected twists in my academic and career path. I initially began as a musical theatre major with dreams of performing on Broadway in New York City, something that may surprise many. However, I quickly discovered that speech communication was a better fit for me, providing a stable foundation for a future career. Ironically, I delayed my only political science class until my last semester, not realizing that politics would be a huge part of my personal and professional future. 

The professors in the Department of Communication Arts played a pivotal role in helping me build confidence, especially in public speaking and interviewing courses, two of my favorite classes. These classes allowed me to channel my love for theatre. 

Outside the classroom, my time with the Wesley Foundation was instrumental in deepening my faith. It allowed me to stay close to God and form lifelong Christian friendships. Additionally, my involvement in my sorority, Phi Mu, provided invaluable experiences in leadership, strategic planning, and working with others. My sorority sisters are still a big part of my life, and I cherish the bonds we formed during those years. 

Overall, my time at Valdosta State was transformative, both academically and personally, and it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. 

VSU: Tell us how you currently spend your time.  

STRICKLAND: I work at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta as vice president of government relations and spend much of my time at the Georgia State Capitol advocating for the convention, tradeshow, and entertainment industries, as well as supporting my alma mater, Valdosta State University. My husband, Brian Strickland, also a Valdosta State alum, serves as a state senator, and together we are deeply involved in our community and helping our fellow Georgians. It’s truly a tag-team effort that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I serve on the board for Gigi’s House, a human trafficking rehabilitation home, and Main Street McDonough, and I am involved in other community organizations. 

At home, we have two young boys, Charles Willis and Beecher, my greatest accomplishments. Our family is active in McDonough Presbyterian Church. We spend a lot of our time with our boys’ activities, and in our rare spare time, we like to travel in our camper exploring Georgia with family and friends. 

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

STRICKLAND: My advice to current Valdosta State students is to stay engaged. When I was in school, many students from metro Atlanta came to Valdosta State with plans to transfer to a Division I university like the University of Georgia after completing their core classes. However, so many of them fell in love with Valdosta State and stayed for their entire college experience. The key to making the most of your time here is to get involved. Whether it’s running for student government, joining a fraternity or sorority, participating in an honors program, or any of the countless organizations on campus, your experience will be as fulfilling as the effort you put into it. Build and nurture relationships with people from all walks of life. College is a time to grow socially and academically, and the connections you make now could last a lifetime. 

One thing I wish someone had told me when I was in college is not to stress, or rather, don’t sweat the small stuff. While I don’t regret the countless hours I spent in Odom Library studying and pushing for the best grades, I realize now that I could have relaxed a little more. College is a unique time in your life, and while academics are important, it’s also a time to have fun and enjoy the experience. Once you start working, that carefree season fades quickly, so savor these years. They are precious.