Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. The university was founded in 1906 as the South Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College and became a state university in 1993. VSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines.
History
VSU was founded in 1906 as the South Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school was established to provide agricultural and technical education to the people of South Georgia. The school’s first president was John R. Thigpen.
In 1993, the school became a state university and was renamed Valdosta State University. The university’s enrollment has grown steadily since then, and it now has over 12,000 students.
Campus
VSU’s campus is located on over 1,000 acres in Valdosta, Georgia. The campus includes academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and a student union.
Academics
VSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university’s academic programs are organized into five colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Harley Langdale Jr. College of Engineering and Information Technology
Valdosta
Valdosta is a city in Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. The city is the county seat of Lowndes County and is the largest city in South Georgia. Valdosta is located on the Withlacoochee River and is home to Valdosta State University.
The city’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Valdosta is also home to Moody Air Force Base.
Valdosta’s top employers include:
- Valdosta State University
- Moody Air Force Base
- Georgia-Pacific
- Procter & Gamble
- International Paper
The city’s population was 54,200 in 2020. The racial makeup of the city was 56.5% White, 38.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races.
Valdosta’s median household income was $52,486 in 2020. The city’s per capita income was $26,076.
Valdosta State University’s Rankings
VSU is ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also ranked among the best colleges for veterans by Military Times.
Valdosta State University’s Athletics
VSU’s athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The university’s football team is a member of the ASUN Conference. The university’s other athletic teams compete in the Gulf South Conference.
VSU’s athletic facilities include:
- Bazemore-Hyder Stadium (football)
- The Complex (baseball)
- Softball Complex
- Tennis Complex
- Track and Field Complex
- Health and Physical Education Complex
Valdosta State University’s Student Life
VSU offers a variety of student life activities and organizations. The university’s student government association is the Valdosta State University Student Government Association (SGA).
VSU’s student organizations include:
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
- Greek organizations
- Multicultural organizations
- Religious organizations
- Service organizations
- Social organizations
VSU’s students also have access to a variety of campus services, including:
- Counseling services
- Health services
- Housing services
- Recreation services
- Student support services
Valdosta State University’s Notable Alumni
VSU has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Bo Dukes (American football player)
- Demarcus Dobbs (American football player)
- Thomas J. Finch (American politician)
- Greg McAdoo (American football player)
- Jim Reed (American football player)
- Vance Vice (American football player)
Conclusion
VSU is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and is ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. VSU also offers a variety of student life activities and organizations.
