Valdosta State University
| Address: | Valdosta State University
1500 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31698 |
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| Type: | Regional University |
| Phone: | Main: 229-333-5800 Admissions: 229-333-5791 or (800-618-1878) Financial Aid: 229-333-5935 Compliance, Ethics, and Reporting Hotline: 877-516-3470 |
| Website: | www.valdosta.edu |
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| Links: | Mission Statement Apply Online Directory Degrees & Majors Authorized Library Compliance, Ethics, and Reporting Hotline |
Institution Overview
Valdosta State University is a regional university located near Interstate 75 and positioned 20 miles north of the Florida border, midway between Atlanta and Orlando. The main campus features Spanish Mission architecture that is framed with a landscape of massive oak trees, tropical palms and azaleas conveniently located in the center of Valdosta, a growing community of more than 123,000 people with small town charm and metropolitan convenience.
VSU’s primary goal is to prepare every student to meet global opportunities and challenges through a learning-centered classroom environment; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge while exploring the practical application of that knowledge; and to promote the progress of the region through excellence in service outreach, all while respecting the diverse abilities, backgrounds and contributions of the university community.
In fulfilling its important regional mission, each college reaches out to the community and region through an array of outstanding programs and activities. The university’s comprehensive curriculum serves more than 11,200 undergraduates and graduates from almost every county in Georgia, 45 states, two U.S. territories and more than 60 countries. While VSU’s enrollment continues to rise, class sizes remain small with a teacher/student ratio of 1:21.
Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, VSU’s five colleges–Arts, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing, as well as the Graduate School offer 56 undergraduate degrees, 46 graduate degrees, and doctoral degrees in education and public administration.
An innovator in the use of technology to enhance instruction, VSU affords opportunities for distance learning at off-campus locations throughout the South Georgia region, including Kings Bay Naval Base on the east coast of Georgia and Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County.
In January 2008, the Dewar College of Education, along with four other University System of Georgia (USG) institutions, launched six new online Master of Education programs that include Instructional Technology, Middle Grades Math and Science, Secondary Math, Secondary Science, Reading, Language and Literacy, and a new degree appropriate for all teaching levels called Accomplished Teaching. In addition, two Master of Arts in Teaching degrees for individuals who wish to change careers and become teachers will be available in Special Education and Reading, Language and Literacy. The Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration offers a collaborative WebMBA program with four other USG institutions. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Web-based Masters in Public Administration, in addition to an on-campus program, and a Web-based Doctorate in Public Administration—all offer qualified and highly motivated professionals the opportunity to earn accredited degrees with little interruption to their professional and personal lives.
VSU’s philosophy embraces the concept that the measurement of a student’s success in college goes beyond the classroom. It involves exploring new ideas and creating experiences that will change a student’s life in profound and positive ways. At VSU, students are encouraged to become involved in campus and community activities. Students can choose from more than 140 active student organizations on campus, including 22 Greek organizations, 10 faith-based campus ministry groups, numerous intramural opportunities, and many service and academic clubs.
Recognized for its vision in creating a dynamic living and learning environment, VSU is undergoing an aggressive transformation that includes additional degree programs at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels and major partnerships with local governmental entities, school systems and the medical community. The transformation includes new residence halls with suite-style living, two multi-level parking decks, a new student health center and a 120,000 square-foot student union.
The VSU Blazers compete in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and cross-country. The Lady Blazers compete in basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball and cross-country. VSU is an NCAA Division II institution that competes within the Gulf South Conference, the largest conference in the country. VSU’s football team won both the 2004 and 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, and the men’s tennis team won the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championship. In 2008, the dance team placed first in the Dance Open Division of the National Dance Association competition.
Founded in 1906, the institution was first named the South Georgia State Normal College and classes began in 1913. In 1922, the school became a four-year institution and the name changed to Georgia State Woman’s College. The college became co-educational in 1950 and the name was changed to Valdosta State College. In 1993, Valdosta State College became Valdosta State University, one of two regional universities within the University System of Georgia.