Robbyn DeSpain

Robbyn DeSpain is the director of strategic communications at Valdosta State University, one of four comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia. She is the official spokesperson for VSU, working closely with the president and cabinet to promote the university in Valdosta, Lowndes County, and South Georgia.

DeSpain joined the university marketing and communications office in July 2020. Her public relations duties include internal and external communication, brand management, and crisis communication. She leads a team responsible for campus communication, media relations, digital media, photography, and the university website. The best part of her job is meeting students and coworkers across campus while telling their stories and featuring their research.

Before assuming her current position, DeSpain worked as a TV news journalist for 17 years. She lived in six cities during that time, writing and producing newscasts, mentoring young reporters and producers, and running the day-to-day operations in the newsroom. She earned an Emmy Award for a story she produced while working in Nashville, Tennessee. She is most proud of the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award she earned as part of an incredible news team in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She still loves to watch the news, especially when Blazer Nation is featured.

DeSpain holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in mass media from Valdosta State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in public relations from Middle Georgia State University, another University System of Georgia institution. She first fell in love with VSU in 1994 when her father was hired as a professor in the College of Education and Human Services.

DeSpain and her two children, a son and daughter, live in Lowndes County. You can find them cheering on VSU’s student-athletes at events on campus.