Statement from Interim President Cecil P. Staton on Graduation

Since arriving at VSU nearly seven months ago, I have had the chance to speak with numerous students and parents about how graduation has been handled in recent years. Hearing frustrations about space, logistics, and the fact that VSU has not had the opportunity for a grand commencement celebration with a noted commencement speaker like our peer institutions, and having surveyed other institutions, we have decided to respond to both concerns and suggestions by launching a new VSU graduation tradition this spring.

Our plans include separate convocations that will allow each college to celebrate uniquely their graduates and accomplishments while also offering a university commencement program and speaker that will be a more fitting celebration and tradition for our graduates and a university of our stature. Doing both the convocation and commencement celebration on the same day will allow families to participate without committing multiple days for those who may have to travel.

While all changes bring challenges, we are confident students and their families will enjoy what we have planned for spring commencement and that this will be the beginning of a new tradition at Valdosta State University.

We congratulate all who are approaching graduation and look forward to this time of celebration and excitement at Valdosta State University.