AT&T Supports Student Scholarships at VSU

Pictured, from left to right, are Senator Ellis Black of Georgia's 8th District; Dr. Cecil P. Staton, interim president of Valdosta State University; Courtney Brinson, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Georgia; and John D. Crawford, vice president for University Advancement and chief executive officer of the VSU Foundation Inc.

VALDOSTA — Committed to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives, AT&T recently presented a $3,500 gift to Valdosta State University. The funds will be used to support scholarships for high-achieving, ambitious, motivated students who are successful inside and outside the classroom and engaged leaders on and off campus.

“Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting organizations, institutions, and projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs,” shared Courtney Brinson, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Georgia. 

AT&T presented a similar gift to VSU in 2015. With the telecommunications company’s continued support, the university moves one step closer to realizing its dream of significantly increasing the number and dollar amount of scholarship offerings in the hope of enhancing its ability to recruit, retain, and graduate high-achieving students.

John D. Crawford, vice president for University Advancement and chief executive officer of the VSU Foundation Inc., said that VSU is very proud of its ongoing association with AT&T.

“This relationship underscores the confidence of AT&T in the mission of VSU,” he shared. “We are very grateful.”

On July 1, 2014, VSU kicked off its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign — the five-year, $53,250,000 Invest. Ignite. Inspire. The Campaign for Valdosta State University. Funds raised will aid in the future development of scholarship support, as well as faculty enhancements, programmatic opportunities, athletics excellence, and facility upgrades.

VSU has already raised nearly $47 million and, for the first time in university history, will award more than $1 million in student scholarships this fall.

Contact John D. Crawford at (229) 333-5939 or jdcrawford@valdosta.edu to learn more.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/welcome.php

http://www.att.com/?WT.srch=1

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 2: Increase financial support for the institution.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.