Dr. Cecil P. Staton Leaving VSU to Serve as Chancellor of East Carolina University

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has issued the following statement regarding Dr. Cecil P. Staton's announcement that he has accepted a position at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., effective July 1: 

Today, Valdosta State University Interim President Cecil Staton announced his plans to step down as interim president and accept the position of chancellor of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. Staton will continue to serve in his role at Valdosta State until June 30.

Staton first joined the University System of Georgia (USG) in 2014 as vice chancellor for Extended Education and became interim president of Valdosta State July 1, 2015.

“Cecil’s contributions to Valdosta State and the University System of Georgia will benefit our students for years to come,” said Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “Cecil stepped in at a critical time and has led an important role for us. I thank Cecil for his service to our university system and wish him and his family all the best.”

Huckaby will name a new interim president of Valdosta State and a presidential search committee soon.

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Dr. Cecil P. Staton, interim president of Valdosta State University, then issued the following letter to the Blazer Nation community: 

Dear Blazer Nation,

Today, upon nomination by UNC President Margaret Spellings and approval of the Board of Governors, I was elected Chancellor of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., effective July 1 this year.

This announcement is bittersweet for many reasons. While I am grateful for the opportunity I will have to lead East Carolina, I am sad that I will be leaving Valdosta State at the end of June. Catherine and I have enjoyed spending this interim year with you. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish because of the wonderful people at VSU. Although we have had to make often difficult decisions, I am hopeful that what we have done will provide a strong foundation for VSU to build upon in future years.

You are part of a wonderful university. VSU can boast one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, a world-class faculty, a great staff, terrific and hopeful students, and strong alumni and community support.

Catherine joins me in thanking you for your support over this year. We prepare for our next challenge with gratitude for our year with you and our very best wishes for a wonderful future for this great university community.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to connecting with our faculty, staff, and students as we prepare for the close of the academic year.

Sincerely,