Dr. Shani Wilfred Earns Blazer Creed Award for Integrity

Dr. Shani Wilfred, general education coordinator and professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice at Valdosta State University, earned The Blazer Creed Award for Integrity. She is pictured with Dr. Robert T. Smith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, university president; and Heidi Cox, director of the Office of Internal Audit.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently recognized an elite group of students, faculty, and staff for their steadfast commitment to uphold The Blazer Creed in everything they do — and Dr. Shani Wilfred, general education coordinator and professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, was one of them.

As The Blazer Creed states, VSU is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect, in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The university is dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice the following:

Civility — A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity — Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship — Every Blazer has an interest in the wellbeing of the community and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

Wilfred, who joined the VSU Criminal Justice faculty in 2005, exemplifies what it means to be a Blazer, to treat others with good manners, to act with honesty and have strong moral principles, and to work hard and help others.  

VSU News: You were honored with The Blazer Creed Award for Integrity. Why is it important to have this character trait, and what role does it play in modern society? 

Wilfred: Integrity is consistently holding oneself to the highest ethical values and professional standards with a commitment to more clarity. These result in the strength of character, sincerity of purpose, and honesty as a virtue. This priceless character trait is very important as it brings outstanding credibility and respect to the bearer, even among equals.

In light of today's society, integrity promotes accountability, transparency, incorruptible judgment, and unbiased assessments. This will bring trust, growth, security, and relative peace, making our modern society better.  

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The Blazer Creed Awards Program is part of VSU’s annual recognition of Ethics Awareness Week.

VSU is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. This contributes to the university’s success in promoting a culture of excellence, one that fosters student success in and out of the classroom, cultivates an inclusive environment, impacts regional progress across South Georgia, and sustains the institution for generations to come.