35 Interesting Facts about Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, USA. It was founded in 1906 as South Georgia State Normal College and later became Valdosta State College before attaining university status in 1993. VSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of fields. As of fall 2021, VSU had an enrollment of over 12,000 students.

VSU has five colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The university offers over 100 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. VSU is particularly known for its programs in education, business, nursing, and psychology.

The VSU Blazers compete in NCAA Division II athletics and are members of the Gulf South Conference. The university offers 13 varsity sports for men and women, including football, basketball, soccer, and tennis. VSU has a strong athletic program and has won several national championships in football and tennis. The university also has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations, fraternities, and sororities.

In recent years, VSU has focused on providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. The university has been recognized as one of the “Best Colleges in the Southeast” by The Princeton Review, and has been named a “Military Friendly School” by Victory Media for several years in a row. VSU is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University (Wikimedia)

Do you want to know more about Valdosta State University? Let’s take a look at these 35 interesting facts about Valdosta State University.

  1. Valdosta State University (VSU) was founded in 1906 as South Georgia State Normal College.
  2. The university has gone through several name changes over the years, including Valdosta State College and Valdosta State University.
  3. VSU is part of the University System of Georgia and is the regional university for south Georgia.
  4. VSU offers over 100 degree programs across five colleges.
  5. VSU has a diverse student body, with students from 46 states and 54 countries.
  6. The university’s mascot is Blaze the Dragon.
  7. VSU’s official colors are red, black, and white.
  8. The university has a total enrollment of over 12,000 students.
  9. VSU is located in Valdosta, Georgia, a city of approximately 56,000 people.
  10. VSU has a 168-acre main campus, as well as several satellite campuses throughout south Georgia.
  11. The university’s library is named after renowned author and former VSU professor, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar.
  12. VSU has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, research, and service-learning projects.
  13. VSU is home to several centers and institutes, including the Center for Applied Research and Education, the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact, and the Institute for Applied Business Research and Innovation.
  14. The university has a comprehensive online education program, offering over 50 degree programs entirely online.
  15. VSU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
  16. The university is home to the Fine Arts Gallery, which features exhibitions of contemporary art by local, national, and international artists.
  17. VSU has a strong tradition of student activism and community engagement, with numerous student-led organizations and volunteer opportunities available.
  18. VSU has a strong athletic program, with 13 varsity sports teams and several national championships in football and tennis.
  19. VSU is home to the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, which performs classical and pops concerts throughout the year.
  20. The university has a robust study abroad program, with opportunities for students to study in over 50 countries.
  21. VSU is one of the largest employers in the Valdosta area, with over 1,000 faculty and staff members.
  22. The university has a strong commitment to student success, with numerous academic support services available, including tutoring, career services, and academic advising.
  23. VSU has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been recognized for its efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
  24. The university is home to several research centers, including the Center for Applied Social Sciences and the Center for the Study of Georgia History.
  25. VSU has a strong partnership with Moody Air Force Base, located just outside of Valdosta, and offers several degree programs specifically designed for military personnel and their families.
  26. VSU has been recognized for its commitment to community service and has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll several times.
  27. The university has a strong alumni network, with over 70,000 alumni living around the world.
  28. VSU has a robust student life program, with over 200 student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and academic clubs.
  29. VSU has a strong commitment to student health and wellness, with numerous resources available, including a fitness center, health clinic, and counseling center.
  30. The university has a strong commitment to academic excellence and has been recognized by numerous organizations for its academic programs.
  31. VSU has a strong commitment to undergraduate research and offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects with faculty members.
  32. VSU is home to the Center for eLearning, which provides support for online and hybrid courses and helps faculty members integrate technology into their teaching.
  33. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
  34. VSU has a strong commitment to community engagement and has been recognized as a Community Engaged Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
  35. The university is home to the South Georgia Film Festival, an annual event that showcases independent films from around the world.

Valdosta State University is a dynamic and comprehensive institution that offers a wide range of academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and support services to help students achieve their goals. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, VSU provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The university’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and innovation is reflected in its numerous research centers, partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Whether you are a traditional undergraduate student, a working professional, or a member of the military community, Valdosta State University has something to offer you.