The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has announced the formation of a Presidential Search Committee for Valdosta State University (VSU). The committee is tasked with conducting a national search to identify a permanent president for the university.
Richard Carvajal, who currently serves as VSU’s president, will leave his position in January 2026 to become president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. In preparation for this transition, Chancellor Sonny Perdue appointed Dr. William R. “Bill” Crowe as interim president effective January 1, 2026. Crowe began working alongside Carvajal on October 15.
Chancellor Perdue commented on the significance of VSU and the goals for the new leadership: “As one of only four public comprehensive universities in the state, VSU is a cornerstone for South Georgia. It drives more than $385 million in economic impact and opens doors of opportunity for students who become the teachers, nurses and leaders our communities depend on,” Perdue said. “The search committee’s top priority is to find an outstanding leader who will continue to strengthen VSU’s regional partnerships, boost students’ degree completion and help grow prosperity across the region.”
The members named to the Presidential Search Committee include:
– Regent Haynes Studstill (committee chair)
– Regent and Board Chairman-elect David B. Dove
– Regent Richard “Tim” Evans
– Susan Boddie, Ph.D., president of VSU Faculty Senate; assistant professor of voice and area chair at VSU College of the Arts
– Bert Brantley, president and CEO of Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
– Joe Brownlee, region executive at Georgia Power
– Nick Buford, regional public policy lead at Amazon
– Kai Kemp, president of VSU Student Government Association
– John W. Langdale III, vice president at The Langdale Company
– Teresa MacCartney, chief operating officer at USG
– Corinna Robinson, president of VSU Alumni Association
Regent Studstill highlighted VSU’s ongoing role in education: “VSU began as a school for training teachers and still plays a vital role in educating South Georgia, enrolling a majority of students from right here in Georgia and partnering with local industries to build a high-skilled workforce,” Studstill said. “I’m honored to lead this search and work with the committee to find the best candidate to carry forward Valdosta State’s proud educational legacy.”
Buffkin/Baker has been retained by USG to provide executive search consulting services during this process. The Presidential Search Committee will guide the initial stage before submitting three to five unranked candidates’ credentials to the Board of Regents for final consideration.
The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for December 1 when members will be formally assigned their roles and responsibilities.
