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 find a permanent president for the university, which serves as South Georgia’s flagship comprehensive institution.
Richard Carvajal, who currently leads VSU, will leave his position in January 2026 to become president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. In response, Chancellor Sonny Perdue appointed Dr. William R. “Bill” Crowe as interim president starting January 1, 2026. Crowe began working alongside Carvajal on October 15.
Chancellor Perdue emphasized VSU’s importance to the region: “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,” he 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.”
Regent Haynes Studstill will chair the search committee. Other members include Regent and Board Chairman-elect David B. Dove; Regent Richard “Tim” Evans; Susan Boddie, Ph.D., president of VSU Faculty Senate; Bert Brantley from Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce; Joe Brownlee from Georgia Power; Nick Buford from Amazon; Kai Kemp, president of VSU Student Government Association; John W. Langdale III from The Langdale Company; Teresa MacCartney, chief operating officer at USG; and Corinna Robinson, president of VSU Alumni Association.
“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,” Regent 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 selected by USG to provide executive search consulting services during this process. After reviewing candidates, the committee will submit three to five unranked finalists for consideration by the Board of Regents.
The first meeting for members of the Presidential Search Committee is scheduled for December 1.
