Valdosta State University Alumni Relations

Blazer Owned Business Spotlight

This week we're proud to highlight Turner Insurance, owned by Valdosta State University alumnus Justin Turner '04.

Justin earned his degree in Marketing from the Langdale College of Business Administration in 2004. A licensed health insurance agent since 2008, Justin and his wife, Amber, took over ownership of the family-owned agency in 2023, continuing its tradition of providing trusted guidance and personalized service.

Turner Insurance specializes in individual health insurance and group employee benefits, helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate their healthcare coverage with confidence. Through a commitment to exceptional service and industry expertise, Justin and his team work to find insurance solutions that best meet each client's unique needs.

We're proud to recognize alumni who are building businesses that strengthen our communities and provide trusted services to those they serve.

Do you own a business? Let us hear from you!
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/business-directory

Important announcement for game days!!

Valdosta State Athletics Announce Clear Bag Policy at Home Athletic Events - Valdosta State University Athletics VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University Athletics announced the implementation of a Clear Bag policy at home Blazer athletic events this year.

Congratulations to Mr. Ryan Warren ‘98!

We are proud to honor Mr. Ryan Warren as the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University.

Mr. Warren earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and is the President and Chief Executive Officer at CBC Bank, in Valdosta, GA.

Join us as we celebrate Mr. Warren at the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Friday, October 23.

Reserve your seat now: https://alumni.valdostastate.org/e/2026-distinguished-alumni-awards-dinner/

Calling all Blazers in education!

Join us for the Blazers in Education Alumni Social on Thursday, September 10, and connect with fellow Valdosta State graduates working in education across the region.

Enjoy refreshments and the opportunity to reconnect with your fellow Blazers.

Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Children’s Imagination Station
512 N. Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register today: alumni.valdostastate.org/e/blazer-in-education-alumni-social/

Blazer Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Chris Chastain '02, '07, '09, '21

This week, we're proud to spotlight Dr. Chris Chastain, a four-time VSU graduate and principal of Brooks County High School.

Earlier this year, Dr. Chastain was named the Georgia Secondary School Principal of the Year by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP), recognizing his outstanding leadership and dedication to student success.

A proud Blazer, Dr. Chastain earned his bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education ('02), two Educational Leadership degrees ('07, '09), and his Doctorate in Leadership ('21), all from VSU's Dewar College of Education and Human Services.

Congratulations, Dr. Chastain, and thank you for representing VSU with excellence!

Blazer Owned Business Spotlight

This week we're proud to highlight Wes Sewell Photography, owned by Valdosta State University alumnus Wes Sewell '90, '97.

Wes earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the Langdale College of Business Administration in 1990 before returning to VSU to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997. Combining his business education with his passion for photography, he launched Wes Sewell Photography in 2004 and has been serving clients ever since.

For more than 20 years, Wes Sewell Photography has captured everything from weddings and newborns to milestone moments and special events. A 12-time Best Photographer of South Georgia recipient, Wes has traveled around the world photographing everyone from presidents to brides, building a reputation for exceptional photography and outstanding customer service.

We're proud to celebrate Blazers like Wes who combine creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship to build lasting businesses and serve their communities.

Do you own a business? Let us hear from you!
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/business-directory

Congratulations to Mr. Christopher Boyd ‘08!

We are proud to honor Mr. Christopher Boyd as the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Valdosta State University.

Mr. Boyd earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is the Executive Director Hospital Operations with Wellstar Health System, in Roswell, GA.

Join us as we celebrate Mr. Boyd at the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Friday, October 23.

Reserve your seat now: https://alumni.valdostastate.org/e/2026-distinguished-alumni-awards-dinner/

Blazer Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Pam Dobbins '85, '01, '23

This week, we're proud to spotlight Dr. Pam Dobbins, a three-time VSU graduate and the 2026 Georgia Teacher Educator of the Year. Selected by the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE), she will represent Georgia at the ACTE Region II Awards this fall.

Dr. Dobbins earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('85), Master of Education in Adult and Vocational Education ('01), and Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development ('23) from VSU. She now serves as a faculty member in the Dewar College of Education and Human Services, preparing and mentoring future Career and Technical Education educators.

With more than 25 years in education, Dr. Dobbins has also been recognized as Georgia Healthcare Science Teacher of the Year, Cook County School System Teacher of the Year, Cook High School Teacher of the Year, and received VSU's Excellence in Online Teaching Award.

Congratulations, Dr. Dobbins, and thank you for representing VSU with excellence!

Blazer Owned Business Spotlight

This week we're proud to highlight Fast Track Medical Care, owned by Valdosta State University alumna Ashley Switzer '14.

Ashley earned her degree in Speech Communication from the College of the Arts in 2014. She recently opened Fast Track Medical Care, a locally owned urgent care clinic dedicated to providing fast, accessible, and compassionate healthcare for the Valdosta community. The clinic offers walk-in treatment for a variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, along with occupational health services, preventative care, and wellness support.

Through Fast Track Medical Care, she is committed to making healthcare more efficient, approachable, and community-focused for individuals and families across the region.

We're proud to recognize alumni like Ashley who are building businesses that strengthen our communities and improve the lives of those they serve.

Do you own a business? Let us hear from you!
https://alumni.valdostastate.org/page/business-directory