Leadership, Technology, & Workforce Development - Valdosta State University

10/17/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Hall on successfully defending her dissertation, “Teacher Perspectives on Motivating Black Boys to Read: A Basic Interpretive Study of Middle School Teachers from Southeast Georgia,” on June 10, 2026 (Photos Included)

Dr. Hall’s qualitative study examined how successful middle school teachers motivate Black boys to read, focusing on teacher beliefs, instructional practices, and classroom conditions. Findings emphasized the importance of valuing students’ cultural backgrounds, building positive relationships, providing culturally relevant texts and student choice, and using consistent and engaging instructional practices. The study also identified limited representation, lack of relevance, fear of failure, and challenges in building trust as barriers to reading engagement. Overall, the findings highlight the value of culturally grounded, relationship-centered literacy instruction that prioritizes relevance, representation, and student ownership to strengthen reading motivation among Black boys.

Congratulations to Dr. Hall on this significant academic achievement! 👏🎉

Dissertation Committee:
Dr. Jiyoon Jung, Chair
Dr. Herb Fiester, Researcher
Dr. Taralynn Hartsell, Reader

10/15/2026

🌟 Inspiring the Next Generation of School Library Media Professionals! (Photos included)

On October 13, LTWD’s own Drs. Heather Morin, Jiyoon Jung, and Daesang Kim partnered with the DeKalb County School District to support aspiring school library media professionals! Our IT faculty served as featured guest speakers for the district’s CLIMB cohort.

During an engaging virtual session organized by Instructional Technology Coordinator Ebonie L. Cleaves, the LTWD IT team shared emerging trends, practical insights, and career development pathways. They also highlighted how Valdosta State University (VSU) degree programs can help educators achieve their professional certification goals.

At COEHS’s LTWD, we’re proud to build bridges between higher education and school districts, empower educators, and help shape the future of education! 🤝

09/30/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Pamela Woods! 🎉 (Photo Included)

We are pleased to celebrate Dr. Pamela Woods on the successful defense of her dissertation, “A Mixed Methods Analysis of Predictors of Attrition in Relation to Teacher Roles in Georgia Majority-Minority High-Needs Elementary Schools,” on September 28, 2026.

Dr. Woods’ study explored teacher role, homeroom teachers versus support teachers, as a factor in elementary school teachers’ desire to remain in their positions. Guided by the four-capital theory conceptualized by Mason and Matos (2025) and social exchange theory conceptualized by Homans (1958), her research offers insight into the costs and benefits that teachers in different roles perceive and how these perceptions relate to their desire to remain in their positions.

👏 Dissertation Committee:
Dr. April Strevig, Chair
Dr. Kathy Nobles, Researcher
Dr. Barrie Fitzgerald, Reader

Congratulations to Dr. Woods on this outstanding academic achievement! Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to advancing educational research are truly worth celebrating. 🎓

09/22/2026

⭐️Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Greg Tanner⭐️

From teacher and coach to higher education leader, Dr. Greg Tanner, president of South Georgia State College, credits his two master’s degrees from Valdosta State University—an M.Ed. in Physical Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership—with helping shape his professional journey.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Tanner reflects on how his VSU experience strengthened his leadership skills, expanded his professional relationships, and reinforced his commitment to student success. His leadership philosophy is grounded in service, continuous learning, collaboration, faith, and staying true to one’s values.

👉Read the full interview to learn more about Dr. Tanner’s journey, leadership philosophy, and advice for aspiring higher education leaders.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Ask Dr. Greg Tanner about his journey to becoming president of South Georgia State College, and he will tell you about the professional community and friendships built that continue to endure today. He also talks about collaboration, opportunity, and hard work that included not one...

09/21/2026

Developing the Next Generation of Educational Leaders (Photos Included)

Dr. John Lairsey, associate professor of LTWD, recently presented to the Grady County Schools Aspiring Leaders Academy, sharing insights from his extensive experience as a K–12 educator and educational leader.

The presentation explored the evolving role of school leadership while highlighting the enduring qualities and principles that continue to define effective leaders. Through meaningful discussion and reflection, aspiring leaders were encouraged to consider how strong leadership can positively influence students, schools, and communities.

As part of Valdosta State University’s Rural Leadership Initiative, VSU is proud to support the development and preparation of future educational leaders. The initiative creates pathways for aspiring leaders to pursue advanced degrees and professional certifications that strengthen their leadership capacity and expand their impact.

09/17/2026

Celebrating Alumni Success: Jennifer Howell (Photo Included)

We are pleased to celebrate our alumni's professional accomplishments!

Jennifer Howell, a 2016 graduate of our Ed.S. Leadership program, has been unanimously appointed Interim Superintendent of Tift County Schools by the Tift County Schools Board of Education. In this role, she has been entrusted with leading the district’s operations during the search for a new superintendent.

Prior to her appointment, Howell served as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, bringing extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to the students, educators, and families of Tift County Schools.

We congratulate Jennifer Howell on this significant professional achievement and are proud to see one of our alumni continuing to make a positive impact through educational leadership.

Congratulations, Jennifer!

08/25/2026

🎉 Congratulations to DeAndre Johnson! 🎉 (Photo Included)

We are excited to celebrate DeAndre Johnson, who has been named Wiregrass Adult Education’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year (OTOY)!

DeAndre is a full-time Adult Education Instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Valdosta Campus and a graduate student in the LTWD M.Ed. Adult and Career Education – Workforce Education program.

The Outstanding Teacher of the Year competition, hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, recognizes exceptional instructors who make a meaningful difference in their local adult education programs. DeAndre will now advance to the state-level OTOY competition in Atlanta in March, held alongside the state EAGLE competition.

👏 Congratulations, DeAndre! It is always exciting to see our students doing amazing things in their professions and representing LTWD Adult and Career Education (ACED) so well!

See the News here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MMpBZPn1Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/18/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Heather Lowry! 🎉 (Photo Included)

The Department of Leadership, Technology, and Workforce Development is proud to recognize Heather Lowry, a current student in our Leadership Doctoral Program, who was recently named the 2026 Alachua County (Florida) Assistant Principal of the Year! 🏆

This award recognizes exemplary assistant principals for their outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, including their leadership and teamwork in improving student performance, promoting safe learning environments, and building strong partnerships with families and community members.
Heather is also making great progress in her doctoral journey. She recently successfully defended her dissertation proposal and is now working toward completing her dissertation. 🎓

Please join us in congratulating Heather on this well-deserved recognition and her continued accomplishments!

Congratulations, Heather! We are proud of you! 👏🎉

08/18/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Chestnutt on Successfully Defending Her Dissertation! (Photo Included)

The Department of Leadership, Technology, and Workforce Development congratulates Dr. Chestnutt, who successfully defended her dissertation on July 22, 2026!

Jennifer’s study, “Exploring First Grade Teachers' Experiences with Structured Literacy Implementation: A Qualitative Study,” explored first-grade teachers’ experiences implementing structured literacy practices following mandated training under the Georgia Literacy Act. Guided by Transformative Learning Theory, Science of Reading research, and the structured literacy framework, the study examined how teachers applied their training in practice, including the challenges and successes they encountered.

👏 Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Jamie Workman (Chair and Researcher)
Dr. Barbara Radcliffe (Reader)
Dr. Andrea Carlile (Reader)

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Chestnutt on this outstanding accomplishment! 🎉🎓

08/18/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Brandon Johnson on Successfully Defending His Dissertation! (Photo Included)

The Department of Leadership, Technology, & Workforce Development congratulates Dr. Brandon Johnson, who successfully defended his dissertation on May 11, 2026!

Dr. Johnson’s qualitative case study, “Beyond the Classroom: Former High School Students' Experiences with a Mathematics Experiential Learning Project and Its Lasting Impact,” examined how experiential learning projects and business partnerships influenced high school mathematics students. Grounded in constructivist learning theory, the study explored students’ experiences, the lasting impact of these projects, and their influence on students’ post-high school endeavors.

👏 Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Jamie Workman (Chair)
Dr. April Strevig (Researcher)
Dr. Kristy Litster (Reader)

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Brandon Johnson on this outstanding accomplishment! 🎉🎓