Division of Student Affairs recognizes VSU Advocates at AnnualKickoff Breakfast

The Division of Student Affairs recently awarded several individuals for their accomplishments and dedication to Valdosta State University and its students.

Two awards were presented at the Annual Student Affairs Kickoff Breakfast. The first award was the Service to Student Affairs Division Award, and the second was the Community Service Award.

The Service to Student Affairs Division Award recognizes staff/faculty members who have provided commendable service to the Division of Student Affairs by supporting its mission and goal of serving students. The recipients of the award were Dr. John F. Grotgen, assistant director at the Counseling Center, and Dr. Patrick Burns, associate professor and department head of the Office of Academic Student Instructional Support (OASIS).

Grotgen received his doctorate in counseling and human systems from Florida State University. In 1984, he started his career with VSU as a counselor at the VSU Counseling Center. He has been a licensed professional counselor in Georgia since 1989. Grotgen has been heavily involved in the Student Affairs Division and various other university committees. He provides training for residence hall staff and has done many presentations for the Valdosta community.

Burns received his Doctorate of Education in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. His professional interests include student development, leadership theory, and educational technology. Burns has been active in the implementation of the Emerging Leaders and First Year Connections programs at VSU. He also advises the Student Government Association (SGA) for First Year students.

The Community Service Award recognizes individuals employed within the Division of Student Affairs who are actively engaged in endeavors serving the university and Valdosta community. This award recipient was Courtney Davis, operations manager for Event Services.

Davis graduated from Valdosta State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in speech communication with an emphasis in public relations. She started working for Event Services in 2003. Davis was honored for her work at VSU, as well as the City of Valdosta. She currently serves as secretary for the Special Olympics Area 15 Management Team, on the Resource Development Committee for Habitat for Humanity, and as faculty and chapter advisor of the Kappa Delta Sorority.