Meet Lynette Hepburn-Richardson, Winner of VSU’s 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff

Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, recently honored Lynette Hepburn-Richardson with the 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff. She joined the VSU staff in 2014, initially working part time for the South Georgia State College Entry Program. Two years later she accepted a full-time role with Institutional Research. She currently serves as a career counselor with the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, where she is responsible for supporting students in the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Master of Social Work program, and Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, recently honored Lynette Hepburn-Richardson with the 2024 Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff.

This distinguished recognition is an annual tradition at VSU, one that recognizes the high standards of service, initiative, reliability, professional attitude, exemplary job performance, and leadership of the university’s dedicated staff.

Hepburn-Richardson joined the VSU staff in 2014, initially working part time for the South Georgia State College Entry Program. Two years later she accepted a full-time role with Institutional Research. She currently serves as a career counselor with the Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, where she is responsible for supporting students in the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Master of Social Work program, and Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Beyond her professional duties as a career counselor, Hepburn-Richardson serves the VSU community as a member of the Council on Staff Affairs, University Council Plus, and Mental Health Initiative Task Force. She was recently selected as a member of the Student Advisory Council leadership team; her four-year term will begin in March 2026.

VSU: This award recognizes the high standards of service, initiative, reliability, professional attitude, exemplary job performance, and leadership of the university’s dedicated staff. What advice do you have for VSU’s fall graduates and young alumni who wish to demonstrate excellence in their current / future professional roles?

Hepburn-Richardson: Don’t work for recognition; focus on consistent effort and a commitment to excellence, and recognition will follow.

As the winner of the Presidential Excellence Award for Classified Staff, Hepburn-Richardson received a framed certificate and a $1,000 cash prize.