DeAnnia Clements Named 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored DeAnnia Clements of Irwinville, Georgia, with its 2024 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1996. She is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU, and Corinna Robinson, president of the VSU Alumni Association.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently honored DeAnnia Clements of Irwinville, Georgia, with its 2024 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award.

“This has been such an amazing experience and honor,” she said. “I remember the first time I went to VSU, and it was when my older sister was attending college and was also part of the Blazer Color Guard. I was able to watch her perform with the band on the field, and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to go to VSU as well.

I have always been proud of my time at VSU, and in my current role, this has inspired me to continue to look for ways for VSU and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to collaborate for the community and our students.”

Clements earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1996.

VSU: What are some highlights from your Valdosta State experience?

CLEMENTS: I have such great memories of my time at VSU. I took a news writing class one quarter (that’s how long ago it was). I spent the entire spring covering different news events in my hometown as part of this class, and I was able to get to know some great people who have continued to help me throughout my career. I remember another class that I took with Dr. Reddy in Marketing, and we came up with a great marketing campaign and survey to assist the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. I also remember the great teachers I had. I took Dr. Smith for a class studying C.S Lewis through the lens of Jungian archetypes. It was such a great class, and I enjoyed it. Of course, I remember football! We had a great time attending the football games and cheering on the Blazers.

VSU: Tell us how you currently spend your time.

CLEMENTS: I currently live in Irwinville, Georgia, with my husband, Jon, of 26 years, my son, Mason, a Yorkie-Poo named Millie, and seven Nigerian goats. There is never a dull moment at our house. I am very active with several committees and organizations in Valdosta, but also in Fitzgerald, Douglas, Ocilla, and Adel. As president of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, I spend a lot of time in the 11 counties in South Georgia that we serve, which is great because I get to see how so many communities are continuing to make South Georgia a great place to live and work. We are a member of Crossview Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia. I enjoy reading and gardening when I get the chance.

VSU: What advice do you have for current Valdosta State students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

CLEMENTS: When I went to VSU, I was so focused on getting the best grades and finishing school quickly. I wish someone had told me to slow down and enjoy every minute that you have in college. There is so much that you learn outside of the classroom through participation in clubs, organizations, events, and other activities, but you miss out on this if you don’t slow down and enjoy.