Dr. Candicee Childs Named 2024 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. Candicee Childs of Boston, Massachusetts, with its 2024 College of Science and Mathematics Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Minor in Spanish in 2017. She also earned a Certificate in Spanish for Medical Professionals during her study abroad experience at the University of Cadiz in Spain. 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 Dr. Candicee Childs of Boston, Massachusetts, with its 2024 College of Science and Mathematics Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award.

“I am still very shocked to receive this award and am humbled,” she said. “To know that someone out there took the time to nominate me is such an incredible honor and it creates a sense of deep gratitude in my heart. This honor inspires me to keep striving, to keep pushing towards finding ways I can uniquely make people’s lives brighter. While I was in graduate school earning my Master of Health Administration, we learned the importance of healthcare organizations having a mission and vision, which inspired me to create my own for myself. This honor inspires me and reminds me of the importance of doing what I can to fulfill my mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities — to keep the vision of spreading positivity and wisdom to the world, one person at a time. Someone out there felt like I was doing that, and I am so grateful for them thinking of me and for me being selected to receive this award. I am inspired to also live out my mother’s legacy of helping others get started and to dream bigger, knowing the endless, amazing possibilities can become realities. After her passing this year, I know she would encourage me to love God and to live out her legacy. I dedicate this award to her, Tina Sims Childs.”

Childs earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Minor in Spanish in 2017. She also earned a Certificate in Spanish for Medical Professionals during her study abroad experience at the University of Cadiz in Spain.   

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

CHILDS: There were so many experiences that positively impacted my time at Valdosta State. One of my highlights involved being a resident assistant, which was the absolute best experience. I loved working with my peers to help the residence hall feel more like a home rather than a dormitory. From the amazing game nights to the awesome bulletin boards, I loved being able to connect with so many other diverse students in this amazing position. I also loved being a member of the Campus Activities Board. Planning events for students to enjoy was the highlight of my week, and I loved to see other students having fun at those events. From Alpha Phi Omega and Student Government Association to Student Members of the American Chemical Society and playing intramural volleyball, I made sure to get involved as much as I could, which brought me so much joy then and are now treasured memories today.  

VSU: Tell us how you currently spend your time.

CHILDS: I am training as a resident physician in the Massachusetts General Hospital / McLean Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program affiliated with Harvard Medical School. My aspiration is to become a child and adolescent psychiatrist. When I am not working, I love reading, running around the city, writing, going to church, volunteering, and hanging out with friends. Every now and then, I like to try new experiences, such as taking pottery and cooking classes or going to an art museum, sporting event, and jazz concert in the city. I regularly visit my family back at home in Savannah, Georgia, and talk with them on a regular basis. I also enjoy mentoring various students from high school up to medical school. I am a beginner model with Dynasty Models in Boston as well. Although I do not have any pet animals, I enjoy taking care of my beautiful house plants. 

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

CHILDS: Take time to enjoy this present moment. Although you may have many plans or maybe not many at all concerning the future, know that it will all come together in due time. There is a season for everything in this life and you will endure different seasons, both filled with abundance and scarcity. However, seasons change, and life will go on. Take the time now to invest in your future, not only with your career but with yourself, your family/friends/significant other and your health. Work towards making memories instead of accomplishing many different things. You will accomplish what you work hard for, but you do not want to miss out on having a great life with others in the process. Enjoy your loved ones, take risks with your career, find mentors who can positively help you get to the places you want to go, and be careful about who you associate with. In my life, I have had to learn how to also put God first, which I believe gives me guidance and helps me to this day. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes because you will (I certainly did), hold yourself accountable, and pursue a life of purpose and calling, not just income and assets. A piece of advice I wish someone told me in college is to not worry about what’s to come, but to truly trust the process. You may not know what tomorrow will bring, but you can live today like it’s your last — loving more, working hard, focusing on what matters, having gratitude, building a relationship with Christ, and taking time to simply enjoy the smaller things.