VSU Hosts Fall Langdale Lecture Series

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University's Langdale College of Business Administration will host the first installment of its annual Harley Langdale Jr. Lecture Series at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug 31, in Pound Hall Auditorium. The featured speaker series is free and open to the public.

VSU alumnus Gary Slayton, vice president of marketing communications for ASICS America Corporation, will speak about his wealth of retail management, communication and marketing experience. Athletic footwear giant, ASICS, is a $2.6 billion worldwide sporting goods manufacturer. A 24-year veteran at ASICS, Slayton develops and manages all communications for the brand across the Americas (North, South and Central). He overseas advertising, direct marketing, Internet, promotional sponsorships and endorsements. Slayton also has experience with store point-of-purchase merchandising, consumer event planning and management. Slayton, who has traveled the world with the Japan-based company, will speak about his experiences working for a global corporation.

Slayton graduated Valdosta State University in 1979 with a degree in business administration and was considered one of the elite distance running talents for VSU's nationally-ranked cross country team. He gained many titles as well as contributing to several team championships. He qualified and competed in five NCAA national championships that culminated with a top 10 NCAA Division II track and field performance in the 5,000-meter race his senior year.

His professional career began prior to graduation when he joined The Sports Locker, a private independent sporting goods retailer in Valdosta. His experience in retail management and exposure to various manufacturing vendors led to an introduction to ASICS. Slayton is a member of the ASICS global marketing team that provides leadership and guidance in planning the company's growth over the next decade.

Call the Langdale College of Business Administration at 229-333-5991 for more information.