National Guard Recognizes Complex Director for Support

VALDOSTA -- The Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented Valdosta State University Complex Director Adonis Thompson with the Patriot Award -- given to employers who support the U.S. National Guard and Reserve forces.

Specialist Jeremy Miller, a resident assistant at Valdosta State, nominated Thompson for his overwhelming emotional and academic support those in the National Guard. Miller, who is serving in Baghdad, said Thompson's policies toward military personnel enabled Miller to serve to his fullest capacity as an Army Reservist at Fort Gordon, Ga.

"I nominated Adonis for the support and wisdom he demonstrated while I served as one of his Resident Assistants in Centennial Hall in spring 2010. Even though I was a student and worked as an resident assistant, Adonis understood that I was a soldier first. He was very understanding when it came to me having to change my working schedule for weekend drills," said Miller, who is an intelligence analyst in support of Operation New Dawn. "When I found out that I was being deployed, he sat with me for hours after his office hours to make sure my head was in the right place, to encourage me, and make sure that I had everything in line with VSU."

Thompson, who has worked at VSU since 2009, earned a bachelor's degree in radio/television broadcasting from Arkansas University in 2003. After a career as a producer/director in Jonesboro, the Arkansas native returned to school and graduated with a master's degree in College Student Personnel Services. Thompson said he enjoys helping students navigate through their lives as young adults.

Dr. Thomas W. Hardy, director of Housing and Residence Life, said that Thompson consistently goes above and beyond his duties to demonstrate a personal interest in residents' personal lives and academic achievement.

"Since joining our team in the fall of 2009, Adonis has consistently been a shining example of everything that is right about Housing and being a Blazer. I actually hired Adonis based on the strongest possible recommendation of a colleague of mine that I worked with at another campus and have never regretted the decision."

Every employer who receives the Patriot Award is eligible for other awards and recognition based on their level of support described in the nomination narrative. More information about Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities may be found at www.esgr.mil or by calling 678-569-5738.