VSU Graduate, Faculty Member Elected to County Commission

VALDOSTA – Two-time Valdosta State University graduate and political science instructor Demarcus Marshall will take a seat as the newest member of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners in January 2013.  Marshall was recently elected as the commissioner of Super District 4, which represents nearly 54,000 county residents.

“I decided to run for local office because I looked at the basic demographics and growth of the area and felt like it was time to go in a new direction,” said Marshall. “I feel that the county needs improvements in areas such as infrastructure, job opportunities and youth development and I am confident that I can make a difference and help meet the needs of the county.”

Marshall added that he would like to broaden opportunities for students in VSU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program to gain practical government experience through activities such as internships and Commissioner for a Day. He is also exploring ways that Lowndes County can partner with VSU on various research projects.

Marshall earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from VSU in 2004 and received his MPA the following year. He is currently working on a Ph.D in Public Policy and Administration through Walden University. He has worked as a part-time instructor in the Department of Political Science for the past year teaching introduction and global issues courses.

“I feel like I have learned the theoretical aspects of public policy and now it’s time to put it to practice,” said Marshall. “I hope to bring a different perspective to the commission and encourage the development of our youth and young professionals in the community. I am looking at the big picture and I believe that involves grooming the people who stay in this community and will later carry the torch. We are basically the hub of the South Georgia area and it’s time for us to start performing like one.”

For more information about Marshall, e-mail damarsha@valdosta.edu .