VSU Celebrates 2023 Blazer Creed Award Winners

Valdosta State University recently recognized an elite group of faculty, staff, and students for their steadfast commitment to uphold The Blazer Creed in everything they do, both on campus and in the community. They are, from left to right, Marsha Dukes, associate director of the Center for eLearning; Dr. Kurt Winkelmann, professor and head of the Department of Chemistry; Esther Darko, Master of Science in Sociology major; Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU; Jai Williams, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication (Public Relations) major Dr. Deborah Paine, head of the Department of Teacher Education; and Dan Coody, project manager with Physical Plant and Facilities Planning.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently recognized an elite group of faculty, staff, and students for their steadfast commitment to uphold The Blazer Creed in everything they do, both on campus and in the community.

As The Blazer Creed states, VSU is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect, in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas is welcome. The university is dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice the following:

Civility — A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity — Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship — Every Blazer has an interest in the wellbeing of the community and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

Faculty Winners

• Dr. Deborah Paine, head of the Department of Teacher Education, Blazer Creed Award for Citizenship

• Dr. Kurt Winkelmann, professor and head of the Department of Chemistry, Blazer Creed Award for Civility

Staff Winners

• Dan Coody, project manager with Physical Plant and Facilities Planning, Blazer Creed Award for Civility

• Marsha Dukes, associate director of the Center for eLearning, Blazer Creed Award for Civility

Student Winners

• Esther Darko, Master of Science in Sociology major, Blazer Creed Award for Civility

• Jai Williams, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication (Public Relations) major, Blazer Creed Award for Citizenship

The Blazer Creed Award program is part of VSU’s recognition of Ethics Awareness Week in November.

VSU is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. This contributes to the university’s success in promoting a culture of excellence, one that fosters student success in and out of the classroom, cultivates an inclusive environment, impacts regional progress across South Georgia, and sustains the institution for generations to come.

Accomplishing these goals demands integrity, accountability, respect, good judgment, and dedication to public service from all members of the VSU community.

Ethics Awareness Week is an annual opportunity to remind VSU faculty, staff, and students of their commitment to an ethical culture and their shared ethical values and expectations.