Dr. Ray Young describes his 24 years and counting at VSU as very fulfilling and rewarding. The speech communication professor specializes in mentoring, leadership, interpersonal communication, and quantitative research.

“I think VSU and I have grown together in the last 24 years. I continue to enjoy teaching and interacting with students,” Young said. “Likewise, I find great pleasure in conducting research and collaborating with other faculty.”

Young initially came to VSU because his first tenure track position seemed like a good career match, and it has proven to be exactly that. He was presented with the 2011Excellence in Professional Activity during this year’s Convocation.

“I feel very honored to be recognized by my peers at VSU,” Young said. “Receiving the Excellence in Professional Activity confirms my belief that I am at the peak of my career.”

Over the years, Young’s research has focused on everything from the mentoring of new teachers to the perceptions of female sportscasters. Outside of the classroom, Young likes to spend his leisure time body surfing.

Editor Note: This is the second in a series featuring the 2011 Faculty and Staff Excellence Award recipients.

Valdosta State University has been named a “2012 Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine, an honor it has received for several consecutive years. The national recognition ranks VSU among the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and technical schools nationwide for its service to military members and veterans as students.

In 2010, VSU established the Adult Academic Degree Completion and Professional Development Programs. Using the acronym AMP (Adult and Military Programs) the department was developed to help improve degree completion for adult learners, with particular attention to members of the military and veterans.

Dr. Jerry Merwin, director of AMP, says the focus of the department is to recruit more adult learners, assist with the admissions process, and provide support until degree completion.

“There are many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who need to find employment,” Merwin said. “Those who do not have degrees will benefit from attending college, so that they can improve their education.”

The AMP staff provides resources and guidance to help adult and veteran students succeed in earning a college degree.

“Earning a degree will help the veteran as they transition into civilian life and seek a new career,” Merwin said. “The active duty service members can also help prepare themselves for promotions if they continue their education while they are still serving in the military.”

Starting this semester, VSU began offering a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, with concentrations in public service, law enforcement leadership, legal office administration, and general office management. The online degree was created for working adults, including active duty military and veterans.

“This program is especially beneficial for military students, it allows them to continue their education even during times of deployment,” Merwin said. “It also has options that allow adults to earn college credits for knowledge gained from work experience, professional training, military service and professional certificate programs. The evidence of learning from these experiences is presented in a portfolio that contains sufficient supporting information and documentation to affirm college-level learning.”

For more information on AMP, visit http://www.valdosta.edu/amp/ or call 229-253-2873.

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