5 Notable Alumni Of Valdosta State University

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Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. With a rich history dating back to 1906, the university has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Here are five notable alumni of Valdosta State University:

1. Billy Carter

Billy Carter, the younger brother of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, graduated from Valdosta State University in 1967 with a degree in biology. Billy Carter is a well-known businessman and entrepreneur who has been involved in various ventures, including a peanut farm and a brewery. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights.

Early Life and Education

Billy Carter was born on March 29, 1937, in Plains, Georgia. He grew up in a family of modest means and was raised with strong values of hard work and social responsibility. Carter attended high school in Plains and later enrolled at Valdosta State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in biology.

Career and Philanthropy

After graduating from VSU, Carter worked as a farmer and later became involved in various business ventures, including a peanut farm and a brewery. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights, particularly in the area of mental health. Carter has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Carter Center, which was founded by his brother Jimmy Carter.

2. Annette P. Johnson

Annette P. Johnson is a distinguished alumna of Valdosta State University who has made significant contributions to the field of education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from VSU in 1966 and later went on to earn her Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Annette P. Johnson was born on November 14, 1942, in Valdosta, Georgia. She grew up in a family of educators and was raised with a strong passion for learning. Johnson attended high school in Valdosta and later enrolled at Valdosta State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education.

Career and Philanthropy

After graduating from VSU, Johnson began her teaching career in the Valdosta City Schools system. She later moved to the Atlanta Public Schools system, where she taught for over 20 years. Johnson has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations that support education and community development.

3. Bill Brown

Bill Brown is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who graduated from Valdosta State University in 1973 with a degree in Business Administration. He is the founder and CEO of Brown Engineering, a leading provider of engineering and technical services to the aerospace and defense industries.

Early Life and Education

Bill Brown was born on February 12, 1951, in Valdosta, Georgia. He grew up in a family of modest means and was raised with strong values of hard work and entrepreneurship. Brown attended high school in Valdosta and later enrolled at Valdosta State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration.

Career and Philanthropy

After graduating from VSU, Brown began his career in the aerospace and defense industries, working for several leading companies, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. He later founded Brown Engineering, which has become a leading provider of engineering and technical services to the aerospace and defense industries. Brown has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations that support education and community development.

4. Tommy Irvin

Tommy Irvin is a distinguished alumna of Valdosta State University who has made significant contributions to the field of agriculture. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from VSU in 1958 and later went on to earn his Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Tommy Irvin was born on July 14, 1939, in Ocilla, Georgia. He grew up in a family of farmers and was raised with a strong passion for agriculture. Irvin attended high school in Ocilla and later enrolled at Valdosta State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Agriculture.

Career and Philanthropy

After graduating from VSU, Irvin began his career in agriculture, working as a county agent for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. He later became the Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Georgia, serving in that position for over 20 years. Irvin has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations that support agriculture and community development.

5. Robert L. Moore Jr.

Robert L. Moore Jr. is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who graduated from Valdosta State University in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration. He is the founder and CEO of Moore Oil Company, a leading provider of oil and gas services to the energy industry.

Early Life and Education

Robert L. Moore Jr. was born on October 25, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia. He grew up in a family of modest means and was raised with strong values of hard work and entrepreneurship. Moore attended high school in Valdosta and later enrolled at Valdosta State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration.

Career and Philanthropy

After graduating from VSU, Moore began his career in the energy industry, working for several leading companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron. He later founded Moore Oil Company, which has become a leading provider of oil and gas services to the energy industry. Moore has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations that support education and community development.

Gallery of Valdosta State University Alumni

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