Valdosta State University President Awarded the Prestigious Rural Impact Award

TIFTON – At the recent Rural Prosperity Summit, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced Valdosta State University President Dr. Richard Carvajal received the Rural Impact Award. The award recognizes Dr. Carvajal’s outstanding accomplishments during his tenure at Valdosta State University and the impact his leadership has had on rural Georgia.

The Georgia Chamber Rural Impact Award is awarded only in extraordinary occasions to honor a leader whose vision and service have left a lasting mark on rural Georgia.

The 2025 Rural Prosperity Summit took place on October 1 in Tifton. Footage of the Rural Awards Ceremony and the entire 2025 Rural Prosperity Summit is available on the Georgia Chamber’s YouTube channel.

Valdosta State University President Dr. Richard Carvajal said:  

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Rural Impact Award. At Valdosta State University, we believe that investing in rural Georgia is not just a commitment — it’s a calling. During my nine-year tenure as president of South Georgia’s flagship institution of higher education, it has been my mission to inspire thoughtful and intentional action that moves beyond symbolic gestures to enact real, systemic change. Investing in rural communities is about believing in the people who pour their heart and soul into every small business, every acre, every relationship, every life lived with pride. It’s about building a stronger, more connected future for everyone because we all benefit when rural Georgia thrives.” 

Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:  

“During his tenure at Valdosta State University, Dr. Richard Carvajal has been a tireless champion for rural Georgia, expanding educational access, strengthening workforce pipelines, and fostering partnerships that have driven growth across South Georgia and beyond. His commitment to students and to the region has elevated VSU into a powerful engine for opportunity and innovation. Dr. Carvajal recently announced that he will be stepping away from Valdosta State after nearly a decade of service. While his departure marks the close of an important chapter for the university, his impact on rural Georgia will continue to be felt for many years to come.”

Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation and Director of the Georgia Chamber Center for Rural Prosperity said: 

“The Georgia Chamber’s Rural Prosperity Awards are our opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work being done by champions and communities across the state. These awards shine a spotlight on the vision, leadership, and collaboration that fuel growth and resilience in rural Georgia, reminding us that prosperity in our state is truly built from the ground up. As President of Valdosta State University, Dr. Carvajal has been an invaluable partner to the Georgia Chamber, consistently working alongside us to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce pipelines, and ensure that rural voices are heard. His commitment and collaboration have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his continued partnership.”

About Dr. Carvajal  

Dr. Richard A. Carvajal is the 10th president of Valdosta State University. He assumed his post on January 1, 2017, and he is honored to serve as VSU’s president and call South Georgia his home.   

Carvajal has over thirty years of experience in higher education. Prior to coming to VSU, he served as president of Bainbridge State College from 2011 to 2015. Then, in 2015, he was asked by the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia to assume the role of interim president of Darton State College. There, he helped co-lead the creation of a new, consolidated Albany State University.    

He is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, the state’s premiere leadership development program. He was also a Lyndon B. Johnson Congressional Fellow, a World Affairs Council Fellow, and a Washington Center Fellow.  

Carvajal holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from The University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in college student personnel administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a Bachelor of Science in mass communication and sociology from East Central University (Oklahoma).   

He is married to Dr. Cheryl Carvajal, an accomplished educator and writer. Together, they have two children. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his family, celebrating his culture by cooking (and eating) Mexican food, enjoying the outdoors, and cheering on his beloved Blazers. 

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About the Georgia Chamber  

Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.