Story By: Bailey Wilson, Ansley DeCenzo, Arizona Renfroe, Lloy Hudson, Winter Dube, Armoné Gates, James Brown, Jasmine Hightower, SeanTae-A Price  In a small blue house next to the Student Health Center, a student walks through the yellow front door of the ELI Annex. She stops just long enough to sign her name on the sheet on the table in front ...

Written by Jasmine Hightower, Copy Editor. Visiting artist Chico Sierra opened his exhibition, The Good Sun, on Feb.13 at the Dedo Maranville Gallery in the Fine Arts Building.  Originally from El Paso, Texas, Sierra’s artwork consists of the vibrancy of indigenous culture, pop art and his own cultural identity. Most of his artwork includes bright and vibrant colors and line ...

Written by Lloydrica Hudson, Staff Reporter. A hidden gem off Saint Augustine Road is a perfect way to describe Outback Steakhouse of Valdosta, Georgia.   A delightful greeting from the hostess Trish met with a smile and introduction to my table. She suggested the Blooming Onion, a must when dining in at any Outback.   The Blooming Onion is greasy, small, and ...

This editorial reflects the general opinion of The Spectator staff.  Faulty air conditioning. No hot water. No access to information on bus routes. Limited parking spots. Sound familiar? VSU has struggled for years with facilities on campus not working, or if they work, at a lower quality than advertised. Ask any senior who has spent their college career here– most ...

Written By Christopher Mercer, Sports Editor. Now that Valentine’s Day is here, there are many different places to go to celebrate the day of love. Although many national chains will be well-frequented, this list will include local Valdosta restaurants that can greatly impress your Valentine this year. With that in mind, here are the five of the best local restaurants ...

Written by Tianna Bennett, Staff Reporter. Say “Ni Hao” to the newest store in Valdosta Mall called Miniso.  Originally founded in China, this store is making its way across America and has finally arrived at the Valdosta Mall.  On a recent weekday, a group of young girls between the ages of 16 to 20 looked inside. One exclaimed, “This is ...

Written by Adam Peachey, Staff Reporter. VSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences has received the largest grant in its history, $2.4 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that is set to be spread out over five years.  The school received $1.1 million of the grant in December and is set to receive the remaining money in 2026.  The school ...

Written by Bailey Wilson, Managing Editor. From campus closures to important updates, there is one name on campus most synonymous with keeping up to date on happenings around VSU: Robbyn DeSpain, director of strategic communications and special events.  DeSpain has worked with VSU since July of 2020 and even before that, received her bachelor’s degree in mass media here. According ...

Written by Armone Gates, Campus Life editor. On Monday, Jan. 20, the NAACP chapter, Career Opportunities & Volunteer Services, Communities & Belongings Campus and The Mighty Mu Omicron chapter hosted their yearly annual MLK Jr. Day Celebration.  This celebration was a three-part event that took place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., beginning with a celebration around campus. The walk ...

Written by Armone Gates, Campus Life Editor. January is known as Stalker Awareness Month where awareness is raised about the violating nature and warning signs of stalking.   Stalking Awareness Day is actually held on Jan. 18. On this day, many people are encouraged to wear yellow and post pictures with friends and family supporting the cause to bring more awareness to ...