Written by: James Brown

Editor in Chief

VSU President Dr. Richard Carvajal has announced that he will be stepping down from his position and leaving the university at the end of the 2025 fall semester.

Dr. Carvajal will be accepting a new role as President of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The polytechnic university is located in the North Coast of California close to where Carvajal grew up.

Carvajal’s departure comes during his 8th year serving as VSU’s 10th President. Since his promotion to the role, he has overseen countless meetings, events and executive decisions on campus.

In a message addressed to students and staff, Carvajal announced that the decision was not easy to make, but one that he felt was necessary.

“This decision has not been an easy one. I have been extremely honored to serve as your 10th President, and for almost nine years Valdosta State University and this incredible community have been my home,” Dr. Carvajal said. “That said, at this point in my journey, I now feel called to return to my first home, to serve a region that gave me my earliest sense of belonging and possibility. It is an opportunity to give back to the community that first shaped me, one that I am thrilled to have a chance to impact.”

Dr. Carvajal said that he still intends to excel in his position and aid students on their academic journeys until his departure in January.

“Please know that I remain fully committed to you and our institution throughout my remaining time here,” Dr. Carvajal said. “I will continue to serve in my role as President of VSU through the end of fall semester 2025, and I will not miss our commencement ceremonies for the world.”

Although he is sad to leave, the President is satisfied with the advancement that the university has seen under his watch.

“Please know that I could not be more proud of all that we have accomplished together and all that lies ahead for this institution,” Dr. Carvajal said, “I carry with me immense pride in who you are and all you continue to achieve.”

As of now, the president’s exit will not impact or halt the progression of the VSU 2030 strategic plan for helping students to succeed, he said.

“Together through our VSU 2030 Strategic Plan, we have established a clear path forward that will guide the way to continued growth,” Dr. Carvajal said. “The early positive returns on that work are clearly evident.”

His first day as President of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt will be Jan. 20, 2026. This day will come just after his 9th year of presidency at VSU.