34 S G M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 During the first few weeks and months—in between delivering donuts and impromptu chats around campus with students—Carvajal convened a series of listening sessions, both on and off campus. “When I first arrived I had a lot of informal conversations with students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university,” said Carvajal, who became Valdosta State’s 10th president on Jan. 1, 2017. “This was a time to listen and gather information about what it means to plant our flag. And by that I mean, what is Valdosta State’s regional mission?” It didn’t take long for Valdosta State University President Richard A. Carvajal to become an integral part of Blazer Nation and the community he now serves. Though he is new to Valdosta State, Carvajal is familiar with living and working in South Georgia. He served as president of Bainbridge State College from 2011 to 2015 and then was tapped by the University System of Georgia to serve as interim president of Darton State College, where he helped the institution move through a consolidation with Albany State University. “Having spent time in Bainbridge and Albany, I understand the challenges facing South Georgia,” Carvajal said. “I love this place. This is my home, and I want it to be forever my home.” PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY: VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY - PAUL LEAVY Valdosta State University Determined to Become Catalyst for Regional Comprehensive Progress 34 S G M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8