36 S G M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 Valdosta State to embrace its responsibility to serve the region. “VSU has a new vision…one in which our success is fully linked to the success of the region we serve,” he said. “Go ahead and announce that no longer do they have to wonder when we will stand up as one and plant our flag as South Georgia’s preeminent university. Yes, when we say that VSU will be a catalyst for regional comprehensive progress, we mean it.” With the vision statement adopted, Carvajal said the next step involves developing a five-year strategic plan that will help the university live up to its vision. Joining Forces for Regional Growth Valdosta State’s commitment to redefine its regional mission coincides with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to better connect with rural Georgia. To assist in these efforts, the Georgia Chamber has established a Rural Prosperity Council that will work to identify unique challenges and define solutions that negatively impact rural communities. Council members will examine issues and make recommendations in four key areas: rural incentives, defense communities, talent and leadership development, and homegrown entrepreneurship. Carvajal has been selected as chairman of the Rural Prosperity Council’s talent and leadership development subcommittee. “The Georgia Chamber’s work is highly connected and intertwined with the work we are doing at VSU,” Carvajal said. “The time is now to move from talking to action.” Carvajal said the talent and leadership development subcommittee will address several issues, including changes in workforce demographics, talent recruitment, and making communities millennial friendly. “We have some real demographic challenges in South Georgia, a greying of the population,” he said. “This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean a reduced workforce.” According to the Georgia Chamber 2030 report, multiple counties in South Georgia will have 50 percent of their population at 55 years or older within the next decade. Also, two-thirds of the counties will lose population. “This means many of our counties will not have the workforce it once had,” Carvajal said. “We have We continued to hear that people want Valdosta State to be a leader in advancing the region’s progress and prosperity in the areas of economic development, education, and healthcare. As the region’s flagship institution, we must help our region to prosper. - Dr. Richard A. Carvajal