From Staff Reports

The Post-Searchlight

Dr. Richard Carvajal, former president of Bainbridge State College and current interim president of Darton State College, was recommended by the Regents Special Committee to the full board for the position of president at Valdosta State University.

The Georgia Board of Regents will consider and vote on Valdosta State’s president position next Friday, Dec. 9.

Carvajal said he was honored to be considered for the position of president, and he looks forward to serviing South Georgia’s regional comprehensive institution if selected.

“Valdosta State University has a vibrant community and a storied history, and I’m honored to be considered for the presidency of such a great university,” said Carvajal. “If I’m fortunate enough to be selected by the Board of Regents, I will look forward to the opportunity to join in the campus community along with VSU’s faculty, staff and students.”

Carvajal left Bainbridge State College and assumed the interim president position at Darton State on Dec. 16, 2015.

“Dr. Carvajal’s experience as president at Bainbridge State and interim president at Darton State make him a highly qualified candidate,” said Hank Huckaby, the chancellor of the Board of Regents. “Since joining the University System in 2011, he has demonstrated his strong ability to lead, and we believe he is ready to commit his future to the students, faculty and staff of Valdosta State University.”

Prior to being chosen as interim president of Darton State College in December 2015, Carvajal served as president of Bainbridge State College since January 2011. He came to Bainbridge State College from Cascadia College in Bothell, Washington, where he was vice president for student success services. Carvajal served as dean of student services at Independence Community College in Kansas from 2003 to 2006. Before that, he was the associate dean of student services at Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina, from 1997 to 2003.

Carvajal holds a Ph.D. in educational administration with emphasis in higher education from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, a Master of Science degree in college student personnel administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a Bachelor of Science in mass communication/sociology from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.