The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) has voted to name Dr. Donald J. Green as the sole finalist for president of Valdosta State University (VSU).

Green currently serves as the fifth president of USG’s Gordon State College, a position he’s held since Nov. 15, 2023. Green replaced Dr. Kirk Nooks at Gordon State in May 2023, serving first as interim president for several months before being named to the permanent role.

“Dr. Green is a proven leader within the University System of Georgia who understands that our mission begins and ends with student success,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “He has a remarkable track record of increasing enrollment and aligning academic programs with the needs of the regional workforce. I’m confident his experience and vision can build upon Valdosta State’s momentum and strengthen its role as a vital economic engine for South Georgia.”

Since arriving at Gordon State, Green has spearheaded the “Fast Forward” strategic plan, a three-year roadmap to accelerate student degree completion and align academic offerings with the evolving labor market. Under his leadership, the college achieved a record Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 64.5% in 2025, marking a significant 11-percentage-point increase over the previous year.

Green has prioritized growth by aligning degrees with the region’s highest-need industries, specifically within nursing, STEM and business. These efforts helped drive a 19% surge in degrees awarded during the Fall 2025 commencement. To keep students on track, he introduced proactive “Success Plans” and intensive advising models that prioritize timely graduation. By positioning the college as a “talent pipeline” for central Georgia, Green has focused on the power of a degree to transform the financial trajectory of local families and the regional workforce.

“Valdosta State has a storied history of excellence, and I’m deeply honored to be named the sole finalist to lead this incredible institution,” Green said. “While it has been a privilege to serve the Gordon State community, I’m eager to bring that same passion for student success to VSU. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, alumni and the community to expand opportunities and drive innovation for the next generation of Blazers.”

Green has nearly 36 years of higher education leadership experience, 10 of them with USG. In September 2014, the board named Green the fourth president of Georgia Highlands College (GHC), where he served until taking the helm at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2021.

While at GHC, Green similarly grew the institution’s economic contribution to over $181 million and oversaw the construction of a 52,000-square-foot STEAM-based academic facility.

Before his time at GHC, Green served in several leadership roles at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., and held administrative and teaching posts at Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University, both in Grand Rapids, Mich. Green also previously ran a consulting firm that specialized in training and education.

“Our committee set out to find a leader who has both a broad vision for the student experience and the proven track record to make it happen, and Dr. Green fits that description perfectly,” said Regent Haynes M. Studstill, chair of the presidential search committee. “Throughout this national search, his deep roots in Georgia higher education and his hands-on approach to community engagement really stood out. He’s the right person at the right time to lead VSU into its next chapter of growth and academic achievement.”

Green holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Michigan State University, a master’s in labor and human resource management from Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree from Western Michigan University.

VSU is one of four comprehensive public universities in the university system. The university serves more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and generated an economic impact of $385.3 million across its South Georgia host region in fiscal year 2024.

The university has been led by interim President William R. “Bill” Crowe since Jan. 1, 2026. Crowe began assisting former VSU President Richard Carvajal on Oct. 15, 2025, shortly after Carvajal announced he had accepted the presidency of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.

Perdue thanked Crowe for his steady hand over the last several months, noting that he jumped into the role and immediately embraced the Valdosta community. By setting clear expectations, Crowe ensured the university didn’t miss a beat and reinvigorated its momentum during the transition.

The Board will take action on the position at a future board meeting no sooner than five days from naming a finalist.