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 Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kurt J. Keppler has resigned after eight years at VSU. Current Dean of Students Russell T. Mast will serve as interim VP of Student Affairs until the position is filled permanently.
  As of May 1, Keppler will assume the position of Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Enrollment Services at Louisiana State University.
 Personal friend and colleague, John D. Crawford, Vice President of University Advancement, worked closely with Keppler on various projects such as the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Leadership Team.
 “I was very pleased for Kurt.  Going to a research one institution like LSU is a great opportunity for anybody,” said Crawford. “Kurt’s promotion speaks for Valdosta State University’s reputation … I think it speaks very well for our university.”�
 Keppler is very involved with projects around campus; he also feels it necessary to attend as many student events as possible.
 With Keppler’s supervision, the new Student Union and three residence halls were built
and four residences halls were renovated, said Thressea Boyd, Assistant to the President in her article on the Valdosta State website.
 Keppler has also assisted with the creation of the Emerging Leaders program and the Parents Association said Boyd.
 “He believes that he should be there to support our students,” Crawford said.
 According to a statement released by VSU President Patrick J. Schloss, Mast has been hired as the Interim VP of Student Affairs.   Dr. Keppler said that Mast is the best man for the interim position.
“He understands the students and the priorities of the job.  He will do great,” Keppler said.�
Dean Mast has held the position of Interim Vice President for Student Affairs before in 1999 until 2002, when Keppler started. In July 2002, Mast became the Dean of Students, Schloss said in a letter sent out to the staff about Mast’s new position.
Mast has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Eastern Kentucky University.  He has been part of the VSU family for the past 15 years.  Mast has served in many different positions including Director of Intramurals and Recreation and Director of Student Activities.
“I appreciate Dr. Schloss giving me the opportunity to represent the Student Affairs Division,” said Mast.  “I believe it will be a great semester and we are off to a great start with the opening of the new Student Union.”
“All of us in Student Affairs wish Dr. Keppler nothing but success in his new position at LSU,” Mast added.
Dr. Keppler will be on campus until April before taking his new position at LSU.