Dr. Mark Whatley, associate psychology professor, was recently released from Shand’s Hospital, after surgery in Gainesville, Fla., and is currently in recovery.

“We are told he is getting better and he is well enough to sit up among other things,” Dr. Deborah Briihl, professor of psychology, said.

The date of his return to Valdosta is unknown.

There’s a card for everyone to sign for him located in the psychology department.

On Sept. 10, Dr. Whatley was riding his bicycle down Inner Perimeter Rd. near Jaycee Shack Rd. at 6:30 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a Ford Explorer.

After the driver fled the scene, VPD later found the car at 1810 E. Park Ave.

Dr. Whatley’s classes have been taken over by Dr. Jackson Rainer, head of the psychology and counseling department, for the rest of the semester.

No calls to either party involved had been returned at press time.