Written by Jordan Barela, Editor-in-Chief 

In an email sent to the VSU community earlier today, Interim President Cecil Staton appointed several new members to administrative positions.

Staton appointed a total of five administrative positions, three of which were vacant dean positions.

“During my almost six months as interim president at Valdosta State, one of the most encouraging things I have encountered is the strength and commitment of our administrators, faculty, and staff,” Staton said in the email.

The administrative changes will be effective Jan. 1.

Dr. Mike Savoie was appointed as the dean of the Honors College, after serving as the interim dean.

According to the email, under Savoie’s guidance, the Honors College has seen growth in enrollment. Savoie plans to expand the Honors Scholar Program, which provides funding for 150 students.

“I am proud of the great work of everyone involved in the Honors College,” Savoie said. “I am also proud of VSU and the incredible community that we serve. Lastly, I thank President Staton and Provost Gerber for making decisive changes and for their concern for everyone at Valdosta State University.”

Dr. Sherri Noviello was appointed as the new dean for the College of Nursing. Noviello joined the staff at the College of Nursing as the associate dean in 2014. She was appointed to interim dean three months later.

While serving as the interim dean, Noviello earned the college permission to open the Center for Exercise Medicine and Rehabilitation, which will be located in the Health and Sciences Building and will open in January. The Exercise Physiology program also received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

“I am truly honored to be the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and to work with an amazing group of faculty and staff that are poised to meet and overcome the challenges of our institution and college,” Noviello said in the email. “Change is not easy for many individuals. However, if we come together as a collective body, then we can embrace the changes that are necessary to experience significant growth and a new level of excellence for Valdosta State University. I am so excited to be a Blazer.”

Dr. James LaPlant was appointed the new dean of the Graduate College, after serving as the interim dean.

Under LaPlant’s guidance, the graduate school has also seen increased enrollment. Dissertation writing circles have also been implemented at the IDEA Center to help graduate students.

“We have wonderful staff in the Graduate School and the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration, and I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to work with such talented staff as we advance in the future,” LaPlant said.

Along with filling the three vacant dean positions, Staton also announced that Phillip Allen has been appointed as the executive assistant to the president and vice president of External Affairs and Tony Thomas has been appointed the chief legal affairs officer.