Valdosta State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Valdosta State University has 5 executives leading key functions including administration, human resources, information technology, marketing, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence, Valdosta State University provides comprehensive educational opportunities while maintaining the personal attention characteristic of smaller institutions to foster student success.

Leadership Roles at Valdosta State University

  • President - Donald Green
  • Chief of Staff - Kimberly Luse
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Wendy Byrd
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Itcpm Isaac Barton
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Melinda Harbaugh
  • Donald Green - President

    Donald Green, the President at Valdosta State University, provides executive leadership to guide the institution's long-term vision and academic mission. Overseeing all university operations, the President ensures alignment between strategic goals and the delivery of high-quality educational programs. Donald Green collaborates with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to secure financial stability and promote institutional growth. This role involves representing the university to external partners, government entities, and the public to advocate for higher education funding and policy support. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, the President enables the university to maintain its reputation for providing personal attention within a comprehensive university setting. Through decisive leadership, the President drives initiatives that enhance student outcomes and community impact. This leadership position remains the primary force behind the university's ongoing efforts to balance tradition with innovation in the evolving landscape of higher education.
    Donald Green

    Kimberly Luse - Chief of Staff

    Kimberly Luse, the Chief of Staff at Valdosta State University, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing complex workflows across campus departments, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive office and various academic units. Kimberly Luse drives organizational efficiency by streamlining internal processes and supporting the implementation of university-wide initiatives. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address operational challenges and optimize resource allocation. By maintaining a focus on strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff enables the university to deliver high-quality educational experiences. Through rigorous oversight of administrative projects, the Chief of Staff strengthens the operational foundation of the institution. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the balance between large-scale university opportunities and the personal attention provided to students within the Georgia region.

    Wendy Byrd - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Wendy Byrd, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Valdosta State University, manages talent acquisition and employee development programs to support a diverse academic workforce. Overseeing recruitment strategies, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the university attracts top-tier faculty and staff capable of upholding institutional standards. Wendy Byrd directs initiatives focused on workplace culture, benefits administration, and professional growth opportunities. This role involves navigating complex labor regulations while fostering an environment conducive to academic innovation. By optimizing human capital management, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer directly impacts the university's ability to provide personal attention to students. Through the implementation of modern HR technologies, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer enhances operational transparency across the campus. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining a stable, high-performing workforce that drives the long-term mission of the university within the competitive higher education landscape.

    Itcpm Isaac Barton - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Itcpm Isaac Barton, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Valdosta State University, architects scalable digital infrastructure to support modern learning environments and administrative functions. Managing enterprise-wide technology systems, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures robust cybersecurity and data integrity across all campus networks. Itcpm Isaac Barton directs the integration of advanced educational tools that facilitate both remote and in-person instruction. This role requires constant collaboration with academic departments to align technological capabilities with evolving pedagogical needs. By optimizing digital resources, the Associate Chief Information Officer enhances the overall student experience and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of reliable IT solutions, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to providing comprehensive academic opportunities. This leadership position remains critical for maintaining the technological edge necessary for a premier comprehensive university to thrive in a digital-first educational market.

    Melinda Harbaugh - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Melinda Harbaugh, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Valdosta State University, directs brand strategy and public relations to elevate the institution's profile among prospective students and stakeholders. Overseeing multi-channel marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures consistent messaging that highlights the university's unique blend of large-scale opportunities and personal attention. Melinda Harbaugh manages media relations, digital content, and community outreach to strengthen the university's market position. This role involves coordinating with academic leadership to promote research achievements and student success stories. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer optimizes recruitment efforts and enhances institutional reputation. Through strategic communication, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer fosters meaningful engagement with the broader community. This leadership function remains essential for sustaining enrollment growth and maintaining the university's status as a premier comprehensive institution within the regional education sector.
    Melinda Harbaugh

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Valdosta State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Valdosta State University?
    Valdosta State University is led by Donald Green (President), along with executives such as Kimberly Luse (Chief of Staff) and Wendy Byrd (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Valdosta State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Valdosta State University includes leaders such as Donald Green (President), Kimberly Luse (Chief of Staff), Wendy Byrd (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Valdosta State University have?
    Valdosta State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Valdosta State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Valdosta State University includes roles such as President, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Associate Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.