VALDOSTA STATE MAGAZINE 97 “… you tell them that the drive to raise retention and graduate rates now permeates everything the university is doing,” he said. “You tell them that we are using national best practices to build a model advising program. You tell them that 15 to Finish is becoming the norm, and streamlined pathways mean that more students are staying on track to completion. And you tell them that the students who are with us … will join me on a commencement stage to receive their degrees in four years, on time.” How should every member of VSU’s Blazer Nation family respond to those who say that the university’s athletic teams’ best days are behind them? “… VSU is a place that has never minded being judged by the number of championships we will win in any era,” he said. “Why? Because using that standard, we fully expect to be judged well, knowing that there are plenty more banners to be hung and plenty more championships to be won. That’s right. You tell all who will listen … now is our time.” How should every member of VSU’s Blazer Nation family respond to those who say that the university only cares about what happens within its own walls? “… you assure them that … VSU has a new vision … one in which our success is fully linked to the success of the region we serve,” he said. “Go ahead and announce that no longer do they have to wonder when we will stand up as one and plant our flag as South Georgia’s preeminent university. Yes, when … if we channel our collective energies behind a common vision, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. … no matter the challenge, there comes a time when all things become possible. — DR. RICHARD A. CARVAJAL “ “