Veteran Educator Bill Crowe Tapped to Guide Valdosta State Through Leadership Transition

ATLANTA — As Valdosta State University prepares for a leadership change, the University System of Georgia has turned to an experienced hand to ensure stability and progress. William R. “Bill” Crowe, a veteran higher education administrator known for strengthening academic programs and student outcomes, has been appointed interim president of the South Georgia institution.

Crowe’s appointment, announced Tuesday by University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue, follows President Richard Carvajal’s decision to step down at the end of the semester to become president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Crowe will begin assisting with the leadership transition on Oct. 15 before officially stepping into the role in January.

“Dr. Crowe brings a wealth of experience managing large academic operations and building partnerships that drive student success,” Perdue said. “His steady leadership will keep Valdosta State moving forward during this period of change.”

A familiar name in academic circles, Crowe has held senior roles at the University of Georgia, the University of Texas at Austin, and several public colleges across the country. At UGA’s Continuing Education Center, he helped launch more than 200 online courses, expanding access and generating new revenue streams. He also spent 25 years at Tyler Junior College in Texas, where his career spanned from campus safety leadership to academic administration.

Crowe, who has also served as interim chancellor at Louisiana State University Eunice, said his focus at Valdosta State will be on supporting the university’s mission and its people.

“What matters most to me is helping students succeed and ensuring faculty and staff have the tools they need to do their best work,” Crowe said in a statement.

His appointment signals a commitment to continuity at Valdosta State, where university officials say priorities such as enrollment growth, innovation, and student retention will remain front and center during the transition.