City of Valdosta Recognizes Partnership with VSU Social Media Class

The City of Valdosta recognized students from Valdosta State University's Social Media class during the February 19 City Council meeting, honoring their outstanding work and collaboration with the City's Public Information Office.

Under the guidance of Dr. David Nelson, the students participated in a semester-long project focused on developing strategic social media initiatives to strengthen the City's online communication and community engagement. For more than a decade, Dr. Nelson has maintained a strong partnership with the City of Valdosta's Public Information Office, creating opportunities for students to apply classroom learning to real-world municipal communication challenges.

During the Fall 2025 semester, students partnered with the City's PIO to develop a targeted social media campaign aimed at increasing citizen engagement and expanding the reach of important city messages. After evaluating the City's existing platforms, students created comprehensive social media strategies designed to enhance emergency preparedness communication and improve the City's overall digital presence.

Following a review of the student projects by Communications Coordinator Jessi Roth and Media Coordinator Caison Kirkland, the team of Jonathan Martin, Javan Flowers, and Masaya Murakami was selected for their exceptional marketing plan presentation. Their proposal stood out for its structured content schedule, employee-focused engagement strategies, thoughtful audience outreach, and clearly defined goals for strengthening connectivity across the City's social media platforms.

Mayor Scott James Matheson and the Valdosta City Council congratulated the students during the meeting and commended all participants for their creativity, dedication, and innovative ideas that contribute to strengthening communication between the City and the community.

This ongoing partnership between Valdosta State University and the City of Valdosta continues to provide valuable experiential learning opportunities while supporting innovative approaches to civic engagement.

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