Valdosta State University was honored on Oct. 14 at a Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia meeting with a series of 2008 Chancellor’s Customer Service Excellence Awards.

“Valdosta State University is proud to accept a total of four awards from the University System of Georgia, each recognizing VSU’s exceptional service to students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Kristina Cragg, assistant to the president for Strategic Research & Analysis and VSU’s customer service improvement champion. “The awards recognize exceptional service within the University System of Georgia as part of Gov. (Sonny) Perdue’s customer service improvement efforts to offer ‘Faster, Friendlier, Easier’ service.”

The VSU Student Success Center was chosen as the gold winner for the improvement initiative category based on its focus and success in gaining consensus for its revised vision, honoring commitments in a timely manner, achieving intended and measurable results and integrating these improvements into policies, budgets and ongoing programs. Established to provide tutoring, advising and on-campus student employment, the SSC consolidated several previously independent tutoring centers to create a streamlined, centralized location for advising and employment services.

Information Technology’s Helpdesk won the gold award for customer service in the category for call centers/service desks/helpdesk information. The honor was based on the group’s ability to implement a continuous-improvement environment that exceeds expectations regarding client service quality and student retention.

James Black, vice president for Finance and Administration at VSU, was presented the bronze award for individual leadership. Known across the VSU campus for his sincerity and genuine love for others, Black has moved his division toward excellence and introduced to his division the core value of “honoring the individual in community.” He has established methods for evaluating customer feedback mechanisms, developed a code of conduct and increased the emphasis on professional development and wellness.

Honorable mention for the individual category was also awarded to building maintenance specialist Timothy Brunt. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, who is responsible for 13 campus buildings, leads by example with “unparalleled energy and intensity, as well as friendly customer service,” according to the VSU community.

To learn more, please call Kristina Cragg at (229) 245-6517 or visit http://customerfocus.usg.edu/.