VALDOSTA —
Valdosta State University is so much more than just a college, it’s a community. No one knows this better than Interim President of VSU, Dr. Louis Levy. As the days wind down until Levy’s retirement, it feels as though VSU is losing the heart of their operation.
“It’s been really a joy this year,” said Levy, whose official last day is Saturday, June 30.
“At 11:59 p.m.,” Levy joked, as he often does.
Levy came to VSU in August of 1989 as a professor and head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. In 1995, he was appointed assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and was later named interim vice president for Academic Affairs in 2000. In 2002, he was officially appointed to the position of vice president for Academic Affairs and six years later in 2008, he was given the title of provost to reflect his expanded responsibilities.
After a short lived retirement, Levy came back in July of 2011 to act as Interim President where he has served, quite successfully. Levy refers to himself as “interim president” when quite often members of the community acknowledge him only as president. Partially this was out of wishful thinking and mainly because Levy acted in his role as if it were not temporary by going above and beyond for the university he loved so dearly.
“When I took this role, it was the agreement that I would do the things a president would do,” said Levy. “I haven’t held back on any of our initiatives because I am quote, interim president.”
It is this attitude that have led many to beg the question; why not stay?
“I’m ready to retire,” said Levy. “I’ve been at this business for almost 40 years.”
So what’s next for the man who has spent the greater part of his life pursuing various academic ventures?
“I think it’s time for me to do some traveling,” said Levy.
Levy has never been to the Florida Keys and he wants to go back to Europe. He wants to visit siblings in Louisiana and possibly visit California. Most of all, he wants to visit his son in Washington D.C.
“I’ve not been able to travel to see him,” said Levy.
Levy wants to enjoy being a doting grandfather of his three young grandchildren and suspects he will have a quite lengthy “honey do” list from his wife.
“Right now, I’m not making any commitments other than the one’s I have made to my wife about traveling,” said Levy. “I’ve never been one to plan out.”
While Levy is officially leaving VSU in an administrative capacity, he insists that he will not be a stranger to the university he has become so fond of.
“I will not be a stranger to the campus,” said Levy.
Levy plans to continue going to lectures and various art productions and of course will continue his attendance at athletic events as the Blazer’s number one fan. He also plans to stay in Valdosta.
“This is my home,” said Levy.
Though Levy has been the pulse that has kept VSU alive and well for the past year, the void created in his absence will be short-lived as newly appointed president Bill McKinney has an enthusiasm and eagerness reminiscent of Levy’s presidency.
“Bill McKinney will be an excellent president,” said Levy.
Levy has made himself available to McKinney just as previous VSU president’s have done for him. According to Levy, the presidents are a network, each one building upon the achievements of the last. Levy has however posed a challenge to the president’s that come after him.
“We have never had a national championship in a woman’s sport until now,” said Levy referring to the softball’s team latest victory.
Levy jokingly urged the presidents after him to top that achievement . . . however, when it comes to Levy and VSU athletics, he’s as serious as they come.
Levy is in fact going out with a bang as most great people in history often do. With only one year on the clock, Levy has gained a national championship, the new health science and business administration building and numerous other achievements. However, Levy would not dare take credit for any of these great accomplishments as he’s probably one of the most modest people that ever existed.
“Presidents try to be modest about what they do,” said Levy. “It cannot merely be done by a president’s actions alone.”
Despite Levy’s humility, people in the community will forever remember him as one of the greatest leaders VSU has ever had.
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Related Photos
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File Photo | The Valdosta Daily Times Dr. Louis Levy poses inside Valdosta State University’s West Hall.
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Levy came to VSU in August of 1989 as a professor and head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice.
Discussion
Dr. Louis Levy: Retirement Without Regret
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