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By Jessica Pope

Communications and

Media Relations Coordinator

VALDOSTA, GA – Heather Marie Craft of Lake Park, GA, is the recipient of the Fall 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University.

She is the daughter of Joe and Denise Perfetto of Gates County.

Craft will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Workforce Education and Development during VSU’s 238th Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The President’s Award for Academic Excellence is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of VSU’s six colleges — Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of the Arts, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Working full time while pursuing a college education has often times been a challenging balancing act,” Craft said. “As a nontraditional student, juggling the obligations of my family and home, work, and school has resulted in many late nights, early mornings, and long to-do lists. I pushed myself to do the best that I could with every single task in each aspect of my life. I am incredibly proud of what I have accomplished. It has been a little overwhelming, but I am grateful and excited for the experience.”

Craft manages the Office of Procurement at VSU, a demanding role that requires her to work across all units to ensure the university receives the supplies, materials, equipment, and services needed to meet its goals and fulfill its mission. She also serves as a small business liaison for the Georgia Department of Administrative Services and manages a transport business for her husband and a welding business for her son.

“My plans after graduation are to take a semester to relax and spend time with my family when I am not at work,” she said. “I am considering law school or a graduate program in the future, but I am going to enjoy some free time for a bit. I enjoy what I do at VSU and don’t have any goals or plans to leave.”

Her supportive family includes Jeff Craft (husband); Wesley, Nick, and Shelby (children); Kevin (grandson); Joe and Denise Perfetto (parents); Michael and Kathy Craft (father- and mother-in-law); the rest of her family; her friends; and all her VSU people. She said their support and encouragement has made all the difference in her life.