Valdosta State announced on July 16, 2025, that VSU Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Keith Lee, has been named the new Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) for the Blazer Athletic Department.
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As the Faculty Athletic Representative for Athletics, Dr. Lee will act as a liaison between the academic side and the athletics department, ensuring the balance between academics and athletics within the institution, and represents the institution in NCAA and conference affairs.  The FAR is appointed by the institution's president or chancellor and is independent of the athletic department.
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Dr. Lee began working at VSU in 2020 and his teaching and research focuses on Congress, Southern Politics, and Public Management. He is a proud double Blazer, holding a B.A. in Political Science (2010) and an M.P.A. (2011) from Valdosta State. He also earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 2017.Â
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Dr. Lee's research has been published in Politics & Policy, Social Science Quarterly, American Politics Research, and American Review of Politics, and he has presented at numerous professional conferences. He is the co-author of a textbook on public policy and has served in leadership roles with the Georgia Political Science Association. He also consults with local governments and nonprofits as a data analyst to support evidence-informed decision-making.
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Before entering academia, Dr. Lee served in the United States Navy from 1998 to 2006 as a nuclear machinist mate, spending most of his time aboard the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737). That experience continues to shape his commitment to public service and leadership.
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Dr. Lee is married to Ashley, also a double Blazer (B.S. Ed., M.Ed.) and he is the proud father of two boys, Sawyer and Parker. Â
