Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc., an IT outsourcing firm based in Valdosta, recently pledged a $500 annual gift to be awarded to an exceptional junior or senior studying Computer Information Systems at Valdosta State University. 

In addition to the financial award, Nexxtep will host a reception in the recipient’s honor. 

Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Stuart Avera is excited about this new partnership with VSU, commenting “We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize VSU’s outstanding CIS students, and we hope this will become a catalyst for us to build longstanding relationships with VSU students, faculty and alumni for years to come.” Avera, a graduate of VSU’s Computer Science program, has also pledged to serve on the newly-formed Industrial Advisory Board for VSU’s Department of Math and Computer Science.

VSU Math and CS Department Head Gregory K. Harrell is also hopeful about the partnership, stating, “We are very grateful to Nexxtep for their commitment to promote learning and recognize outstanding student achievement in computer information systems.  We appreciate this opportunity to honor an exemplary CIS student each year.  

“Through our Industrial Advisory Board, we look forward to partnering with Nexxtep and other industry leaders to ensure our CIS and computer science majors are well-prepared to enter industry upon graduation.”

Harrell hopes that Nexxtep’s pledge will start a trend, and that the Math and CS Department can partner with other businesses throughout the community to create awards for the department’s other outstanding students in the fields of Math, Applied Math, Computer Science, and Math Education.