Kassidy Jazmine Hernandez of Miami, Florida, is the recipient of the Spring 2026 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University.

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.

Hernandez will be recognized during VSU’s 241^st Commencement at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, on the Main Campus Front Lawn. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics, a Minor in Applied Mathematics, and a Certificate in Data Science.

“It is an amazing accomplishment and a fulfilling feeling to be recognized as a top student from the Langdale College of Business Administration,” she said. “I came to VSU eager to learn, but unsure of what I wanted to study and what career I wanted to pursue. I never thought that I would receive this award. I came to VSU on my own, with the support of my family, to become independent, learn about myself, and challenge myself to make friends. Knowing that I made lifelong friends and that I had the support from my professors to succeed is an accomplishment in itself. This culminating honor is one that I will always cherish and will be my motivation to continue to work hard and excel.”

As a student at VSU, Hernandez was inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success, where she served as secretary, and Beta Gamma Sigma: The International Business Honor Society. She volunteered at local elementary schools and represented the Data Science program at Open House events as a student ambassador. She also presented mathematical modeling research at the university’s 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium.   

Hernandez joined VSU’s Red Hots dance team three years ago. That decision proved to be one of the most defining parts of her college journey, giving her a sense of belonging and becoming a source of discipline, confidence, and connection.

She earned All-American honors at the 2024 National Dance Alliance College Camp and was later recruited to be part of the NDA staff in 2025. She was also a member of the 2025 and 2026 NDA Hip Hop and 2026 NDA Jazz Division II Collegiate National Championship-winning VSU teams, further establishing the Red Hots as a powerhouse dynasty. The double win this year was a first for the VSU Red Hots. She will continue her dance career this summer as a member of the NDA staff.  

Hernandez’s commitment to academic, athletic, leadership, research, and service excellence resulted in her earning Dean’s List honors every semester, the 2024-2025 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship, and the 2025-2026 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. She was also honored by VSU Athletics with a Student Athlete Academic Spotlight recognition in Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Spring 2025.  

After graduation she will begin her career with the Marriott International Voyage Program, on the accounting and finance track. This is a 12- 18-month paid leadership program for recent graduates to develop skills in managerial accounting within a hotel setting. She will also begin preparing for her actuarial exams and work towards becoming a credentialed actuary. 

When asked about her family and how they have contributed to her success, Hernandez said, “My biggest supporters are my parents, Victor O. Hernandez and Wendy Hernandez; my brother, Victor M. Hernandez; and my boyfriend, Henry Garces. Receiving this award wouldn’t be possible without my amazing support system. I rely on my family, and I know that they will always be there for me. Although my family is seven hours away, they never miss a phone call and drive up to watch every performance. I love them with all my heart, and I am thankful to have them in my life as my personal cheerleaders.”