Welcome to Vtext at Valdosta State University
Vtext is Valdosta State University's institutional repository, providing open access to the scholarly, creative, and administrative works of the University community. It also houses digitized materials from the VSU Archives and Special Collections.
Faculty, students, and staff can register and deposit their work directly into Vtext, ensuring that it is securely preserved, permanently accessible, and discoverable worldwide. Each item receives a stable, citable URL designed for long-term reliability—supporting both academic visibility and digital preservation for years to come. Please contact the VSU Archives and Special Collections for more information.
Communities in Vtext
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Item Emma and Carolyn Griffin, Oral History Interview, October 16, 2025(Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2026., 2025-10-16)Carolyn Griffin and Emma Reed Griffin share their memories of River Hill Missionary Baptist Church, highlighting its role as a place of faith, family, and community. They discuss the church’s early history, schoolhouse experiences, traditions such as “eating on the grounds,” celebrations, and fellowship events. Both reflect on how the church has changed over time while emphasizing the importance of preserving its history, traditions, and spiritual legacy for future generations.Item Rechell Thomas, Oral History Interview, September 24, 2025(Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2026., 2025-09-24)This oral history interview with Rechell Thomas explores her lifelong connection to River Hill Missionary Baptist Church and the influence of family, faith, and community on her personal and professional journey. Thomas shares memories of growing up in a church-centered family, the roles her relatives held within the congregation, youth programs, worship traditions, and community activities. She discusses how River Hill shaped her values of service, acceptance, fellowship, and giving back, which continue to influence her career as a licensed professional counselor. The interview highlights the importance of church traditions, youth involvement, family support, and the lasting impact of River Hill Missionary Baptist Church on multiple generations of the community.Item Group Interview, Oral History Interview, September 18, 2025(Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2026., 2025-09-18)This oral history interview with Jacqueline Burgman, Eddie McCormick, Fannie McCormick, Clara Henderson, and Susie Donaldson documents the history, traditions, and community significance of River Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The interviewees share memories of the church’s early location, the relocation of the church building, the nearby school, and the experiences of growing up in the River Hill community. They discuss church leadership, worship practices, community support, youth programs, Easter celebrations, church anniversaries, and the important roles of elders, families, and volunteers in sustaining the congregation. The interview also explores changes over time, including shifts in community relationships, church participation, education, and cultural traditions. Throughout the conversation, participants emphasize the importance of faith, respect for elders, service, family connections, and preserving the history and legacy of River Hill Missionary Baptist Church.Item Brenda Williams, Oral History Interview, August 22, 2025(Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2026., 2025-08-22)Brenda Williams shares her lifelong connection to River Hill Missionary Baptist Church, describing its role in shaping her faith, values, and commitment to service. She recalls childhood traditions such as Sunday school collections, union meetings, church fellowships, and community gatherings. Williams discusses her many roles within the church, including youth activities, ministries, and support for church members, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and outreach. She reflects on her career as a special education teacher and how the lessons of compassion, kindness, and service learned from her family and church guided her work. Williams highlights the importance of preserving River Hill’s history, traditions, and legacy for future generations.Item Lydia Williams, Oral History Interview, July 24, 2025(Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, 2026., 2025-07-24)Lydia Williams discusses her lifelong connection to River Hill Missionary Baptist Church, sharing memories of faith, family, community traditions, and the church’s role in shaping her values. She reflects on growing up during school integration, her activism, and her career in social services and advocacy. Williams emphasizes the importance of preserving African American history, protecting the church’s legacy, and passing community stories to future generations.