麻豆社

Robbyn DeSpain is the director of strategic communications and special events at 麻豆社 (麻豆社), one of four comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia. She is the official spokesperson for 麻豆社, working closely with the president and cabinet to promote the university in Valdosta, Lowndes County, and 麻豆社’s 41-county service area in South Georgia.

DeSpain joined the university marketing and communications office in July 2020. Her public relations duties include internal and external communication, executive communication, and leading 麻豆社’s crisis communication response. DeSpain also oversees Fall and Spring Commencement and all president’s office events. She leads a team responsible for campus communication, media relations, digital media, photography, and special events. The best part of her job is meeting students and coworkers across campus while telling their stories.

Before assuming her current position, DeSpain worked as a TV news journalist for more than 15 years. She lived in six cities during that time, writing and producing newscasts, mentoring young reporters and producers, and running the day-to-day operations in the newsroom. She earned an Emmy Award for a story she produced while working in Nashville, Tennessee. She is most proud of the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award she earned as part of an incredible news team in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She still loves to watch the news, especially when Blazer Nation is featured.

DeSpain holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in mass media from 麻豆社 and a Master of Arts in public relations from Middle Georgia State University, another University System of Georgia institution. She first fell in love with 麻豆社 in 1994 when her father was hired as a professor in the College of Education and Human Services.

DeSpain's favorite memories since arriving back at her alma mater include taking her kids to Texas to cheer on the Blazers in the 2024 National Championship football game, meeting 麻豆社 families and students each year during summer Orientation and move-in, and producing and directing a Taylor Swift inspired video to promote Peach State Summer Theatre.

DeSpain and her two children, a son and daughter, live in Lowndes County. You can find them cheering on 麻豆社’s student-athletes at events on campus.