Katie Lin Ortmeyer Wins VSU President’s Award for Excellence

BREAKING: Katie Lin Ortmeyer has just been awarded the prestigious Fall 2025 President’s Award for Academic Excellence at Valdosta State University (VSU). This accolade highlights her outstanding achievements within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and will be presented during VSU’s 240th Commencement on December 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. on the Main Campus Front Lawn.

Ortmeyer, who will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Receiving this award feels unreal, and I am profoundly appreciative of it.” Her academic journey has been marked by significant milestones, including being a Georgia HOPE Scholar and a seven-time Dean’s List recipient, with an eighth recognition on the horizon following her graduation.

As a dedicated member of the community, Ortmeyer has actively participated in various service roles at Northside Baptist Church. She served as a social media manager and graphic designer for the Young Adult Ministry and volunteered for mission trips in Savannah, Georgia, and Boston, Massachusetts. Her commitment to service also included leading Vacation Bible School and youth camps, demonstrating a profound compassion for others.

Her achievements extend beyond academics and community service. Ortmeyer has received multiple scholarships, including the 2022 Colquitt EMC Scholarship and the 2022 James Eunice Legacy Scholarship, underscoring her commitment to excellence.

Looking ahead, Ortmeyer plans to pursue a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy at Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences. She stated, “Ultimately, my goal is to become an occupational therapist. I truly look forward to seeing where this career takes me.”

The support from her family, including her parents, Kim and Tim Ortmeyer, and her brother Jack Ortmeyer, has been pivotal in her success.

This recognition not only highlights Ortmeyer’s academic prowess but also her dedication to serving others with dignity and empathy. As the December 13 ceremony approaches, the community is eager to celebrate her achievements and future contributions to the field of health sciences.

Stay tuned for more updates as VSU honors its outstanding graduates in a ceremony that promises to inspire and uplift.