History of the Department:  The Valdosta State English Department is under the College of Arts and Sciences.  English has been an important major since the first days of the school.  During the time covered by this collection, the following have been department head:  Dr. Raymond A. Cook, 1979-1971; Dr. Willa Valencia, 1971-1983; Dr. Thomas Dasher, 1984-1994; Dr. John Hiers, 1994-1998; Dr. Kris Pruitt, 1998-1999; Dr. Sharon Gravett, 1999-; Dr. Mark Smith, Acting, 2002-