FAMU alumnus Herb Reinhard’s winning team led Valdosta State University (VSU) to the Division II College Football National Championship. Reinhard is the former two-time, all-conference placekicker for the Rattlers and the longest tenured athletic director in the Gulf South Conference at VSU.
The Blazers defeated Ferris State, 49-47, for the VSU’s fourth national title and first since 2012.
Reinhard is in his 26th year as the leader of the Valdosta State Athletic Department. He was assistant athletic director in charge of marketing and promotions at Florida A&M University prior to his role at VSU. He began his professional career after earning an undergraduate degree in public relations from FAMU.
Under Reinhard’s guidance, VSU’s Athletics has grown by leaps and bounds. Reinhard joined the school in January of 1992. The growth has been across the board, with the University reaching new levels of success on the field and in the classroom, as well as an increase in facilities and staff.
VSU has claimed seven of its eight national championships as well as 40 of its 42 Gulf South Conference titles during Reinhard’s 25-plus years at the helm of the Blazers. Reinhard’s ability to lead has also manifested itself in his ability to hire talented coaches and staff.
