Georgia State University Athletics

Valana Wiltz was elevated to the Assistant Athletic Director of Football Academics and Student-Athlete Development in February 2026.

Wiltz joined the Georgia State Department of Athletics in June 2019 as a graduate assistant. She transitioned into a full-time role as a learning specialist in September 2021 and later expanded her responsibilities as a learning specialist and academic advisor in January 2022. She currently serves as the Assistant Athletic Director – Football Academics and Student-Athlete Development within the Office of Academic Support and Student-Athlete Development (P.A.S.S.).

In her role, Wiltz oversees the daily operations of football academics, working directly with football student-athletes, coaches, and departmental leadership to support enrollment, retention, NCAA eligibility, progress toward degree completion, and the successful transition from college to career.

Wiltz also plays an integral role in the holistic development of Georgia State student-athletes through her leadership and involvement with the 365 Panther Way Program, a rebranded and reimagined career development initiative. The program is designed to support student-athletes’ academic pursuits while helping them navigate and optimize their collegiate experience, with the goal of empowering them to pursue their passions and launch into meaningful careers.

In addition, Wiltz serves as the department’s learning specialist, the secondary sport administrator for women’s golf and women’s tennis, and the advisor for both the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA).

Under Wiltz’s leadership, the football academic advising staff guided football student-athletes to a record-setting 3.10 cumulative GPA in Spring 2025, the highest GPA in program history.

Prior to joining Georgia State, Wiltz served as a student assistant with the LSU Football Recruiting Staff. For nearly three years, she assisted with hosting some of the nation’s top recruits and supporting the operational needs of one of the country’s premier collegiate football programs.

Wiltz earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in leadership and human resource development from Louisiana State University in May 2019. She earned her master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling from Georgia State University in August 2021.

Originally from Alpharetta, Ga., Wiltz attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., graduating in May 2015. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A).