 Previously, Dr. Staton served as Interim President of Valdosta State University (2015–2016) and as Vice Chancellor for Extended Education with the University System of Georgia (2014–2016).He served five terms as an elected official in the U.S. state of Georgia.He was a member of the Republican Party and served in the Georgia Senate representing the 18th district, which includes portions of Bibb, Houston, Monroe, Jones, and Crawford counties.