FVSU NAA, Inc. President Speaks on FVSU Presidential Search
FORT VALLEY, Ga. (WPGA) - Fort Valley State University has announced the launch of a national search committee to find its next president.
The university’s fall 2025 peak enrollment stood at 3,177, according to the most recent report tracking federal grant funding. Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association Inc. President Garren Walker said retention is a key priority for the incoming leader.
“If retention rates are up, that gives us the space to create more housing and better campus facilities, and that equals growth,” Walker said.
The university’s campus spans 1,365 acres — the second-largest acreage of any Georgia university, according to the university website. Walker said he hopes the next president has a plan to make better use of that land.
“Fort Valley currently sits on 1,365 acres of land, which is one of the most untapped resources that we have. I just think about the agricultural innovation and wealth that could come from tapping into our resources,” Walker said.
Alumni priorities for next president
The alumni association desires a president invested in the university’s history, HBCU culture, alumni and student relationships, as well as ties to the surrounding community.
“If the city and Peach County are successful, then the university will be successful, and vice versa. I think they need each other,” Walker said.
Walker also emphasized the institution’s legacy as a factor in the search.
“Fort Valley is a very special place. We’ve been around — in November — for 131 years. We’ll see another milestone. I think we may not be here to see the next 131, but it would be good to know Fort Valley is in good hands,” Walker said.
The presidential search committee’s initial meeting is scheduled for July 27. The committee will ultimately recommend three to five candidates to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents for consideration.
The most recent president of Fort Valley State University, Paul Jones, retired last month.
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