Terry Blasingame, Chair 

Anthony Washington, Co-Chair 

ShaRonda Cooper 

Christian Dula 

Chanda Floyd-Bryant 

Marion Gilbert 

Barnard Ingram 

Bernetta Jones 

Mike Lawrence 

Bridgett Tabor 

THE MISSION OF FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. 

The Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. is organized for the following purposes: 

• To solicit gifts and donations for the support of Fort Valley State University. 

• To promote the interest of Fort Valley State University and the university family. 

• To establish mutually beneficial relations between the university and its stakeholders and supporters. 

• To formulate and carry out a program of activities for the graduates and former students of Fort Valley State University. 

• To collaborate with the Fort Valley State University administration in formulating and carrying out student and alumni recruitment initiatives. 

• To serve as a vigilant protector of the heritage of Fort Valley State University. 

THE VISION OF FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. 

Empowering and uniting Fort Valley State University alumni worldwide, the FVSU National Alumni Association, Inc. envisions a vibrant community dedicated to preserving traditions, fostering academic excellence, and supporting student success. We aim to elevate our alma mater's legacy and impact through inclusivity, collaboration, and celebration of our rich heritage. 

BACK TO THE B.A.S.I.C.S. 

BUILD BONDS: Foster community and support while strengthening connections among alumni through alumni chapters, networking events, and mentorship programs. 

ADVANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Support initiatives that enhance academic programs, provide scholarships, and ensure students can access resources in their educational journey. 

STRENGTHEN ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT: Encourage active participation in alumni events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts to support the university and its students. 

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, AND COLLABORATION: Promote collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the alumni association, celebrating our members' diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

CELEBRATING TRADITION: Honor and preserve the traditions and legacy of Fort Valley State University, fostering pride and unity among alumni. 

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS: Provide mentorship, career development resources, and financial assistance to empower students and prepare them for life after college. 

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso. 

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Founded nearly 130 years ago, Fort Valley State University embraces a history that intertwines African American culture, a commitment to personal and intellectual growth, and a deep sense of community. Alongside its rich institutional history, the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. boasts a delectable history dating back to 1952, with Stanley E. Rutland serving as its first president. 

Today, the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. strives to support the university to the best of our ability while adhering to our own mission and vision, focusing on critical areas of need for both the university and the association. 

In essence, this document will outline a strategic framework for how we, Fort Valley State University alumni, will govern ourselves to support the university across six identified critical areas, with realistic goals and metrics ensuring the achievement of all outlined objectives in this plan. 

Strategic Plan Pathways are fundamental to the success of this strategic plan and the more significant advancement of the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. By adhering to each pathway, we aim not only to fulfill the tenets outlined in the platform but also to propel the association forward by addressing critical issues that have hindered growth in recent years. Each pathway will be overseen by designated Strategic Plan Task Force members, who will provide regular updates to the Committee Chair, followed by the Executive Committee, and finally, the association's general body. This ensures transparency, accountability, and collective progress toward our shared goals. 

***SP# denotes Strategic Pathway 

Foster community and support while strengthening connections among alumni through alumni chapters, networking events, and mentorship programs.

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Boost the engagement morale between the association and the university (see Strategic Pathway 3).
  

• Organize at least two annual events that bring together alumni, students, and institution leadership, such as networking mixers, panel discussions, and mentorship dinners. Measure success by achieving at least 30% attendance from each group.
  

• Pair at least 50 alumni with student mentees each year through the implementation of the Mentor Matchup Program and track mentorship satisfaction rates.

Pathway Guardians 
Alumni A, Lead Guardian
Alumni B
Alumni C 

Standing Committees to Assist:
Alumni Ambassador Committee
Program Committee  

Support initiatives that enhance academic programs, provide scholarships, and ensure students have access to resources for success in their educational journey. 

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Reaffirm our support to students by awarding alumni association scholarships. 

• Raise at least $150,000 annually in scholarship funds. 

• Ensure that 80% of allocated scholarship funds are awarded each year, with the remaining 20% allocated to assist students dealing with emergency crises and financial hardships. 

• Forge a relationship with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate.

Pathway Guardians: 
Alumni A, Lead Guardian 
Alumni B 
Alumni C 

Committees to Assist:
Scholarship Committee
Fundraising Committee 

Encourage active participation in alumni events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts to support the university and its students. 

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Target a 20% annual increase in active, financial member enrollment. 

• Achieve a membership retention rate of 50% or higher, seeing members reaffirm their support through payment of dues. 

• Ensure events are appealing to all generations of Wildcats. 

• Reintroduce the Blue & Gold Circle Awards and AARP (Alumni Awards Recognition Program), honoring the notable achievements and contributions that FVSU alumni are making to the University, the Association, and the community.

Pathway Guardians:
Alumni A, Lead Guardian
Alumni B
Alumni C 

Committees to Assist:
Awards and Recognition Committee
Membership Committee
Program Committee 

Promote collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the alumni community, celebrating our members' rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences. 

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Utilize at least 3 different communication channels to reach diverse alumni groups. 

• Enhance alumni communication and outreach by establishing a quarterly newsletter and increasing engagement on social media platforms. 

• Provide financial reports, committee involvement opportunities, and updates on successes and challenges within the NAA. Ensure that members are kept informed about all aspects of the association's activities. 

• Ensure financial stability through accurate IRS reporting and financial controls. 

Pathway Guardians:
Alumni A, Lead Guardian
Alumni B 
Alumni C 

Committees to Assist:
Finance Committee
Public Relations Committee
Technology Committee

Honor and preserve the traditions and legacy of Fort Valley State University, fostering pride and unity among alumni. 

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Increase attendance at traditional alumni events such as Homecoming, Founders' Day, and class reunions annually. 

• Launch at least one heritage project each year, such as commemorative publications or documentaries, to preserve FVSU's history. 

• Partner with key campus offices to engage with alumni twice a year to speak at events, informing students of FVSU traditions. 

• Create new traditions and events to be sustained for generations to come.

Pathway Guardians:
Alumni A, Lead Guardian
Alumni B
Alumni C 

Committees to Assist:
Finance Committee
Public Relations Committee
Technology Committee 

Provide mentorship, career development resources, and financial aid to empower students and prepare them for post-graduation success. 

Key Results/ Metrics: 

• Partner with the Office of Career Services to see the rebirth of the Ralph P. Malone Youth Motivational Task Force. 

• Partner with the Junior and Senior Classes to organize alumni panel discussions once per semester on various professional and academic topics. 

• Reestablish the Pre-Alumni Council to funnel student-to-alumni connections.

Pathway Guardians:
Alumni A, Lead Guardian
Alumni B
Alumni C 

Committees to Assist:
Finance Committee
Public Relations Committee
Technology Committee 

Finalize and Approve Strategic Plan

• Present the strategic plan draft to the NAA board and key stakeholders for review and approval. 

• Incorporate feedback and make necessary adjustments. 

Establish Implementation Committees

• Form committees or task forces for each strategic pathway. 

• Appoint chairs and members, ensuring diverse representation from alumni, students, and institution leadership. 

• Define roles, responsibilities, and timelines for each committee. 

Develop Detailed Action Plans

• Each committee creates a detailed action plan outlining specific activities, timelines, and resource requirements. 

• Set clear milestones and deliverables for each strategic pathway. 

• Align action plans with the overall goals and metrics of the strategic plan. 

Communicate The Plan of Action

• Develop a comprehensive communication plan to inform members and stakeholders about the strategic plan. 

• Utilize multiple communication channels, including newsletters, social media, and the FVSU NAA website. 

• Schedule virtual and/or in-person meeting to discuss the strategic plan and gather feedback. 

Implement Key Initiatives

• Begin executing the action plans for each strategic pathway. 

• Focus on early wins to build momentum and demonstrate progress. 

• Monitor progress regularly and adjust strategies as needed. 

Ensure Operational Readiness

• Make sure committee chairs and members are identified and charged. 

• Budget shall be formalized for committee operation. 

• Communicate as many forward-looking dates as possible. 

Track Progress and Metrics

• Establish a system for tracking key metrics and results for each strategic pathway. 

• Schedule regular check-ins and progress reviews with committees. 

• Prepare quarterly progress reports for the NAA board and members. 

• Conduct recap meetings for all events and issue reports highlighting attendance, losses, and gains. 

Engage and Involve Members

• Create opportunities for members to get involved in the implementation of the strategic plan. 

• Promote volunteer opportunities, committee involvement, and event participation. 

Evaluate and Adjust

• Conduct an annual review of the strategic plan’s progress and effectiveness. 

• Gather feedback from members, committees, and stakeholders. 

• Make necessary adjustments to strategies and action plans based on evaluation outcomes. 

Celebrate Successes

• Recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements. 

• Highlight success stories in communications to members.