Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University’s dramatic enrollment increase is opening teaching opportunities for both fulltime and adjunct professors. This summer, 19 full-time faculty members were hired by the university and 30 adjuncts are now on staff or standby ready to teach classes when called. This week, new faculty and administrators gathered at an informal meeting in the President’s Conference Room to listen as President Larry E. Rivers articulated his vision, mission and goals for the upcoming school year.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in the last 28 months,” said Dr. Rivers. “I’m a person with a vision who believes in working with individuals like you to move this university forward.”

According to Dr. Daniel K. Wims, executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, the new faculty represent a wide range of academic disciplines: special education, history, biology, computer science, mathematics, veterinary science and agricultural science. “Teaching experience, academic credentials and a commitment to FVSU’s mission and its students are the criteria that determined hiring decisions,” Wims said. Some of the specialists were recruited through a national search, while others responded to employment ads.

After introductions, Dr. Rivers chronicled his career journey from struggling FVSU student to professor, university administrator and college president. He discussed a litany of FVSU accomplishments since his tenure: a significant increase in student enrollment, capital projects that totaled nearly $125 million in the last 28 months compared to only $30 million in 30 years; and a near perfect audit rating last year.

Focusing on faculty, he outlined the criteria required for tenure: good teaching, community service, research, grantsmanship and a track record of motivating students. Rivers urged the group to be a role model and mentor to students – through teaching and research.

“Take students to the library and museum,” said Rivers. “Teach them how to conduct research. You are young and passionate professionals. We want you to come on board with a passion to teach. Get with faculty members who will encourage you. Manage your time wisely and make progress toward your goal of tenure.”

Upperclassmen return to campus on today. Classes resume on Monday, Aug. 18.

Below is a partial list of new faculty members:

· Dr. Dawit Aberra - Associate Professor Mathematics

· Joseph Cunningham - Assistant Professor, Physical Ed., Athletics

· Dr. James Glover - Chair, Mathematics and Computer Science Department

· Dr. Jill Harnesberger - Assistant Professor, English

· Dr. Violet Johnson - Assistant Professor, Special Education

· Caroline Lewis - Administrative Assistant and Writing Instructor in the Academic Writing Center (WIN LAB)

· Christina Matthews - Writing Instructor/Academic Writing Center, Writing /English

· Dr. James McCamey - Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences

· Gail Miller-Smith - Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences

· ErikaLynn Taylor-Mwenze - Writing Instructor, Writing Lab/ English

· Dr. Vann Newkirk - Associate Vice President, Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness and History Professor

· Dr. Sonja Shavers - Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences

· Tenora Simonez - Assistant Professor, Learning Support Center

· Dr. Erika Knight Styles - Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics

· Dr. Cheryl Swanier - Associate Professor, Computer Science

· Dr. Jean Wacaster - Associate Dean, College of Education

· Dr. Haixin Wang - Assistant Professor of Computer Science

· Dr. Mygleetus Wright - Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program

· Dr. Xiangyan Zeng - Assistant Professor, Computer Science