Fort Valley State University

With the passing of colors from outgoing commander Lt. Col Antonio Foster to incoming commander Lt. Col. Terry L. Love, the Fort Valley State University and Albany State University Wildcat Battalion officially changed command on Monday, July 23 during a well-attended Change of Guard Ceremony in the C.W. Pettigrew Center auditorium. During the ceremony, cadets, administrators and faculty members gave moving tributes to Lt. Col. Foster, who is relinquishing command for an assignment in Korea. The university family welcomed Lt. Col. Love, an FVSU alum, back to campus and his new post.

The ceremony began with an introduction by Katina King, welcoming the audience, and an invocation from Dr. Dwayne Crew, associate vice president of business and finance. As the national anthem played, Lt. Col. Love and Lt. Col. Foster, followed in procession by FVSU Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Daniel K. Wims, FVSU alum Col. Anthony Love, and Dr. Joshua Murfree, special assistant to Albany State University’s president, marched into the auditorium and onto the Pettigrew stage. Cadets presented roses to the outgoing and incoming commanders and their families.

Wims paid tribute to Lt. Col. Foster and welcomed Lt. Col. Love to the command. Wims said he sought to have Foster’s assignment at FVSU extended, but was unsuccessful. The executive vice president said the university did not budge until they found a new leader who’d be a perfect fit for the command post. Foster was instrumental in finding Lt. Col. Love as his successor.

“What a fabulous day to be in the valley,” said Lt. Col. Foster. “Dynamic leaders make for dynamic players, and I was glad to be one of the players. Rarely does a sitting commander get a chance to serve at an HBCU, and I was glad to have the opportunity to do so.” The outgoing commander thanked FVSU faculty, staff and cadets underneath his charge for their support, saying that his accomplishments were not achieved alone. He told his cadets to be the best when they left FVSU. “Lead from the front,” he told the crowd, as they rose to give him a standing ovation.

“You taught me how to be the best I could be and lead from the top,” said cadet Michaela Franklin to Lt. Col. Foster, “I love you. I will always lead from the front.”

“It was an honor and privilege to work with you Lt. Col. Foster,” said cadet Creshaun Sanders.

“My excitement in taking over the command is tempered, because I will be mentoring cadets to make better leaders,” said Lt. Col. Love. “I’m humbled by it. I look forward to continuing building on the foundation laid by Col. Foster.”