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Fort Valley State University Choir Named Inaugural Stellar Awards

Posted on Aug 20, 2026 at 15:55 PM

FORT VALLEY, Ga. (Aug. 20, 2026) – The Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Choir has been named the inaugural recipient of the Stellar Awards HBCU Choir of the Year, earning one of gospel music's highest honors and securing a place in the history of the prestigious awards program.

The recognition was announced Aug. 15 during the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show taping at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. FVSU was selected from a distinguished group of nominees that included Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Southern University.

The award was presented to the Fort Valley State University Choir featuring Loren Michelle and Tiffany Rose, whose performances were included in the choir's submission.

“Just to be nominated alongside such outstanding HBCU choirs was an honor,” said Choir Director Alicia Carner-McDonald, who accepted the award alongside FVSU President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “This is the Lord’s doing and reflects the talent, hard work and dedication of our students, and we are proud to represent Fort Valley State University on a national stage.”

Carner-McDonald has led the university's choir program since 2017 and has overseen significant growth in participation and visibility. The present-day FVSU Choir was formed in 2021 through the merger of the university's Concert Choir and Voices of Faith Baptist Student Union Choir.

The HBCU Choir of the Year category was introduced this year, making FVSU the first institution to earn the distinction. The university was also the only Georgia institution among the inaugural nominees.

“This award reflects the talent, dedication and commitment of our students, director and supporters,” said Jones. “We are proud to see the Fort Valley State University Choir recognized on a national stage and honored for its outstanding contributions to music and ministry.”

Throughout the academic year, the FVSU Choir performs at university ceremonies, worship services, community events and special programs while representing the institution across Georgia and beyond.

The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air nationally on BET on Aug. 30, 2026, at 8 p.m.

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