130 Stories

FVSU President Reflects on Leadership, Growth and the University’s Next Chapter During Convocation

Fort Valley State University President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., reflected on more than a decade of leadership, growth and transformation during the university’s annual Convocation, bringing together students, faculty, staff and members of the FVSU community to celebrate the institution and look toward its future.

The convocation featured performances and participation from members of the FVSU community, including Mister and Miss Fort Valley State University Marquaveon Johnson and Blanche McCluskey, Student Government Association President Jenniya Sams, Scholar Jonah Ball giving the invocation and benediction, the Stellar Award-winning FVSU Choir. FVSU ROTC and Chief of Staff Emma-Bennett-Williams, JD, presiding.

Jones, who became FVSU’s 10th president in December 2015, reflected on the evolution of the university during his tenure and the experiences that have shaped him as a leader.

He described his time at FVSU as an experience that has been both challenging and transformative, crediting the university community and its students with shaping his perspective and approach to leadership. Jones connected his personal growth to the university’s mission of transforming the lives of its students.

“And just as we talk about Fort Valley State transforming our students, Fort Valley State transformed me,” Jones said. “I believe I am a better leader and, more importantly, a better person because of the years we have shared. And I will always be grateful for that.”

Throughout his presidency, Jones said one question consistently guided his leadership: What do the students need from us?

That question helped shape decisions around academic programs, student services, campus facilities and the overall student experience.

He pointed to the establishment of FVSU’s nursing program and the graduation of its first class as one example of the university responding to student and workforce needs. He also highlighted the university’s continued enrollment growth, with current enrollment 19% higher than it was five years ago.

The progress extends beyond enrollment and academics. Jones reflected on the physical transformation taking place across campus, including the Legacy Residence Hall, the renovated Wildcat Success Center in the Lyons Building, the Central Energy Plant, the Chevron Digital Fabrication Lab, the Greek Plaza, Christine and Willie C. Jones Amphitheater and Cold Vegetable Processing Facility.

The Chevron Digital Fabrication Lab represents another milestone for FVSU, making the university the first HBCU to have a facility of its kind.

As Jones reflected on what has been accomplished, he said another question became increasingly important: What can we build next?

That question is already reflected in the work underway across FVSU. The university continues to move forward with important capital investments, including Davison Hall, Founders Hall, Bywaters Hall, the expansion of the Meat Processing Center, construction of a new Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Lab at the Warner Robins Center, the Calvin Smyre Building and specialized poultry science facilities.

Under Jones’ leadership, FVSU has expanded its academic and research profile, strengthened its visibility and advanced significant campus initiatives. The university has also continued to build on its standing as Georgia’s leading public HBCU, earning the No. 1 ranking among public HBCUs in Georgia for nine consecutive years.

FVSU’s Carnegie classification as a Research College and University (RCU) in 2025 further marked an important milestone in the university’s evolution, recognizing its growing research activity and academic ambitions.

As he prepares for retirement, Jones emphasized that the progress made during his tenure is not the conclusion of the university’s story, but a foundation for its next chapter. The questions that guided his presidency, he said, should continue to guide the institution as it prepares for new leadership.

The university’s momentum is the result of the collective work of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters, and it will take that same collective effort to determine what FVSU builds next.

As FVSU prepares for a new chapter in its leadership, the university remains focused on building upon its momentum, advancing its mission and creating greater opportunities for the students and communities it serves.

---

• Categories:
• News
• Home
• Home Featured
• Leadership

• Tags:

---

RSS