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Fort Valley State University Announces Spring 2026 Commencement Speaker
Posted on Apr 02, 2026 at 17:48 PM
Fort Valley State University announces The Honorable Verda M. Colvin, J.D., Supreme Court Justice of Georgia, as the Commencement speaker for the Spring 2026 ceremony on May 9.
Colvin brings a distinguished career in law, public service and judicial leadership. She was appointed to Georgia’s highest court on July 20, 2021, by Governor Brian Kemp.
“We are honored to welcome Justice Colvin to Fort Valley State University for this year’s Spring Commencement ceremony,” said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “Her career, marked by excellence, service, and historic achievement, will serve as an inspiration to graduating students preparing to enter their respective fields.”
Prior to her current role, Colvin served on the Georgia Court of Appeals, also by appointment of Governor Kemp in 2020. Her judicial experience includes nearly six years as a superior court judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit, where she played an active role in advancing accountability courts and judicial initiatives across the state.
Colvin began her legal career as an assistant solicitor in Athens-Clarke County, where she developed a passion for trial work. She went on to serve in several key legal roles, including assistant district attorney in Clayton County and assistant United States attorney in the Middle District of Georgia, prosecuting a broad range of cases from drug trafficking to white-collar crime.
A native of Atlanta, Justice Colvin earned her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and
her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Beyond her work on the bench, Colvin is deeply committed to community service and professional leadership. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Judicial Qualifications Commission, and currently serves as Chair of the Access to Justice Committee for the Supreme Court of Georgia. Her contributions to the legal profession and her community have earned her numerous honors and awards.
The 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Wildcat Stadium. Guests are asked to be seated by 9 a.m. The clear bag policy will be enforced.
This year’s commencement also marks a meaningful milestone, as it represents one more opportunity for President Jones to celebrate the achievements of FVSU graduates before concluding his tenure this summer.
To view the ceremony online and for more information, visit FVSU.edu/Commencement.
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