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FVSU Choir Earns Place Among Nation's Top HBCU Choral Programs
Posted on Jun 29, 2026 at 14:06 PM
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has received national recognition as the FVSU Choir was selected as a nominee for the inaugural HBCU Choir of the Year category at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The nomination places the university among a distinguished group of Historical Black Colleges and Universities being recognized for excellence in gospel music and choral performance and makes FVSU the only institution from Georgia represented in the category.
The recognition highlights the choir's commitment to the musical ministry and service while showcasing the talent of FVSU students on a national stage. For Choir Director Alicia D. Carner-McDonald, the nomination reflects years of dedication by students, alumni and supporters of the program.
"This nomination is a tremendous honor for our students, alumni and the entire Fort Valley State University family," said Carner-McDonald. "To be recognized on a national stage during the inaugural year of the HBCU Choir of the Year category is both humbling and historic."
Choral music has been an important part of the Fort Valley State University experience for generations. The current FVSU Choir was established in 2021 through the merger of the university's Concert Choir and the Voices of Faith Baptist Student Union Choir. Since then, the ensemble has continued to build upon the University's rich musical tradition while serving as ambassadors for FVSU throughout Georgia and beyond.
The choir consists of approximately 45 scholars representing a variety of academic disciplines across campus. Throughout the academic year, members participate in University convocations, commencement ceremonies, Homecoming celebrations, worship services, community outreach events, recruitment programs and many more special events.
In addition to supporting many of the institution's events, the choir serves as a leadership and ministry organization that helps students develop academically, spiritually and artistically. Through music, members represent the university's values while contributing to the cultural life of the campus and surrounding communities.
The nomination is especially significant because it comes during the first year of the Stellar Awards' HBCU Choir of the Year category. As the only Georgia institution nominated, Fort Valley State University has an opportunity to showcase its longstanding tradition of excellence and the impact of HBCU choral programs on a national platform.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped live on August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the FVSU Choir will proudly represent the university and the state of Georgia.
As the choir prepares to represent Fort Valley State University on this national stage, they are seeking support to help our scholars attend this historic event. To give, visit
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has received national recognition as the FVSU Choir was selected as a nominee for the inaugural HBCU Choir of the Year category at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The nomination places the university among a distinguished group of Historical Black Colleges and Universities being recognized for excellence in gospel music and choral performance and makes FVSU the only institution from Georgia represented in the category.
The recognition highlights the choir's commitment to the musical ministry and service while showcasing the talent of FVSU students on a national stage. For Choir Director Alicia D. Carner-McDonald, the nomination reflects years of dedication by students, alumni and supporters of the program.
"This nomination is a tremendous honor for our students, alumni and the entire Fort Valley State University family," said Carner-McDonald. "To be recognized on a national stage during the inaugural year of the HBCU Choir of the Year category is both humbling and historic."
Choral music has been an important part of the Fort Valley State University experience for generations. The current FVSU Choir was established in 2021 through the merger of the university's Concert Choir and the Voices of Faith Baptist Student Union Choir. Since then, the ensemble has continued to build upon the University's rich musical tradition while serving as ambassadors for FVSU throughout Georgia and beyond.
The choir consists of approximately 45 scholars representing a variety of academic disciplines across campus. Throughout the academic year, members participate in University convocations, commencement ceremonies, Homecoming celebrations, worship services, community outreach events, recruitment programs and many more special events.
In addition to supporting many of the institution's events, the choir serves as a leadership and ministry organization that helps students develop academically, spiritually and artistically. Through music, members represent the university's values while contributing to the cultural life of the campus and surrounding communities.
The nomination is especially significant because it comes during the first year of the Stellar Awards' HBCU Choir of the Year category. As the only Georgia institution nominated, Fort Valley State University has an opportunity to showcase its longstanding tradition of excellence and the impact of HBCU choral programs on a national platform.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped live on August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the FVSU Choir will proudly represent the university and the state of Georgia.
As the choir prepares to represent Fort Valley State University on this national stage, they are seeking support to help our scholars attend this historic event. To give, visit
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has received national recognition as the FVSU Choir was selected as a nominee for the inaugural HBCU Choir of the Year category at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The nomination places the university among a distinguished group of Historical Black Colleges and Universities being recognized for excellence in gospel music and choral performance and makes FVSU the only institution from Georgia represented in the category.
The recognition highlights the choir's commitment to the musical ministry and service while showcasing the talent of FVSU students on a national stage. For Choir Director Alicia D. Carner-McDonald, the nomination reflects years of dedication by students, alumni and supporters of the program.
"This nomination is a tremendous honor for our students, alumni and the entire Fort Valley State University family," said Carner-McDonald. "To be recognized on a national stage during the inaugural year of the HBCU Choir of the Year category is both humbling and historic."
Choral music has been an important part of the Fort Valley State University experience for generations. The current FVSU Choir was established in 2021 through the merger of the university's Concert Choir and the Voices of Faith Baptist Student Union Choir. Since then, the ensemble has continued to build upon the University's rich musical tradition while serving as ambassadors for FVSU throughout Georgia and beyond.
The choir consists of approximately 45 scholars representing a variety of academic disciplines across campus. Throughout the academic year, members participate in University convocations, commencement ceremonies, Homecoming celebrations, worship services, community outreach events, recruitment programs and many more special events.
In addition to supporting many of the institution's events, the choir serves as a leadership and ministry organization that helps students develop academically, spiritually and artistically. Through music, members represent the university's values while contributing to the cultural life of the campus and surrounding communities.
The nomination is especially significant because it comes during the first year of the Stellar Awards' HBCU Choir of the Year category. As the only Georgia institution nominated, Fort Valley State University has an opportunity to showcase its longstanding tradition of excellence and the impact of HBCU choral programs on a national platform.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped live on August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the FVSU Choir will proudly represent the university and the state of Georgia.
As the choir prepares to represent Fort Valley State University on this national stage, they are seeking support to help our scholars attend this historic event. To give, visit www.FVSU.edu/students/choir.
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