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FVSU Mourns the Passing of Former First Lady Betty Jean Hubbard Rivers

A message from President Jones:

Dear Wildcat Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of former Fort Valley State University First Lady Betty Jean Hubbard Rivers.

Mrs. Rivers was much more than a First Lady. She was a mother, proud alumna, devoted Wildcat, author, mentor, philanthropist and tireless advocate for Fort Valley State University. A native of Twiggs County, Georgia, she earned her degree in Business Education from Fort Valley State College in 1973, beginning a lifelong connection to an institution that remained close to her heart.

From 2006 to 2013, Mrs. Rivers served as the First Lady of Fort Valley State University alongside her husband, President Larry E. Rivers, Ph.D. During their tenure, she became deeply loved by our students, faculty, staff and community. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed.

During her time as First Lady, Mrs. Rivers was highly active on campus and created meaningful opportunities to connect with the FVSU family. The First Lady Betty Rivers’ Tea at Noon became one of her signature events, bringing members of the University and surrounding communities together while supporting the institution she loved.

Her presence on campus reflected her genuine commitment to our students and her belief in the importance of giving back to her alma mater.

Mrs. Rivers' dedication to FVSU extended well beyond her years as First Lady. She authored Ladies First, Please!: Celebrating First Ladies Who Served with Principals and Presidents in the Valley 1895-2013, preserving the stories and contributions of the women who served alongside FVSU's leaders throughout our history.

Mrs. Rivers understood that the role of a First Lady was one of service. She embodied that belief through her work as an ambassador, mentor, fundraiser, community liaison and champion for our students. Her legacy lives on through the Betty Jean Rivers Camellia Garden on our campus and the Larry E. and Betty H. Rivers Scholarship Endowment, which will continue to touch the lives of generations of Wildcats.

As we mourn her passing, we also give thanks for the life she lived and the love she poured into Fort Valley State University. Her light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched and the lasting contributions she made to this institution she proudly called her alma mater.

On behalf of the entire FVSU family and First Lady Sylvia Jones, I extend our deepest condolences to the Rivers family, especially her husband Larry Rivers and sons, Larry Omar Rivers and Linjé Eugene Rivers, and to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving Mrs. Rivers.

May we honor her memory by continuing the work she held so dear: supporting our students, strengthening our University and ensuring that Fort Valley State remains a light for generations to come.

Details of her celebration of life are forthcoming.

May Betty Jean Hubbard Rivers rest in eternal peace.

Sincerely,

Paul Jones, Ph.D.
President
Fort Valley State University

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