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FVSU President Paul A. Jones Announces Retirement Effective June 2026

Fort Valley State University President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., has announced his plans to retire at the end of June 2026, concluding a decade of service as the university’s 10th president and more than 24 years of service within the University System of Georgia, including nearly four decades in higher education.

Jones’ announcement comes during a milestone period for the university, following the celebration of Fort Valley State University’s 130th anniversary and 10 years of his presidential leadership. Together, these moments informed what he described as a thoughtful and prayerful decision.

“Serving as president of Fort Valley State University has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” said President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D. “From the beginning, my goal was to serve faithfully, strengthen the institution and ensure that Fort Valley State is positioned to thrive well beyond my tenure.”

During his presidency, Fort Valley State University experienced sustained growth and forward momentum. The university achieved its largest enrollment since 2013, strengthened student retention and graduation outcomes and expanded access and opportunity in alignment with its mission as Georgia’s only 1890 land-grant institution.

Under Jones’ leadership, Fort Valley State has received continued national recognition, including being ranked the No. 1 public Historically Black College or University in Georgia for eight consecutive years and the No. 1 regional university in Georgia for social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report.

During his tenure, Fort Valley State University saw significant progress across three key areas: campus infrastructure, academic program expansion and philanthropic growth. Strategic investments strengthened the university’s physical and operational foundation, new academic programs were launched to meet workforce and community needs, and fundraising efforts expanded support for student success, academic programs and endowed faculty positions.

“President Paul Jones has dedicated more than 24 years to the University System of Georgia, including ten years leading one of the South’s top public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Georgia’s only 1890 land-grant institution,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Under his leadership, Fort Valley State University rose to number one in Georgia for social mobility and expanded its reach. President Jones has set Fort Valley State up for long-term impact by strengthening academic offerings and philanthropic efforts, and he leaves a legacy of advancing the university’s historic mission.”

He will continue to serve fully as president through June 2026, with a focus on ensuring a thoughtful and stable leadership transition that supports continuity, momentum and institutional strength. Information regarding the presidential search process will be shared by the University System of Georgia, at a later date. Click here to read the full message from President Jones.

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