Fort Valley State University

The Fort Valley High and Industrial School, chartered in 1895, and the State Teachers and Agricultural College of Forsyth, founded in 1902, were consolidated in 1939 to form Fort Valley State College. It became Fort Valley State University in June 1996.

The only 1890 land grant school in Georgia, Fort Valley State University is a comprehensive institution providing an educational experience of exceptional quality. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the nation's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre campus is the second largest (in acreage) public university in the state.

The university's 3,500-plus students represent 130 of Georgia's 159 counties, more than 30 states and about 10 international countries. Ninety-four percent of the student body is African American. The average age is 24 for undergraduates and 33 for graduate students. About one-third of students live on campus, and 85 percent attend college full-time.

The university offers bachelor's degrees in more than 50 majors - education, business administration and agriculture are particularly popular - as well as master's degrees in education and counseling. In an effort to accommodate our graduate and non-traditional students, external degree program courses are also being offered at an off-campus site in Warner Robins.

Fort Valley State's Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) is the only one of its kind in the nation, preparing students for energy-industry careers in science and geology.

Outreach services include Fort Valley's Cooperative Extension Program, where extension specialists operate in 42 counties, and the Pettigrew Conference Center, which hosts more than 500 courses and events for 51,000 patrons each year.

Students have several opportunities for extracurricular involvement at the university, including the marching band, concert choir, Baptist Student Union Choir and cheerleading. There are more than 70 clubs, sororities, fraternities and social organizations on campus. Athletic opportunities include intramural sports and intercollegiate men's and women's track and basketball teams. The championship football team, a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, has produced many notable professional sports figures such as NFL Hall of Fame Inductee Rayfield Wright, and Olympic champions.

1895-1938

• 1895 - Founding of the institution at Fort Valley. Three white men and fifteen black men petitioned the Superior Court of Houston County for a charter to establish a public school for children. The charter was granted Nov. 6, 1985.
• 1900 – William Hubbard established a school with seven students in the basement of the Kynette Methodist Episcopal Church in Forsyth.
• 1902 - Mr. John W. Davison elected first principal.
• Oct. 15, 1902 – Hubbard and five white men of Forsyth petitioned the Superior Court of Monroe County for a charter to incorporate the school. The charter is granted Dec. 23, 1902 under the name “Forsyth Industrial School.”
• 1903 – The name of the “Forsyth Industrial School” is changed to “Forsyth Normal and Industrial School.” The first student graduates in 1905.
• 1904 - Miss Anna Jeanes donated money for the construction of Jeanes Hall.
• 1904 - Henry A. Hunt became the school's second principal.
• 1908 - Mr. Collis P. Huntington donated money for the construction of Huntington Hall.
• 1919 - The institution became affiliated with the American Church Institute of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
• 1922 – The name of “Forsyth Normal and Industrial School” changes to “School for Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.”
• 1925 - Carnegie Foundation provided funds for the construction of the Carnegie Library
• 1926 - Mr. Royal C. Peabody provided funds for the construction of the Peabody Trades Building.
• 1929 - Academic Building built with funds contributed by the General Education Board and friends.
• 1929 – “Forsyth Normal and Industrial School” becomes a junior college.
• 1930 - Ohio Hall built with funds contributed by the Episcopal Church of the State of Ohio.
• 1931 - Mr. Henry Alexander Hunt awarded the Springarn Medal.
• 1931 – The name of the Hubbard’s school changes to the “State Teachers and Agriculture College.”
• 1932 - Fort Valley High and Industrial School (FVHIS) became Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School.
• 1932 - Mr. Samuel Henry Bishop donated funds for the construction of the dining hall.
• 1932 – The State Teachers and Agriculture College, Savannah and Albany State become units of the University System of Georgia Schools.
• 1934 - Original college infirmary built and dedicated to Mrs. Florence Hunt.
• 1937 - Robert W. Patton Home Economics Building built.
• 1938 - Mr. Henry Alexander Hunt died October 1.

1939 - 2005

• 1939 – Merger of State Teachers and Agriculture College of Forsyth and FVHIS to form Fort Valley State College.
• 1939 - Dr. Horace Mann Bond elected first President.
• 1940 - First Founders Day address delivered by W.E.B. DuBois on October 10, 1940 (Hunt's Birthday).
• 1941 - Cooperative houses built and named in honor of William Merida Hubbard.
• 1941 - Mr. Hubarrd dies on March 21.
• 1945 - Dr. Horace Mann Bond resigned from the presidency.
• 1945 - Dr. Cornelius V. Troup appointed second President.
• 1946 - Veterans Unit constructed.
• 1947 - The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia adopted a resolution moving the land-grant designation from Savannah State College to Fort Valley State College.
• 1948 - John W. Davison Hall dedicated.
• 1948 - Founders Day celebrated at FVSC on October 10, 1948.
• 1949 - Officially designated a Land-Grant Institution for Negroes by the Georgia Legislature.
• 1951 - Miss Catherine Hardy, an outstanding Fort Valley State College track star, established a new world record for the women's 50-yard dash at New York City. She also participated in the 1952 Olympic Games at Helsinki, Finland. Hardy won a Gold Medal as a member of the winning 400-meter women's relay team.
• 1952 - Henry Alexander Hunt Memorial Library dedicated on April 29.
• 1953 - The Home Management House for Home Economics, Maintenance Warehouse for the Buildings and Grounds Department, General Purpose Barn, Farm Equipment Shed, and Deep Well for the Division of Agriculture made available for college use.
• 1954 - Alva Tabor Agriculture Building opened for occupancy on October 10.
• 1957 - Football stadium constructed.
• 1957 - The college received full membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, among the first of the HBCUs to be admitted.
• 1957 - Graduate Division begun in the Fall.
• 1957 – The William M. Hubbard Building is dedicated.
• 1959 - George N. Woodward Health and Physical Education Building dedicated on December 11.
• 1963 - Isaac Miller Science Building dedicated on November 24.
• 1964 - Sophia Moore Dormitory dedicated on October 10.
• 1965 - Anthony D. Watson Dormitory dedicated on November 21.
• 1966 - Henrietta Walden Myers Hall opened for occupancy.
• 1966 - William Madison Boyd Hall opened for occupancy.
• 1966 - Dr. C. V. Troup retired as President on June 20.
• 1966 - Dr. W. W. E. Blanchet appointed third President.
• 1967 - Lottie M. Lyons Student Union Building opened for occupancy.
• 1968 - Agricultural Mechanics Building opened for occupancy.
• 1971 - The college became accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
• 1972 - Food Service Center erected.
• 1972 - First regionally-televised football games of SIAC - ABC Television (FVSC vs. Fisk University at Wildcat Stadium).
• 1973 - Dr. W. W. E. Blanchet retired as President, received Emeritus status.
• 1973 - Dr. C. W. Pettigrew appointed fourth President.
• 1974 - First acquisition of property on State College Drive.
• 1975 - Annex to Sophia Moore Hall completed.
• 1975 - New Florence Hunt Infirmary opened for occupancy.
• 1976 - The new Henry Alexander Hunt Memorial Library opened for occupancy.
• 1976 - Horace Mann Bond classroom building dedicated.
• 1977 - Dr. C. V. Troup died May 9.
• 1978 - Animal Health Technology Building completed and opened for occupancy.
• 1978 - The college became accredited by the Engineering Council for Professional Development/Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ECPD/ABET).
• 1979 - The Plant Operations and Maintenance Building named The Albert T. Wilson-Timothy Roberts Building dedicated.
• 1979 - The Agricultural Mechanics Building named for Dr. Cozy L. Ellison.
• 1979 - The Leroy Bywaters Business Building opened for occupancy.
• 1979 - Perimeter Road named Memorial Drive.
• 1979 - The college became accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Medicine.
• 1980 - Fort Valley State College's first Fact Book was produced.
• 1981 - The circle at the front entrance of the campus was named College Circle.
• 1982 - Dr. C. W. Pettigrew died June 11.
• 1982 - Dr. Walter W. Sullivan appointed Acting President and continued to serve as Dean of Academic Affairs.
• 1982 - The C. W. Pettigrew Endowment Fund was initiated.
• 1982 - The Learning Resource Center initiated the Homie Regulus Collections.
• 1983 - Dr. Isaac Crumbly founds the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program, a pipeline to provide energy companies with minority and female employees.
• 1983 - Dr. Luther Burse was appointed fifth President, October 1.
• 1984 - Dr. Donnie B. Bellamy was appointed Regent's Professor for a second time.
• 1985 - Fort Valley State College appeared on ABC TV's "Good Morning America," May 16.
• 1986 - Fort Valley State College received approval to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Science.
• 1986 - The Academic Honors Program was initiated.
• 1987 - Fort Valley State College received approval to offer computer science courses at Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Ga.
• 1987 - The C. W. Pettigrew Farm and Community Life Center was dedicated.
• 1987 - The Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center, under the auspices of the Agricultural Research Station, became fully operational.
• 1988 - Dr. Melvin E. Walker, Jr. was appointed Acting President for Fort Valley State College
• 1990 - Dr. Oscar L. Prater was appointed sixth president, August 9.
• 1994 - Centennial Inauguration and Founders' Day Celebration, November 3.
• 1995 - The Computer Technology Mathematics Building was opened for occupancy on August 18.
• 1995 - FVSC was changed from a Level III to a Level IV School by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
• 1996 - Fort Valley State College became Fort Valley State University, A State and Land-Grant University, June 12.
• 1996 - Opening Convocation for displaying the new University seal and for the new access road, named "University Boulevard," Oct. 1.
• 1998 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Meat Technology Center, College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs, April 21.
• 2001 - Dr. Oscar Prater retired as President.
• 2001 - Dr. Kofi Lomotey was appointed as the seventh president, October 15.
• 2001 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Evans Building.
• 2002 - The African World Studies Institute was established.
• 2002 - Ms. Alma Bass donated money to repair the historic clock tower at Founders Hall.
• 2002 - The first African World Film Festival held.
• 2002 - The Lady Wildcats capture the SIAC title for the third year. First time in SIAC history for a "three-peat."
• 2002 - John W. Davison Lecture Series initiated.
• 2003 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fort Valley State University in Warner Robins held on October 26.
• 2003 - Fort Valley State University received approval to offer a dual-degree program in Food and Nutrition/Hotel Administration.
• 2003 - The American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Online Weather Studies Diversity Program: "WeatherNet" Program was established.
• 2004 - Fort Valley State University received the 2004 Trumpet Award for Higher Education Institution of the Year.
• 2004 - Fort Valley State University received approval to offer degrees in Liberal Studies and African World Studies.
• 2005 - The Computer Technology and Mathematics Building was renamed in honor of President Emeritus W.W.E. Blanchet.
• 2005 - Dr. William H. Harris was appointed Interim President.

2006 - 2009

• 2006 - Dr. Larry E. Rivers was named the eighth president February 8 and took office on March 14, 2006.
• 2006 - Dr. & Mrs. Larry E. Rivers first to start challenge fund with donation of $100,000.
• 2006 - "Communiversity" adopted as new strategy to strengthen the university's ties with the community through service and collaborative programs.
• 2006 - Warner Robins Center opens by offering online courses.
• 2006 - Re-accreditation of Teacher Training Programs.
• 2006 - Wildcat Force Student Recruitment Team, initiated.
• 2006 - "The Valley Times,"a faculty, staff, student and alumni newsletter, initiated
• 2006 - FVSU Student Newspaper, re-instituted
• 2006 - Completion of repairs and renovations of the Health and Physical Education Complex.
• 2006 - President's "Trail Blazers" Awards for Outstanding Service to the University and Community initiated.
• 2006 - Published article entitled "A Moment to the Progress of the Race: The Intellectual and Political Origins of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1865 - 1887," with Dr. Canter Brown Jr., Florida Historical Quarterly 85 (Summer 2006).
• 2006 - Wildcat Student Short-term Loan initiated.
• 2006 - Massive beautification of FVSU campus initiated.
• 2006 - First Lady Betty Rivers host inaugural Sip-N-Chat forum for FVSU female students.
• 2006 - Received $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Interior, along with $300,000 from the Georgia Board of Regents to start renovation and stabilization of Huntington Hall.
• 2006 - FVSU hosts first legislative luncheon for Georgia state representatives and lawmakers
• 2006 - The Centennial Monument (Wildcat Statue) was dedicated.
• 2007 - FVSU signs agreements with Central Georgia Technical College and Middle Georgia Technical College - ensuring smooth transition for student from technical schools to the university.
• 2007 - $44-million Wildcat Commons, a 951-bed student residential complex, opened in Fall 2007.
• 2007 - FVSU's endowment increases in last fiscal year by 20 percent.
• 2007 - Stallworth Agricultural Research Building expansion announced at cost of $3.1 million.
• 2007 - U.S. Department of Agriculture allocates $2.5 million for construction of Family Development Center.
• 2007 - More than 300 entrepreneurs representing seven (7) area Chambers of Commerce networked at FVSU for first "Business After Hours" event.
• 2007 - First "Wheels in the Valley" car, truck and motorcycle Show held at FVSU, attracting hundreds of spectators.
• 2007 - FVSU's enrollment increases by more than 17 percent with a historically-high freshmen enrollment. The increase is the largest in the University System of Georgia.
• 2007 - FVSU's $5.5 million budget deficit is eliminated.
• 2007 - FVSU, City of Fort Valley, and Peach County form State University Drive Corridor Improvement Zone.
• 2007 - Valley Behavioral Health Services - counseling center for students - opens.
• 2007 - The Electronic Engineering Program receives ABET Accreditation.
• 2007 - Dr. Larry E. Rivers, First Lady Betty Rivers, Dr. Anne Gayles Felton, Mr. Calvin Smyre, and Dr. & Mrs. Kevin McRae inducted into FVSU's "1895 Pioneers' Society".
• 2007 - FVSU Cooperative Developmental Energy Program signs memo of understanding with Zoo Atlanta.
• 2007 - $19 milllion state-of-the-art SMART Academic Classroom and Laboratory Building launched.
• 2007 - Rededication of Alumni Hall of Fame in new location at the Henry A. Hunt Memorial Library.
• 2007 - The Academic Success Center is reogranized to include the Learning Support Program, Differntly-Abled Services, Advisement, Counseling and Tutorial Services, as well as the Testing Services Center.
• 2007 - The Department of History, Geography, Political and Criminal Justice creates a new Forensic Science Program.
• 2007 - First Lady Betty Rivers host semester forums, Sip-N-Chat with First Lady Rivers and Friends.
• 2007 - The Anderson House expands to include a Welcome Center.
• 2007 - FVSU adopts Fort Valley Middle School, Peach County High School, and Byron Middle School as part of Georgia's "Adopt-A-School" program.
• 2007 - President Larry Rivers, first lady Betty Rivers, and student group "The Wildcat Force" embark on inaugural Spring Break Cultural Arts Tour to locations in Augusta, Atlanta, Columbus, Middle Georgia and Savannah to boost enrollment.
• 2008 - The Hendricks House, originally built in 1917, is restored and reopened as the Agricultural Technology Conference Center.
• 2008 - FVSU Concert Choir, Concert Band and Jazz Band perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
• 2008 - President Rivers is named one of "Georgia Trend" Magazine's 100 most influential Georgians in January 2008.
• 2008 - FVSU installs first Commemorative Benches to support the University's endowment.
• 2008 - FVSU enrollment reaches record high with a total of 3,055 students.
• 2008 - FVSU hosts second-annual "Business After Hours" event for the Peach County Chamber of Commerce along with area Chambers.
• 2008 - FVSU's music department is invited to perform in China.
• 2008 - Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president for student affairs, is featured in Georga Trend Magazine's "40 Under 40" section.
• 2008 - Dr. Rivers' editorial "Are Black Universities Necessary," appears in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and his commentary is aired on Georgia Public Radio, a statewide broadcast that airs on 17 radio stations and reaches more than 200,000 listeners weekly.
• 2009 - FVSU earns the #21 spot among Historical Black Colleges and Universities in the 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News Media Group. FVSU is listed among first-tier schools such as Spelman College, Howard University and Morehouse College (the top three entrants).
• 2009 - Fall Semester enrollment significantly increases since Fall 2006 (1,970) up to 3,680.
• 2009 - A new $16.7 million science building is scheduled to open in 2010.
• 2009 - A new $9 million stadium opens in August to start the Wildcat football season.
• 2009 - The American Camellia Society at Massee Lane Gardens and FVSU College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs, unveiled First Lady Better Rivers' namesake camellia. The plant, "First Lady Bettyjean," is located in garden, "Blossoms in the Valley... The Betty Jean Rivers Camellia Garden".
• 2009 - The Board of Regents approved the following College of Education programs: Agriculture Education 6-12, Special Education General.
• 2009 - The Board of Regents approves online bachelor's degree programs in political science, psychology and English (Technical English and Professional Writing)and off-site programs in criminal justice, business administration and on online justice franchise.
• 2009 - Several master's degree programs in education and three cutting-edge biotechnology graduate programs are being implemented.
• 2009 - First Lady Betty Rivers hosts "Tea at Noon in June". FVSU establishes $10,000 endowment with funds generated from various camellia initiatives.
• 2009 - FVSU begins Webcasting animal surgeries on its Website.
• 2009 - Dedication of Hunt Memorial statues at Wildcat Commons.
• 2009 - Two FVSU faculty members featured in November issue of Georgia Trend Magazine in the "40 Under 40" Section. Mass Communication instructor Chata Spikes, featured on the cover of the magazine) and Academic Success Center Director, Dr. Said Sewell, were recognized in Atlanta's Piedmont Park at Greystone. President Larry E. Rivers was the guest speaker.
• 2009 - FVSU is chosen as "college of the month" by the Tom Joyner Foundation. The designation opens the way for a major fundraising campaign to begin in January 2010.
• 2009 - FVSU's Warner Robins Center expands its offerings of relevant programs, including online instruction.
• 2009 - The town and gown relationship between FVSU, the City of Fort Valley, Peach County, and local residents is a strong one. Fort Valley Mayor John Stumbo personally contributed an in-kind gift of about $250,000. Stumbo signed an agreement for transfer of ownership of the historic Kell Building to the FVSU Foundation, Inc. It will be used for FVSU's Mass Communications program.
• 2009 - FVSU is broadening its exposure beyond the Middle Georgia community. The marketing department is agressively pitching FVSU stories to regional and national newspapers, television and radio shows, national podcasts and blogs. For instance, Dr. Rivers was featured in a Smart Money magazine story (October issue); FVSU College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr. Jehad Yasin, a demographer, was quoted in a national article on AOL.Com regarding the 2010 Census; the expertise of the College of Agriculture's Dean, Dr. Mark Latimroe, were recently featured on a national blog about safe drinking water called, SocialYell Sustainability News. Two FVSU experts were recently featured in CollegeRecruiter.com about the significance of international exchange programs (see story below); and FVSU's campus nurse was featured on a podcast called, "The Nurses Station".