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Fort Valley State University College of Education and Professional Studies Hosts 20th Annual Teacher Education Induction Ceremony
Posted on Nov 25, 2025 at 15:11 PM
The College of Education and Professional Studies at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) proudly celebrated its twentieth annual Teacher Education Induction Ceremony on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Teacher Candidates as Torchbearers: Igniting Change through Empathy and Service,” highlighted the transformative role educators play in shaping communities and inspiring future generations.
The ceremony honored teacher candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence, professional commitment, and a passion for service. These inductees are poised to enter classrooms as advocates for equity and champions for student success.
The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Noris Price, Ed.D., superintendent in residence for the Georgia School Superintendent’s Association. Price encouraged inductees to embrace their calling with dedication and compassion, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with students. “Teaching is more than a profession—it’s a mission,” said Price. “If you work hard, have passion, and keep that fire in your belly, you have jobs in Baldwin County (Georgia) upon graduation. You will make a difference in the lives of countless students.”
Derrick Scott, Ph.D., provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, congratulated the inductees and underscored the university’s commitment to preparing educators who lead with integrity and innovation. “Our teacher candidates represent the very best of FVSU,” said Scott. “They are torchbearers who will ignite change while serving as A.L.L.I.E.S. through empathy and service, shaping the future of education for generations to come.”
The 2025 Teacher Education Inductees are: Jaden Anderson, Gniyah Baker, Kyla Bass, Alissa Bell, Ke’niyah Burley, Shawn Bolden, Isaiah Carter, Ty’zairea Ceaser, Camille Downer, Triniti Ellerson, Kaleb Hall, Kennedy Hall, Laphavian Hamilton, Makayla Jackson, Sydney Jackson, Omarion Laroach, Ariana Lester, Carmen Lynch, Yasmin Lucas, Kris-Ann Mcleod, Andrea Mills, Ashanti Mitchell, Jermaya Moore, Laila Odom, Amantavious Ogletree, Kacy Pace, Najayla Parker, Renia Paschal, Duane Patrick, N’cairah Petersen Maduro, Kiyah Potts, Jennifer Ramirez, Shaniya Render, Diamond Richardson, Akirya Robinson, Ka’meisha Robinson, Mckensie Saunders, Daven Sears, Ramello Sherman, Amaya Short, Zari Simmons, Jelisa Stewart, Tieryni Thomas, Sierra Travick, Jeniah Wakefield, Regina Walker, Renaya Watts, Lakirra Weems, Fredericia White, and Rylie Youngblood.
Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, shared a powerful message about the significance of the milestone:
“Today, as we celebrate the induction of fifty remarkable individuals into the teaching profession. It symbolizes their commitment to learning, growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. It is the right of passage into the Education Profession. I can’t think of a more noble profession. At Fort Valley State University, we are proud to nurture educators who will be advocates and champions for every student. Our future is brighter because of their courage, compassion, and dedication.”
For more information about FVSU’s Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), visit College of Education and Professional Studies - College of Education and Professional Studies - Fort Valley State University.
About Fort Valley State University
Located in the heart of Georgia, Fort Valley State University (FVSU) combines the personal attention and family feel of a small, private college with the resources and research found at large public universities. Located on the second largest acreage of any Georgia university, it is the only university in the world which at once is a University System of Georgia institution, a historically black university, and an 1890 land-grant institution, with a directive to use knowledge to improve the lives of students and non-students alike. Leveraging the reputation for excellence FVSU has built since 1895, the university is preparing students to embrace their genius as future global leaders and enabling discovery that will make real that is only now imagined.
FVSU’s College of Education and Professional Studies produces highly competent teachers and counselors who are making a difference in the lives of students all over the nation, especially in Georgia. Ninety-five percent of our candidates have found teaching positions and will be gainfully employed in their educational majors within one month of graduating.
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