Overview
Office of the President Staff
Contact Information
Karin Vinson, Adviser 478-825-4284
Learn More
Paul Jones, Ph.D., President
Office of the President
Huntington Hall, 3rd Floor
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030
Phone: 478.825.6315
Fax: 478.825.6266
Office Hours
Mon – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (June-August)
Mon – Thurs 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The FVSU Blue Coat Ambassadors (Blue Coats) are a select group of student leaders from across campus involved in a diverse range of activities and pursuing various educational disciplines. We are students that love Fort Valley State University and have a story to tell about our experiences at this unmatched institution.
The Blue Coats enhance the impact of the Division of University Advancement and President’s Office through ambassadorship, stewardship and selfless service. We do this by serving as hosts at special events and interacting with those who can make a significant impact on our futures at FVSU. We also provide a student perspective during special events and meetings and host alumni, donors, and friends of the university on-campus visits.
What We Represent
Well-intentioned People: We possess selfless motives as we serve the Division of University Advancement, President’s Office and FVSU as a whole – not our resume or professional networks. Best Suited for the Purpose: We are striving to succeed in what we do – building and furthering relationships with FVSU’s alumni and friends while informing them of the current needs on campus. Passion/Zeal/Conviction: We live intentionally – pursuing our unique passions with enthusiastic diligence. This allows for us to have a story to share with alumni and friends of the university. Visibility: While acknowledging the “well-intentioned” priority, we are leaders on campus raising awareness about University Advancement and the Blue Coats to current students and beyond. Servant Leadership: Acknowledging all of the above as priorities, we are sensitive to the needs of the University Advancement staff, the President’s Office and the leadership of its respective volunteer groups from all areas. To further clarify these values, we are students who are willing and able to serve the Division of University Advancement and President’s Office in many capacities. Although some of our events are exclusive and prestigious, many are also simple and ordinary. Humility is an important characteristic among our members. We are those who enjoy giving back and saying thank you to our alumni and friends without always being the center of attention.
Member Responsibilities
The Blue Coats are invited to many special events through the Division of University Advancement, President’s Office and the University, but those events are not all we do. Some of our time is spent writing thank you letters, making phone calls and building relationships with University Advancement staff, President’s Office and leadership of the respective volunteer groups. As ambassadors, we are here to serve the Division of University Advancement and President’s Office, and our members are willing to do so, regardless of the task. Alumni and friends want to see results from their financial support and service to Fort Valley State University and the Blue Coats provide a tangible example. Beyond these, our individual responsibilities include:
- Attending meetings
- Volunteering a minimum of 30 hours per academic year
- Respectfully representing the Blue Coats and the Division of University Advancement and President’s Office in all areas of involvement on and off campus
- Serving as hosts for the University Stadium suites and at other events during football season
In addition to our duties and responsibilities, we have a handful of mandatory events that require our presence throughout the year. These events include functions that all members must attend unless granted an excused absence by the executive council or Blue Coat adviser. Excused absences are typically granted for a member who must perform duties for another organization, has an academic conflict or provides a university-approved excuse.
- Blue Coat Meetings are at the discretion of the advisor
Applicants should have selfless motives and want to serve the Division of University Advancement, President’s Office and Fort Valley State University, not their own resumes or professional network. Campus leaders who embody what the Blue Coats represent should apply.