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FVSU Names New Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Posted on Jun 29, 2021 at 0:00 AM
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Olufunke A. Fontenot as the interim provost and vice president of academic affairs following the departure of the university's current provost, Dr. T. Ramon Stuart. She will begin her appointment on July 1, 2021.
Dr. Fontenot, currently the interim chief of staff at FVSU, has nearly 40 years of higher education experience at a diverse range of institutions – three at which she received tenure. She previously served as the interim regional vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg (USFSP). Dr. Fontenot also served as associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs, and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Albany State University. Additionally, she held numerous leadership positions at Savannah State University and Claflin University.
"Dr. Fontenot has a wealth of experience in higher education leadership and brings a well-respected voice to the creation and implementation of academic priorities," said FVSU President Paul Jones. "I look forward to working with her in her new role."
Throughout her extensive career in higher education, Dr. Fontenot, has worked with colleges to expand their academic program portfolio in STEM and other areas of strategic emphasis including Computational and Applied Mathematics; Sustainability Studies, Environmental Chemistry (pre-proposal completed); Secondary STEM Education (pre-proposal completed), and the Online B.S. in Accounting. Equally impressive, Dr. Fontenot implemented textbook affordability plans saving students more than $400,000 in response to state legislative directives.
She has also served on the boards of several non-profit and educational organizations including the Savannah Chapter of American Red Cross. As interim Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at USFSP, she served as the chief academic officer where she had oversight responsibility for academic program quality and faculty hiring, development, and tenure and promotion. She holds a Master of Law degree from Yale Law School (international law), and a Doctorate degree in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.
"For the past two-and-half years, I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated and energetic group of leaders, faculty, staff and students to move FVSU's mission forward," said Dr. Fontenot. "I am honored to serve as interim provost, especially in this time of transition. I look forward to our work together, and our resolve to lead by the power of our example."
A national search is underway to fill the position of provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Media Contact:
Mechell Clark McCrary | mechell.mccrary@fvsu.edu
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