Presidential Search
Help Shape FVSU's Next Chapter
Fort Valley State University is beginning the search for its next president.
Members of the university community are invited to participate in this important process and help shape the future leadership of FVSU.
Search status: The search is active. Nominations and applications are being accepted.
Listening Sessions
Details Coming Soon
Dates, locations, accessibility information, and participation details will be shared here as they become available.
Share Your Input
Share Your Perspective
Your insights are vital to the success of this search. The Board of Regents deeply values your perspective and invites you to share confidential, anonymous feedback to help shape the future leadership of Fort Valley State University.
Complete the confidential feedback survey
The survey is hosted by the University System of Georgia. Responses are confidential and anonymous.
Submit a Nomination
Help the Board of Regents identify exceptional leaders. If you know of an individual whose experience, vision, and leadership qualities position them for success in this role, please submit:
- The individual's full name
- The individual's current title
- The individual's contact information
Because the strongest candidates are frequently identified through trusted professional networks, your prompt referrals are vital to ensuring broad consideration of outstanding leaders from higher education and beyond.
Nomination Confidentiality
All nominations will be treated in strict confidence. The identity of those submitting nominations will not be disclosed to nominees, and nominations will not be attributed to the individual making the referral.
Search Profile
The presidential search profile will outline Fort Valley State University's priorities and the experience, qualifications, and leadership qualities sought in the university's next president.
Search profile coming soon.
Application Process
All inquiries, expressions of interest, nominations, and applications will be held in the strictest confidence throughout the process.
How to Apply
1. Prepare Your Materials
Include a letter of interest and a complete résumé or curriculum vitae.
2. Submit Your Application
Email application materials to FortValley_Pres@usg.edu.
3. Confidential Review
Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Confidential Inquiries
For a confidential inquiry or conversation, contact the search team:
Email: FortValley_Pres@usg.edu
Phone: 404-962-3010
Fort Valley State University Presidential Search Named
Posted on Jun 12, 2026 at 10:11 AM
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named members of the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Presidential Search Committee. The committee will conduct a national search for a new president to lead one of only three public historically Black colleges and universities in Georgia, and the state’s only 1890 land-grant institution.
In January 2026, current FVSU President Paul Jones announced his plans to retire, concluding a decade of service as the university’s 10th president and more than 24 years of service within the university system. Jones will remain in place until his successor is named.
“President Paul Jones has spent the past decade making FVSU into one of the South’s best public HBCUs,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “That work has laid a strong foundation for a university that plays a critical role in the vitality of the state and especially rural Georgia. It allows the next president to keep building on its 130-year legacy. Most importantly, it keeps the focus right where it belongs: on student success and making a real impact in the community.”
Members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows:
Regent Mat Swift, committee chair
Regent Chris Cannon
Regent and Board Chairman David B. Dove
Regent T. Dallas Smith
Marion Fedrick, senior advisor on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiatives, USG; former president, Albany State University
Terrence Ferguson, alumnus; veterinarian
Olivia Langevine, chief of staff, USG
Berlethia Pitts, Ph.D., professor, College of Arts and Sciences; coordinator for the Languages and Liberal Studies unit of the Department of Arts and Communications
Jenniya Sams, president, FVSU Student Government Association
Calvin Smyre, alumnus; former legislator; chairman, FVSU Foundation
State Rep. Patty Marie Stinson, legislator
Jeff Washington, Ed.D., alumnus; principal, Eagle Springs Elementary School
“Our focus is on finding a leader who understands how unique and vital Fort Valley State University is to our state,” Regent Swift said. “FVSU’s faculty, staff, alumni and campus community have a dedicated history of helping talented students embrace their potential and achieve long-term success. We want a new president who will keep championing that mission while ensuring our graduates are ready to step directly into the workforce as global leaders, whether they are pioneering breakthroughs in STEM research, leading the way in agribusiness or launching careers in veterinary science.”
The Presidential Search Committee will guide the first stage of the search, with support from Ann Yates, USG’s new vice chancellor of executive talent. Yates brings more than 20 years of national higher education search experience to the system. At the conclusion of its work, the committee will forward the credentials of three to five unranked candidates to the Board of Regents for consideration.
The initial meeting of the Presidential Search Committee will be July 27, at which time the members will be formally charged with their roles and responsibilities in conducting the search.