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Fort Valley State University Renews Academic Partnership with Robins Air Force Base

Posted on Jan 18, 2024

 

Pictured from left to right:  Dr. Keith Howard, Dean of Agriculture, Family Sciences, & Technology; Dr. Kermelle Hensley, Special Assistant to the Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs; Col. Jake Elsass, Site Director, Engineering & Technical Management, Robins OL; Mr. Edward W. Ayer, Director, Engineering & Technical Management; Brigadier General Jon A. Eberlan, Commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex; Dr. Olufunke Fontenot, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs; Ms. Lakina Bembry, Robins AFB Senior Ambassador to FVSU & FVSU Alum; Mr. Brian E. Woods, Tech Advisor, AFSC/SW & FVSU Alum, and Brigadier General Kelvin McElroy, Commander, Force Generation Center (AFRC) & FVSU Alum.

The Office of Strategic Academic Partnerships and Student Engagement within Academic Affairs began spring semester 2024 with a renewed partnership with the Department of the Air Force, represented by Robins Air Force Base (RAFB). This educational partnership and agreement extend the previous historic agreement made in 2020, designed to advance students’ knowledge in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM programs at FVSU. This partnership will continue to include guest lectures and demonstrations, professional development workshops, campus visits, and other opportunities for both students and faculty. Through this partnership and outreach activities, students will gain valuable job skills that will contribute to their successful employment beyond graduation. 

While RAFB is one of the largest employers in the Middle Georgia Region, it is also a large provider of internship opportunities for FVSU students.  Because of the dynamic relationship between Fort Valley State University and Robins Air Force Base, many FVSU graduates and alumni are employed on the Base.

Provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs, Olufunke Fontenot, Ed.D., stressed the importance and significance of this collaborative relationship for students at Fort Valley State University.  Because of the commitment of Robins Air Force Base, FVSU students can experience involvement in STEM professions and activities that might otherwise be unavailable to students at other universities.

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