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FVSU Announces New Chief of Staff

Posted on Dec 04, 2023


Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has named Emma Bennett-Williams, Esq., as the new chief of staff. Bennett-Williams, who previously served as the interim chief of staff and chief legal officer, began her new role on December 1.

Having joined Fort Valley State University’s Office of Legal and Government Affairs in 2019, Bennett-Williams has been instrumental in overseeing the University’s legal affairs. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, she has advised senior administrators and academic leaders on legal and compliance issues.

“Emma Bennett-Williams has proven herself to be an exceptional leader during her time as interim chief of staff. Her legal knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to our University's values make her the ideal choice for this critical position,” said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “We look forward to her continued contributions to the success and growth of Fort Valley State University.”

The chief of staff is a key member of the President’s Cabinet and provides leadership and operational oversight to the Office of the President in fulfilling the University’s mission and strategic priorities.  

"I am honored and excited to take on the role of chief of staff at FVSU. Serving as interim chief of staff has been a rewarding experience, and I am committed to continuing to work collaboratively with our dedicated faculty, staff, and students to advance the University's mission,” said Emma Benett-Willliams. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me by President Paul Jones and the FVSU family.”

Beyond her contributions to Fort Valley State University, Mrs. Bennett-Williams is an active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and serves on the NACUA Legal Resource Library Committee. Additionally, she holds the position of Treasurer for the University System of Georgia’s Equity and Compliance Officers Association. Her commitment to continuous learning is evidenced by her enrollment in the Ed.D. in Student Affairs program at the University of Georgia.

Bennett-Williams is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a bachelor's degree cum laude in business administration, furthered her education by obtaining an M.B.A. from The Citadel-The Military College of S.C. She earned her J.D. degree with a concentration in employment and labor law from California Western School of Law.


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