Sunday, November 30, 2014

Wildcat Dreams, Vol. 2, No. 6


Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 • Vol. 2, No.6

Wildcat Dreams is Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith’s tri-weekly e-newsletter. As an additional resource to stay connected to FVSU, Wildcat Dreams highlights various campus activities and updates about new initiatives and programs. Readers are encouraged to share with friends and family. We welcome your feedback. Please send comments to fvsu_pr@fvsu.edu. Thank you and happy reading!

Read more news on the FVSU Review. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith's 2014 Thanksgiving Message 

Watch Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, president of Fort Valley State University deliver a special message for this year's Thanksgiving holiday. 










Fenika Miller, FVSU Featured Student.

 Student Spotlight: Fenika Miller

 
This month’s featured student is Fenika Miller, a property manager and the chair of Houston County’s Democratic Committee. Miller is a nontraditional student who decided to return to Fort Valley State University’s campus to complete her degree. She will graduate in December 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in English. “The FVSU experience this time around has been the best thing for me," Miller said. " I love my HBCU.”

Read more here.





University employees and supporters posed on the state's capitol steps in honor of the inaugural FVSU Day in the Capital in March 2014.

FVSU Day at the Capitol

Fort Valley State University will provide lawmakers with a glimpse into Wildcat Country during the 2nd Annual FVSU Day at the Capitol on February 11, 2015 in Atlanta.

The event is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon and will include brief presentations by key university leaders and student scholars.

Read more here.






FVSU supporters enjoy the 2014 Scholarship Day at the Health and Physical Education Complex.

      FVSU to host 28th annual Scholarship Day

Fort Valley State University’s largest scholarship luncheon to aid deserving students will be held on Feb. 16, 2015. The 28th annual FVSU Scholarship Day is scheduled for noon and will be hosted by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop and State Representative Calvin Smyre. Doors for the luncheon will open at 11 a.m.

The theme for this year’s luncheon is “Keeping the Flame of Excellence Burning.”

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Kristie Kenney, director of the FVSU Foundation. “We would love for everyone to contribute to help make this event a success.”

Read more here.



FVSU to launch Recruit Back program 


Fort Valley State University is launching a new program that will encourage former students to return to campus to complete their degrees. 

The Recruit Back program, which is in line with Governor Nathan Deal’s new “Go Back, Move Ahead program, will reach out to FVSU students who either dropped out or left campus before finishing their degrees, and encourage them to come back and finish their college degree.

Read more here.





FVSU hosts first international recruitment event in Barbados

Fort Valley State University recently hosted two recruitment sessions on the Caribbean island of Barbados to share information with prospective students about the outstanding educational experience provided at the university.  
Fort Valley State University president Dr. Ivelaw Griffith and his administrative team members, including Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences, and Technology, and Director of Admissions Calandra Wright, visited the island to share information with prospective students about the outstanding educational experience provided at the university, recruit Barbadian students, and build relationships with government and key stakeholders on the island.
Wright said as a result of the visit, more than a dozen students applied and were accepted to Fort Valley State. Several of them are planning to enroll for the fall 2015 semester, she said.
Read more here.

 
 
An Enroll Now session from earlier this year drew in potential Fort Valley State University candidates to campus.

FVSU to host Enroll Now Session 

High school graduates, nontraditional and transfer students will have a unique opportunity to apply and enroll on Fort Valley State University’s campus during a one-day recruitment event. The Enroll Now Session will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 in the Troup Building, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Qualifying students that have sealed, official transcripts from their school and test scores could be admitted the same day. 

 “This will be a one-stop shop opportunity to apply to FVSU and be enroll the same day,” Sha-Ron Jones, director of recruitment, said. “This is an opportunity for students who are thinking of enrolling in Fort Valley State University this spring to come to campus on Dec. 6, and enroll.”


Read more here.



FVSU holds Pre-College Academy closing ceremony 


Fort Valley State University recently celebrated the accomplishment of 28 students who successfully completed course work that qualified them to become official Wildcats in the 2015. The graduates that completed the university’s new Pre-College Academy received their certificates at a closing ceremony on Nov. 21 in the Wildcat Commons Clubhouse. 

Parents, teachers and well wishers celebrated the accomplishment of the recent high school graduates who will enroll on campus in the spring of 2015.

 “The Pre-College Academy is a program for students who would not be normally admitted to FVSU," said Dr. Jessica Bailey, FVSU's vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost. “We put them into the program to install the skills necessary for them to become college ready and admitted into FVSU.”

Read more here.


Four FVSU graduates honored as Teachers of the Year in Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools recently honored 84 educators at their Teacher of the Year Program for excellence in the classroom at their respective schools. Among those honored, four were Fort Valley State University graduates.
APS has 106 learning sites and programs, including nine high school clusters, two single-gender campuses and 15 charter schools.
The four FVSU alums will now qualify for semi-finalists for the district’s Teacher of the Year Award.

The FVSU graduates that were honored are:
Julien Siah – Young Middle School
Natasha Hogan-Mahan – Price Middle School
Krystle Scott – Fickett Elementary School
Shekela Edwards – King Middle School





Ten Fort Valley State University College of Education student scholars received scholarships from the Kitchens Family at the annual Educator Induction Ceremony.


Three College of Education students received scholarships from the Peyton Williams family this year.

FVSU hosts Teacher Induction Ceremony 

Aspiring educators that met all of the requirements to enter Fort Valley State University’s College of education were officially inducted during a special Teachers’ Induction Ceremony on Nov. 11 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center auditorium. During the ceremony, 12 education students received scholarships.

 “Every year, we look forward to the retired and current teachers in the surrounding communities to come and share this special event with us,” said Dr. Edward Hill, dean of the College of Education. “Words cannot express the joy that fills my heart every fall of the year as we induct new, motivated and capable students into our programs to mold, shape and train into becoming proficient educators. We expect a bigger and better program next year.”

Read more here.


Keynote speaker Col. Terry Love speaks with Dr. Angela Harris, interim vice president for the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management, at the Veteran's Day event.

The university honored first responders at the event.



FVSU's Dr. Angela Harris speaks to the Veteran's Day crowd.

FVSU hosts Veterans Day Service in honor of troops

Servicemen, students, staff and members of the Central Georgia community recently gathered at Fort Valley State University for a program that honored our nation’s troops. 
The university held its 2014 Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 in the Historic Quadrangle near Founders Hall. This year’s program featured keynote speaker Terry Love, a university graduate and formerFVSU Wildcat Battalion commander.
“Each day, we should pause as a nation to honor the sacrifice of our veterans,” said Dr. Angela Harris, interim vice president for the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management.  Harris spoke on behalf of President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. “While only one day is dedicated to our veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice they have made, and the opportunity they took to defend and serve. Thank you: a royal salute to you on this Veterans Day.”
Read more here.


FVSU holds its annual grantsmanship workshop 


Fort Valley State University recently held its one-day signature Grantsmanship Institute and Training Conference on Nov. 13 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. 

During the annual workshop, attendees learned strategies and tips that would help make their grant proposal application competitive and get funded. Individuals networked with federal agency program officers and private foundation representatives, and also underwent a mock proposal review. They also attended breakout sessions about foundation funding, promoting educational excellence abroad, and compliance.


LeRonn Furr (photo credit: Sports Illustrated)


Leron Furr named SIAC MVP and Defensive Player of the Year


The SIAC Football Coaches Association recently voted Fort Valley State University Wildcat player LeRon Furr as its 2014 SIAC Football Player of the Year (MVP) and Defensive Player of the Year. 

The FVSU football player also earned a spot on the SIAC First Team All-Defense. In addition to Furr’s accomplishments, the FVSU Wildcats placed six student-athletes on the All-Conference Teams.

Student-athletes that were named to the All-Conference Teams are freshman wide receiver Drelon Freeman, senior defensive lineman Bernard Little, junior defensive back Brian Walker and freshman kicker/Punter Juan Serna. Serna also made SIAC First Team on Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Junior offensive lineman Brandon Baker made second-team offense.

Furr led the Wildcats in tackles with 108 (49 solo) and tied for first place in the SIAC.  He finished with 49 tackle-for-losses, 10 sacks, one interception, 4 pass break-ups and 6 quarterback hurries. Furr was named Defensive Player of the Game at the Fountain City Classic and two-times SIAC Player of the Week.


Read more here.





Students win big at LSAMP symposium


Wildcat students did well this year at an annual symposium that encourages college students to pursue research in the sciences.

Six FVSU students placed in the top three in the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in the Sciences 9th annual Fall Symposium hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga.

Accompanying the students were FVSU Chemistry department faculty Drs. Robin Bright, Tiffani Holmes, James Mack and Dwayne Daniels, and biology professors Dr. Cecelia Dodd, Dr. Teresa Shakespeare and Fred McLaughlin. 

Read more here.



Residential Life donates baskets to domestic violence survivors 


Women at a domestic violence shelter had a happier Thanksgiving holiday thanks to the kindness of some Fort Valley State University students. Recently, the campus’ Residential Life program, and residents in the Wildcat Commons, created five gift baskets that will go to five domestic violence victims and their families that living in the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter in Warner Robins. 

Tiffany Tillman, a Residence Life and Community Service Coordinator for Wildcat Commons 5, said they encourage FVSU students to get involved to serve the community.

Read more here.


 

Marketing and Communications names new public relations specialist 

 Marketing and Communications director Pamela Berry-Johnson recently announced that writer Christina Milton will become the new public relations specialist for the department. Milton has served as an editorial assistant for Marketing and Communications for the last six years. "Ms. Milton's title change reflects the more dynamic and expanded duties and responsibilities she has undertaken in her role within the department," Berry-Johnson said.

Read more here.




 

English as a Second Language Program coming soon 


 In an effort to fulfill community and workforce needs related to the improvement in English language proficiency, Fort Valley State University is planning to establish a Second Language (ESL) program. 
The program, slated to begin in spring 2015 with first-level courses, will offer instruction in reading, writing and speaking to individuals whose native language is not English. 

More details coming soon.





After-Care Program Interest Survey


Benefits of an afterschool program are widespread and needed in this community. In an effort to fulfill this need, the FVSU Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education has developed a strategic plan  to offer a quality after school program that will provide a safe, nurturing place of supervision for school age children where there are opportunities to reinforce learning from school, teach social skills and encourage good citizenship. 
Please click the link below to offer your comments and suggestions.
The survey will close on December 10.





Pool repairs nearing the finish line

Fort Valley State University's campus pool is rapidly on the path to reopening as pool contractors are making the final repairs to the olympic-sized structure.
Construction on the campus pool began on Oct. 6 and is slated to reopen in December.
The pool was closed in 2009 after a crack in its foundation was discovered. Earlier this year, FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith successfully lobbied the University System of Georgia to provide $400,000 in funding to repair the pool.
A ribbon-cutting and pool party will be scheduled once the repairs are completed.






cid:image003.jpg@01D00331.C29F8760

Holiday Gathering
Dr. and Mrs. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith cordially invite you to attend the Annual Holiday Gathering on Friday, December 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fort Valley State University Agricultural Technology Conference Center (46 Camp John Hope Road, Fort Valley, Ga.).

In the spirit of the holiday season President Griffith is asking everyone to please bring a wrapped gift for a girl or boy between the ages of 0-12 years. On the gift tag, please indicate whether the present is for a girl or boy. We will donate each gift to Kids Yule Love.


If you are unable to attend, but would like to sponsor a child, please deliver your donation to the Office of the President, C. V. Troup Administration Building, room 349.


We look forward to seeing you!











 COMING SOON - The FVSU Mobile App




Catch the latest Wildcat Coaches Show

Watch all the past episodes of the Wildcat Coaches show on YouTube.



Past Episodes: 

FVSU vs. Tuskegee
FVSU vs. Clark Atlanta University
FVSU vs. Savannah State University
FVSU vs. Kentucky State University
FVSU vs. Limestone College
FVSU vs. Paine College
FVSU vs. Delta State University
FVSU Coaches Show featuring Donald Pittman




CLICK BELOW FOR YOUR FVSU

FALL SPORTS SEASON SCHEDULES


WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MEN'S BASKETBALL

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY



OTHER UPCOMING FVSU EVENTS

Dec. 13, 2014 - FVSU Commencement
Feb. 16, 2015 - FVSU Scholarship Luncheon







FVSU in the News

 Read the latest stories published about Fort Valley State University from local and national news outlets.



















Friday, November 7, 2014

Wildcat Dreams Vol. 2, No. 5

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 • Vol. 2, No. 5

Wildcat Dreams is Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith’s tri-weekly e-newsletter. As an additional resource to stay connected to FVSU, Wildcat Dreams highlights various campus activities and updates about new initiatives and programs. Readers are encouraged to share with friends and family. We welcome your feedback. Please send comments to fvsu_pr@fvsu.edu. Thank you and happy reading!

Read more news on the FVSU Review. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Safira Sutton, an FVSU alum, is a doctoral student at the University of Georgia.

FVSU Alum Spotlight: Safira Sutton 


This issue, Fort Valley State University is featuring Safira Sutton, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia’s plant pathology program, as our featured alum.

 Sutton recently received a $9,500 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program grant to conduct research into fruit blotch, a disease that infects cucurbits (or gourd plants that include watermelon and squash), and examining ways to prevent bacterial fruit blotch, which is a pathogen that spreads through infected seeds of plants.

Read more here.



 

 

FVSU is top in the nation for producing African-American math graduates 


According to a new report, Fort Valley State University now ranks top in the country for producing the most African Americans graduating with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and statistics for the 2012-2013 academic year. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a journal that focuses on issues of diversity in colleges and universities across America, named the university number one in its 2014 Top Degree Producers rankings that confer the highest numbers of degrees to minority students.

FVSU outranked Harvard University (ranked at 20) and Georgia State University (ranked at 9). The university also topped other Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Spelman College (ranked at 2), Howard University and Morehouse University (both tied with GSU at 9).

Read more here.





The Hon. Freddie Powell Sims will be the keynote speaker at FVSU's Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Fall Commencement slated for Dec. 13


Fort Valley State University’s graduating seniors will see the realization of their hard work when they march with their degrees during the campus’ Fall Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Health and Physical Education Complex.

FVSU alum and Georgia State Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-District 12) will be the keynote speaker. Sims is a native of Talbot County, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Fort Valley State University.

She earned her master’s in education in elementary education from Georgia State University; a specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Sarasota.

Read more here.



 

 

FVSU nabs two honors at national awards ceremony 


Fort Valley State University recently received two major honors from America’s largest land-grant university organization during an annual awards ceremony recognizing 1890 Land Grant Universities for scholastic excellence. On Nov. 3, the university was one of several winners announced during the Association of Public Land Grant Universities’ (APLU) second annual 1890 Land-Grant Universities Teaching, Research and Innovation Awards gala held during the 127th APLU Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.


The annual awards ceremony spotlights the exemplary achievements at 1890 university campuses and encourages further advancement and development in areas of crucial importance. The organization’s award ceremony honors 1890 universities that demonstrate advancement in the areas of teaching, research and innovation.

Read more here
       



Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown (center) join Fort Valley State University Associate Director of Athletics LuWanna Williams (left) and members of the Wildcats Basketball team.

Tom Joyner Morning Show visits campus 


The Tom Joyner Morning Show recently made a special appearance at Fort Valley State University’s campus during Homecoming Week on Oct. 21 in the Student Amenities Building. Joyner, his co-hosts Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown, received the special blue and gold treatment from faculty staff and students.

The festivities included music being played by a disc jokey and free refreshments and snacks courtesy of the FVSU Student Government Association. During the celebration on the second floor of the Student Amenities Building, FVSU president Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith lead students and staffers in an old-school, new-school dance competition.

Read more here.


(From left) Brittany Wells, a Fort Valley State University sophomore veterinary technology major and Kayla Crawford, a FVSU sophomore veterinary science major, have their hands full with a playful pooch from the Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare Shelter at FVSU’s State Animal Facility for Emergencies (SAFE) Center Oct. 23.

FVSU provides aid to Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare Shelter


 Fort Valley State University briefly provided temporary shelter for 27 stray dogs and cats from a Bibb County shelter due to an unexpected illness coming into contact with the animals.

 The Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare Shelter brought 19 dogs and eight cats to be temporarily housed in FVSU’s State Animal Facility for Emergencies (SAFE) Center Oct. 23-27. Macon-Bibb County used the facility while its shelter was being cleaned due to an undiagnosed disease infecting some animals, causing it to be quarantined. 


The SAFE Center, which opened in September, 2012, can house 105 dogs, 80 cats and 30 horses in its 7,500 square foot area. It is designed to temporarily house animals in cases of man-made or natural disasters.

Read more here.

Watch the video.







Fort Valley State University president Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith and Dr. Earl Long at a recent Presidential Excellence Lecture on Ebola. 

Ebola expert provides education on deadly disease during Homecoming 2014


 An infectious disease expert recently told an audience during Fort Valley State University’s Presidential Excellence Lecture that Ebola had little chance of spreading to Middle Georgia.

Dr. Earl Long, a former health scientist for the Centers for Disease Control, spoke about his personal experience working in an Ebola endemic area on Oct. 22 in the Pettigrew Center.

“It is really difficult for me to understand why people don’t want to vaccinate their kids, yet they are afraid of Ebola,” Long said.

Long spoke about his personal experience working in an Ebola endemic area in Western Africa. The Ebola expert described the virus as a filovirus, whose structure was a coil of DNA. According to Long, the virus was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a village called Yambuku near the Ebola River. There have been 40 outbreaks of the virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan, Gabon, Uganda and Guinea.

The parasitologist reviewed the symptoms of the disease which include fever, joint and muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, difficulty in breathing, and liver and kidney failure.  The disease is transmitted through bodily secretions (urine, sweat, vomit, breast milk, semen) and in syringes and infected animals. It is not spread through the air, water or food.

Read more
View video of Long's presentation here.




Founders Day speaker and ENVIRO Ag Science vice president Dr. Krystal L. Conner (center), is flanked by some of her former FVSU professors, along with FVSU vice president of academic affairs Dr. Jessica Bailey (far left) and FVSU president Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (far right).

FVSU alum and ENVIRO Ag Science vice president delivers Founders Day address


A Fort Valley State University alum and vice president at one of the nation’s leading construction companies told students to dream big during an annual event honoring the 18 men that founded FVSU. 

 Dr. Krystal Lynn Conner, vice president of ENVIRO Ag Science, a 30-year-old family-owned construction management and commercial landscape firm in Columbia, S.C., served as the keynote speaker for FVSU’s Founders Day. The event took place Nov. 11 in the university’s Health and Physical Education Complex. 

Read more here.
For pictures, visit FVSU's Flickr page.




Thompson Middle School students enjoyed hands-on lab tutorials during their visit on Fort Valley State University's campus.

Middle school students get hands-on experience in biotechnology 


Forty-three Thomson Middle School seventh grade students enrolled in gifted classes recently visited the biotechnology labs at Fort Valley State University to advance their skills and knowledge through hands–on activities.

 "The students' visit was an opportunity for young people to tour laboratory space, learn about what we do in research, and also learn about careers in science," said Dr. Sarwan Dhir, professor of plant biotechnology. “One of our goals is to give back to the communities where we work while supporting effective STEM education programs globally. This program with Thompson Middle School provides us with an opportunity to inspire and prepare students for successful STEM careers—aligning with our focus of making science exciting and accessible. There’s simply no better way to engage our next generation of STEM leaders than through hands-on learning experiments that show them what’s possible.” 

According to Dhir, the university is partnering with local middle and high schools to increase minority representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

Read more here.



U.S. Congressman Austin Scott, (left)  and FVSU President Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (right) sample goat milk ice cream during a recent tour of the university on Oct. 29.

U.S. Congressman Austin Scott tours campus, learns about 

strategic initiatives


 United States Congressman Austin Scott, Rep. for Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, recently visited Fort Valley State University Oct. 29.

During his visit, Scott met with FVSU President Dr. Ivelaw Griffith and other university officials for a luncheon and briefing about FVSU’s strategic initiatives. Scott serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture. Scott mentioned how important it is to get students interested in agriculture careers in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades.

 The congressman went on to say how FVSU could play an important role in preparing students.

“We need to explain to them the promise of agriculture, where you can not only have a good life because of what you can earn in these fields, but you can also have the other aspect of life where you’re really helping people by helping get food to the table at a high quality and low cost,” Scott said. He said he wants to see the whole agriculture industry do well in Georgia and education is a big part of that. After the tour, the Congressmen mentioned that FVSU is doing great things. He applauded FVSU’s Veterinary Science Department and the work of the State Animal Facility for Emergencies (SAFE) Center.

To view other photos from the visit, click here.

For details about the College of Agriculture call (478)825-6344 or visit ag.fvsu.edu.




Four Fort Valley State University veterinary technology students, an FVSU veterinary technician and local teen volunteers pose for a photo after conducting a canine census in the Lynmore Estates neighborhood in Macon.


Students assist Habitat for Humanity with canine census in Macon 


A recent community service project involving Fort Valley State University’s veterinary technology students may help improve living conditions for residents in Macon, Ga. Senior veterinary technology majors, Lindsey Leach, Mercedes Wright, Ty Nichols and junior Taylor Westly, participated in the Lynmore Estates Canine Census. 

Students were accompanied by participant Karen Capps, a FVSU registered veterinary technician. 

The Lynmore Estates Canine Census was a project developed by the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity office. Students from FVSU and local youth volunteers went door-to-door for one day on the ten streets that comprise the neighborhood. 

Read more here.



Bryant Hall, 4, of Wetumpka, Ala., milks an artificial goat under the supervision of Ann Gillespie, lead veterinary technician in Fort Valley State University’s veterinary science department, at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie Oct. 15.




Officials from the state of Georgia, Fort Valley State University, the University of Georgia and members of the Georgia Spotlight State Planning Committee pose for a photo in the new Spotlight State Building at the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie Oct. 14.

FVSU exhibits at Sunbelt, participates in spotlight state activities

 
 Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture employees rubbed shoulders with thousands as an exhibitor during North America’s premier farm show Oct. 14-16. The show, known as the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, is an annual three-day event at Spence Airfield in Moultrie, Ga. During the expo, visitors can participate in field demonstrations and visit exhibits showcasing the latest in agriculture and new technology. 

The expo is in its thirty-seventh year. For three days, FVSU highlighted its research and extension programming through it exhibitor building and recruited Future Farmer of America and 4-H students on site in the Morton Exposition Building. Visitors also receive a literal “taste” of what FVSU’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology has to offer by sampling goat products such as burgers, barbeque and ice cream.

Read more here.




Fort Valley State University's first lady Francille Griffith.

FVSU’s first lady holds reception for alums during Homecoming 


The university’s first lady, Francille Waverly Griffith, recently hosted a special reception to thank alums for their support during the president's first year leading Fort Valley State University. The inaugural invitation-only reception was held on Oct. 22 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center and was underwritten with private funds from the Griffiths.

 “This is an opportunity not only to welcome alums to campus during homecoming, but to thank alums for their support and great work for their alma mater,” the first lady said.


Read more here.



Dr. Isaac Crumbly, associate vice president for Career and Collaborative programs (left) received the Bromery Award at the annual Geological Society of America meeting recently.
 

Crumbly receives honor from the Geological Society of America 


The Geological Society of America, a professional organization that provides resources to earth scientists in all sectors, recently awarded Dr. Isaac Crumbly, associate vice president of Career and Collaborative Programs, its 2014 Bromery Award for his outstanding efforts to help prepare minorities and women for professional careers in the geosciences. 

He received his award during the organization’s GSA Annual Meeting held Oct. 19-22, in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. The honor is given in support of minorities that have made significant contributions to research in the geological sciences, or those who have been instrumental in opening up the geosciences field to other minorities. 







Dr. Peter Dumbuya

 

Dumbuya elected editor for one of the world’s largest professional journals 


The world’s largest professional organization that conducts scholastic studies of third-world cultures recently selected a Fort Valley State University professor as an editor of its journal. 

On Oct. 17, the Association of Third World Studies elected FVSU Fulbright professor of history Dr. Peter Dumbuya as the Africa editor of its Journal of Third World Studies. The international publication publishes scholastic studies of cultures from around the world. Dumbuya starts his editorial duties on Jan. 1, 2015.

 “I am pleased that the Executive Council of the Association of Third World Studies elected me as the next Africa Editor of the JTWS,” Dumbuya said in a statement. “This is a referred journal that publishes articles on Africa, Asia and Latin America. Our journal covers history, political science, geography.” 

Read more here.
Read related story: FVSU's Dumbuya receives Fulbright grant
Read related story: FVSU Fulbright professor returns to campus


 (Left) Leslie Jean-Pierre, a regional recruiter and outreach specialist for the Peace Corps, speaks to a group of veterinary technology students about the possibilities available in the organization at the Otis O’Neal Veterinary Science Building Oct. 29 

Peace Corps recruiter exposes students to global opportunities


Some Fort Valley State University students may have an opportunity for free travel abroad as a Peace Corp volunteer following graduation.

Leslie Jean-Pierre, a regional recruiter and outreach specialist for the Southeast Regional Peace Corps Recruitment Office in Atlanta, recently visited FVSU’s campus to recruit students for the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a U.S. service organization developed to send Americans abroad to help countries in meeting their needs in numerous arenas for trained men and women. It is also designed to help Americans gain a better understanding of the people they help and in turn, help those people gain a better understanding of Americans. Currently, the Peace Corps has more than 7,209 people serving in 65 countries.

Read more here.



 

Students from the Universidad Nacional de Agricultura Honduras visit Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology Oct. 20.

Students from Honduras visit campus, learn about North American agriculture 


Visiting a foreign country, seeing new structures and practicing the English language brought excitement to 24 Honduran students visiting Fort Valley State University.

 The students traveled from the Universidad Nacional de Agricultura (UNA) in Catacamas – Olancho, Honduras as a part of a two-week tour of agriculture colleges in the United States. One day of the tour is spent at FVSU. This annual trip is organized through an agreement between FVSU and the UNA.

 The students are juniors and seniors majoring in food science and food technology at UNA. “I really want to be here,” said Stephanie Mata, a 24-year-old food science major who traveled with the group. After touring the Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center on campus, watching FVSU faculty make products such as ice cream and soap from goat milk, she said she was impressed with the technology and expertise in the College of Agriculture.

Read more here



 Col. Terry Love will be the keynote speaker for the FVSU Veterans Day program.


University to honor its fallen war heroes during Veterans Day program

The university will honor the nation’s veterans and fallen soldiers at a special program that will celebrate them for their bravery, valor and service. The 2014 Veterans Day Program will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Historic Quad near Founders Hall.

The FVSU alum and the former Wildcat Battalion leader Col. Terry Love will be the keynote speaker for the event. Love is a 24-year active duty veteran from Soperton, Ga. He is a distinguished military graduate of FVSU, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology in 1990. Love is currently serving as a Strategic Manpower Management Analyst for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Force Management, Manpower and Resources.

Read more here.







Students to be inducted into FVSU’s College of Education’s Teacher Education Program



Twelve aspiring teachers will begin their journeys as educators when they are inducted into the university’s College of Education during the 2014 Teacher Education Program at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the C.W. Pettigrew Center Auditorium. 

 “The induction into teacher education is a hallmark of our program,” said Dr. Edward Hill, FVSU’s College of Education dean. “It signifies that a student is now an education candidate. It marks that point when a student shows their full commitment to the program and the College of Education. Induction into teacher education grants the candidate access to all upper level courses that will assist them in completing the program of study that aligns with obtaining teacher certification in the state of Georgia.”


Read more here.



 


 

FVSU holds annual Kickoff


 Students, faculty and the Peach County community cheered on Fort Valley State University’s football team during the 2014 Homecoming Kickoff on Oct. 21. A.J. the disc jokey kept the mood light with hip hop hits. Mayor Barbara Williams read the proclamation declaring FVSU Day in the Valley. Later, president Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith kicked the game ball into the stands, and took pictures with students that caught the winning ball.

For pictures, visit FVSU's Flickr page.


 

FVSU Wildcat Battalion carry flags representing all United Nations member countries.

United Nations Day celebrated


Fort Valley State University recently celebrated the founding of the United Nations during its 2014 UN Day Celebration on Oct. 24 during Homecoming Week. FVSU’s Wildcat Battalion led a colorful parade with flags from member nations down the Historic Quad on campus in honor of the celebration. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The date has been celebrated since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended the day be commemorated as a holiday.

 

 

STEM students learn about Midwestern Medical School


 Fort Valley State University STEM students recently learned about the secrets to applying for medical school and scientific research opportunities during the “Graduate and Medical School Research Opportunities and Application Process” seminar.

On Oct. 16, Dr. Linda Adkins, associate dean for curricular affairs at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, presented information about the medical schools’ programs and tracks, and former FVSU students that have graduated from the campus.



Two students pose before Broadway actress Melba Moore's poster. Moore visited Fort Valley State University's campus on Oct. 2.

 

FVSU holds third Walls of Wisdom unveiling 


The bell chimed across campus on Oct. 30, signifying the latest reveal of the new Walls of Wisdom in Founders Hall. 

Fort Valley State University president Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, Miss FVSU 2014-2015 Ivy Brown, Mr. FVSU 2014-2015 Jeremy Johnson and SGA President Ariel Hill, unveiled posters of influential people that have served as inspiration and a made a positive impact on lives around the world. 

Some of those honored on the wall included recently campus visitors Melba Moore, a Broadway star and musical icon, and radio maverick Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. 

 According to FVSU president Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, eventually the institution will boast 70 such inspirational and teaching displays across campus. Other honorees for the Founders Hall Wall of Wisdom included Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, artist Leonardo da Vinci, and journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.







Mr. Robert Ross, FVSU alum, received the Lifetime Achievement  Award at the Collegiate 100 Gala on Nov. 2.

FVSU gala launches new mentoring chapter


A recent scholarship gala signified the launch of a new national mentoring chapter for African-American men at Fort Valley State University.

On Sunday, Nov. 2, the university’s new Collegiate 100 and the FVSU Chapter of the Thurgood Marshall Fund, co-hosted their first inaugural gala in the Student Amenities Center. The theme for the gala was “Transforming Dreams into Reality.” All proceeds from the gala will help fund a new Collegiate 100 Scholarship Fund.

“It is our hope that this gala will inspire high school and college students to transform their dreams into reality,” said FVSU Collegiate 100 President Elijah Porter.

Read more here.

 


Fort Valley State University first lady Francille Griffith (center right), and former FVSU queens toast Miss FVSU 2014-2015 Ivy Brown (center left) at the Connie O. Smiths Queens Brunch.

Miss FVSU 2014-2015 celebrated at annual brunch


Former queens toasted the new Miss FVSU 2014-2015 Ivy Brown at a brunch that celebrated Fort Valley State royalty. The 2014 Connie O. Smith Queens Brunch took place Oct. 23 in the Student Amenities Building. The event always precedes the queen’s official coronation. Former queens gave tributes to Brown and presented the new queen with gifts and presents. Visit Flickr for pictorial highlights from the brunch. 

For pictures, visit FVSU's Flickr page.


Ivy Brown, Miss FVSU 2014-2015

Hawkinsville native inaugurated as campus queen


 Fort Valley State University's campus recently crowned a Hawkinsville, Ga. native as its new queen for the 2014-2015 school year. Ivy Naomi Brown, an FVSU senior majoring in marketing, was officially inaugurated as Miss FVSU 2014-2014 during the Queen's Coronation Ceremony on Oct. 23 in the university's Health and Physical Education Complex.

Read more here.



Kenya Whitehorn, a junior psychology major at Fort Valley State University, is the recipient of a $550 scholarship from Powell Baptist Church in Talbotton

Student receives scholarship from local church



 A scholarship can serve as a life jacket for students trying not to drown in student loan debt after college. 

Kenya Whitehorn, a junior at Fort Valley State University, is staying afloat with the help of a $550 scholarship from Powell Baptist Church in her hometown of Talbotton, Ga. The scholarship will cover expenses such as books and fees. The psychology major said any amount is appreciated. “Just the fact that they (Powell Baptist) did give me a good amount of money out of the goodness of their heart is a real blessing. I really do appreciate them for that,” Whitehorn said.

Read more here.







Sammi Haynes, chief operations officer from Sheen Magazine, (center) and other team members present a special scholarship donation to FVSU Professor Bobbie Dickey, chair of the Department of Fine Arts, on behalf of the Chapman Foundation to FVSU.

Homecoming donors give more than $330,000 for FVSU scholarships 

 

Earlier this year, a U.S. News and World Report Short List study found that Fort Valley State University’s alum were ranked seventh in the nation for HBCU alumni that regularly give back to help their school. This year, supporters stayed true to that ranking by donating more than $330,000 during homecoming. The funds will be earmarked for scholarship initiatives for Fort Valley State University students. 

“We are always grateful for the efforts and commitment that our donors put forth in support of Fort Valley State University,” said Kristie Kenney, director for the FVSU Foundation, Inc. “This Homecoming created a new energy of pride and competition among our alumni chapters and alumni class reunion celebrations. The Class of 1964 surprised everyone with their donation of over $108,000! We hope that this spirit is contagious and look forward to working with all our donors for next year’s homecoming.” 

 For details on donors, contact the FVSU Foundation, Inc. at (478) 825-6474. 

Here is a complete list of donors for the 2014 Homecoming game. 

Thomas and Barbara Palmer: $20,000 
Kitchens Family: $10,000 
Lawrence Marable: $10,000 
Johnnie Booker: $10,000 
Alpha Phi Alpha: $10,000 
Wildcat Growl: $10,000 
Synovus Foundation: $15,000 
Blue Bird Body Company: $15,000 
FVSU NAA: $33,450 
FVSU Albany Area Alumni: $10,000 
FVSU Columbus Area Alumni: $13,500 
FVSU Dekalb County Alumni Chapter: $14,000 
FVSU Warner Robins Alumni Chapter: $10,000 
FVSU Class of 1974: $50,573.40 
FVSU Class of 1964: $108,918.65








President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (center), Dr. Jessica L. Baily, vice president of Academic Affairs (center left) and members of the Pre-Collegiate student program.

President meets with Pre-Collegiate Students


FVSU president Dr. Ivelaw  Lloyd Griffith met with students from the university's Pre-Collegiate Program on Nov. 6 in Troupe Building






Fort Valley State University's Flickr Stream


Did you miss a recent event? You can catch up with the latest pictures from Fort Valley State University events on our Flickr Stream.









 COMING SOON - The FVSU Mobile App





Catch the latest Wildcat Coaches Show

This week's episode features FVSU Wildcats Head Football Coach Donald Pittman speaking about the latest game highlights from the FVSU vs. Kentucky State University football game.



Past Episodes: 

FVSU vs. Tuskegee
FVSU vs. Clark Atlanta University
FVSU vs. Savannah State University
FVSU vs. Delta State University





CLICK BELOW FOR YOUR FVSU

FALL SPORTS SEASON SCHEDULES


WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MEN'S BASKETBALL

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY



OTHER UPCOMING FVSU EVENTS

Nov. 11, 2015 - Veterans Day Program
Dec. 13, 2014 - Fall 2014 Commencement Ceremony
Feb. 16, 2015 - FVSU Scholarship Luncheon





Dr. Earl Long speaks at FVSU. (Photo credit: The Telegraph)

FVSU in the News