Office of the President: November 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013 • Vol. 1, No.8

Wildcat Dreams is Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith’s biweekly 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 the newsletter 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.

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Alumni Spotlight: Robert Ross

This month, Fort Valley State University's alumni spotlight features Robert Ross, the former president for the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. He is also the campus official photographer, capturing memorable photographs of all of the major events at the university.

FVSU featured keynote speaker Monique C. Walker delivered advice to ROTC students.

Program participants gather after the end of the Wildcat Battalion's Veteran's Day ceremony.

FVSU honors troops during Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Our nation’s troops continue to serve our country in theatres of war across the world. To commemorate these brave individuals, Fort Valley State University honored service men and women during the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony held in the C.W. Pettigrew Center on Nov. 7. The event, sponsored by the Wildcat Battalion, featured keynote speaker Monique C. Washington.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund CEO Johnny C. Taylor tells students to be proud of their alma mater at annual Founders Day event.

Founders Day Ceremony features Thurgood Marshall College Fund CEO

Every year, Fort Valley State University honors the visionary individuals that gave the campus its during the annual Founders Day celebration. At this year’s convocation held in the Health and Physical Education Complex on Nov. 7, students learned of their responsibilities to keep FVSU thriving from keynote speaker Johnny C. Taylor, chief executive officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Dr. Linda Noble, interim provost of FVSU, officiated this year’s ceremony.

Jemellah Coes, 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year, will be the keynote speaker at FVSU's annual teacher induction ceremony.

FVSU to hold induction ceremony for future teachers

The majority of the country’s best and brightest scholars, scientists, researchers and politicians received their educational start inside of a classroom. There, inspiring teachers challenged these future leaders to pursue knowledge, overcome challenges and develop their gifts to become extraordinary leaders that could alter the world. Next week, educators will take the center stage when the National Education Association celebrates American Education Week, from Nov. 18-22. Fort Valley State University’s College of Education will honor a future class of new educators during its annual teacher induction ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the Pettigrew Center Auditorium. A separate pinning ceremony will take place in the Pettigrew Center Auditorium at 10:45 a.m. just prior to the induction ceremony.

This year, the program will feature a special keynote speaker.

“The highlight of the ceremony will be our guest speaker, Jemellah Coes, a young educator who has been selected to represent Georgia educators as the 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year,” Watson said. “Miss Coes is a Special Education English Language Arts teacher at Langston Chapel Middle School in Bulloch County.”

Ebony Magazine recently named Dr. Cheryl Swanier, a Fort Valley State University associate professor of computer science, to its Power 100 List for 2013.

FVSU Professor named to Ebony Magazine Power 100

This month, a Fort Valley State University computer science associate professor is receiving high recognition from one of the nation’s most influential Black publications. EBONY Magazine recently named Dr. Cheryl Swanier to its Power 100, a list of African-American movers and shakers that have made significant achievements and contributions to the world. Swanier was named one of EBONY’s Power 100 for her contributions and mentoring efforts in the area of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She is featured in the December 2013 issue available on newsstands now.

Fort Valley State University seniors Shanice Honeycutt and Anthony Dwayne Boynton, both English majors, were invited to present papers at Paine College's 2013 Harlem Renaissance Conference.

FVSU English Students present at Harlem Renaissance Conference

Two Fort Valley State University seniors majoring in English literature are one of 22 international scholars who presented papers at conference spotlighting a heyday period of African-American intellectual life. Anthony Dwayne Boynton II and Shanice Honeycutt traveled to Paine College in Augusta, Ga. for the16th annual Harlem Renaissance Conference, from Nov. 6-8. The year’s conference theme is “Midwives and Mavericks: Architects, Artists and Critics of the Renaissance.” The pair presented articles on the New Negro, a concept first drafted by African-American Rhodes Scholar Alain Locke, a principal architect of the Harlem Renaissance.

Health care vendors explain benefits to university employees at FVSU Benefit and Wellness Fair on Nov. 11.

FVSU holds Benefit and Wellness Fair

With the adoption of America's new Affordable Care Act, University System of Georgia employees have a choice of new insurance providers for 2014. The Office of Human Resources explained the new voluntary benefits and additional health care options to Fort Valley State University employees during a Benefit and Wellness Fair on Nov. 11 in the Pettigrew Center. Vendors who attended the fair included Eye Med, AFLAC Insurance Company Delta Dental, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Perry Chiropractic.

President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith speaks to students about the changes that will be taking place at the Fall 2014 Commencement.

President Griffith speaks to a student after the event.

FVSU President meets with students to discuss commencement

Fort Valley State University President Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith talked to graduating students about the state of the university and the new requirements at the 2013 Fall Commencement during a the Senior Meeting on Nov. 5 in the C.W. Pettigrew Center. Griffith told graduating seniors that they will given 10 tickets per student for friends and family for this year's commencement. Current Wildcat students can enter commencement free with an FVSU ID.

Friday, November 1, 2013 • Vol. 1, No.7

Founding members of Fort Valley State University’s Global Initiatives Council: Hon. Consul of the Kingdom of Denmark Christopher N. Smith, FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith and Judge Bryant Culpepper.

FVSU holds UN Day to increase its international influence

Last week marked a new chapter for Fort Valley State University, an historic, 118-year-old university located near miles of beautiful peach, pecan and walnut orchards in Peach County. To expand its teaching and research mission, FVSU is expanding its push outside of the Southeastern region to attract a wider, international audience. To commemorate United Nations Day, the university hosted “Parade of Nations” on Thursday, Oct. 24. Honorary Consul of Denmark Christopher N. Smith served as the keynote speaker. On that occasion, the university unveiled the future home of its new Global Village, and the launch of its Global Initiatives Council.

Dr. Sarwan Dhir (right), professor of plant biotechnology and director of Fort Valley State University’s Center for Biotechnology, shares data with (L to R) Milton Williams, Derrick Smith and Ashley Norris, all honored as National Role Models at the 14^th National Role Models Conference Sept. 27-29 in Washington, D.C.

Fort Valley State students earn award for research efforts

Three Fort Valley State University plant science majors concentrating in biotechnology received the National Role Model Award at the 14^th annual National Role Models Conference. Ashley Norris, Derrick Smith and Milton Williams received honors in Washington, D.C. during the conference that was held Sept. 27-29.

The National Role Models Conference recognizes institutions and individuals who help promote diversity and support minorities of color in science and technology fields.

Dr. Sarwan Dhir, professor of plant biotechnology and director of the FVSU Center for Biotechnology, nominated the students for the award.

Fort Valley State University President Dr. Ivelaw Griffith cuts the ribbon for the new Stallworth Biotechnology Building Addition Oct. 21. Faculty from FVSU’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, FVSU administration and student leaders attended the event. The building is located adjacent to the Houston Stallworth Agriculture Research Station on Carver Drive.

President Griffith and FVSU administrators break ground on the future site for the Family Development and Quality Child Care Center Complex Oct., 21 on Carver Drive.

Groundbreaking, ribbon cutting ceremony kick off homecoming week

Fort Valley State University’s annual Homecoming festivities are not the only cause for excitement during the annual event-filled week.

On Oct. 21, more than 70 faculty, staff, students and local public officials celebrated the addition of two new facilities with a groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony on Carver Drive.

The groundbreaking took place for the new Family Development and Quality Child Care Center Complex. The 10,000-plus square foot complex will house an auditorium, residential setting for family and consumer science students and a model child care center. It is scheduled for completion December 2014.

A photo of Wildcat Battalion members at the 2012 Veteran's Day Ceremony.

FVSU to hold Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Our nation’s military personnel help protect American shores by bravely answering the call to serve. Next week, Fort Valley State University will honor these courageous servicemen and women during an annual Veteran’s Day ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 in the C.W. Pettigrew Center. This year’s keynote speaker will be Monique C. Washington, an award-winning Retired Master Sgt.

FVSU alums donate checks during Homecoming

Nov. 1, 2013 - Fort Valley State University Wildcat alums are passionate about helping their alma mater continue its mission to advance education, help its local community and the world. During the Homecoming half-time celebration, big checks were delivered to help the university reach its goals. Alums and organizations donated more almost $210,000 to the campus.

FVSU Alum Spotlight: Chizu Hirata

This month, Fort Valley State University spotlight is featuring an Wildcat alum who traveled across the world to make the university her home. Chizu Hirata, a professional counselor who works in the university’s Valley Behavioral Health Services Center, is this month's featured alum.

A session from the Grantsmanship Institute Training Conference.

FVSU to hold Grantsmanship Institute Training Conference

In academia, grant money is vital to funding essential projects that spur innovation and research within the world. The process of obtaining a grant is highly competitive, but those who have the skills to write exceptional proposals have an edge. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Fort Valley State University’s Office of Sponsored Programs is holding its annual 2013 Grantsmanship Institute Training Conference, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. This conference will feature informative sessions designed to provide grant seekers with the tools and motivation they will needed to craft winning proposals. This year’s theme is “Thriving on Change."

Homecoming Week Finishes on a High Note

Homecoming Week is a special time on Fort Valley State University’s campus. It’s not only a time to showcase the best the university has to offer, it’s also a time for alums to reconnect with former classmates. It’s also a time for students to take a break from their rigorous classes, let loose and have a good time. Last week, the university celebrated its Homecoming week in style on Oct. 20-26. Read more:

MIT Professor speaks about the state of STEM in America during convocation

Last week, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist delivered a sobering lecture outlining the current climate in academia facing students from underrepresented groups seeking science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related degrees. During Fort Valley State University’s Homecoming Convocation on Oct. 22, Dr. Cardinal Warde, a professor of electrical engineering at MIT, spoke about the challenges facing students who pursued STEM degrees and what colleges could do to keep them in their chosen path.

President Griffith Celebrates his 100th Day in Office

This week marks a historic milestone for President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. The university leader celebrated his first 100 days in office on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The Fort Valley State University family recognized Dr. Griffith’s benchmark with a special luncheon ceremony in the Presidential Conference Room. Deans, university administrators and students came out in support. In his brief tenure at the university, the president is already making impressive changes.

FVSU's Founders Day to feature Thurgood Marshall College Fund CEO

In 1895, eighteen men petitioned the Superior Court in Houston County to launch a public school or children. On Nov. 5, 1895, the court granted the petition. The school, which was named Fort Valley High and Industrial School would later become Fort Valley State University. Next week, the campus will honor the visionary men that gave the university its start during the annual Founder’s Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7. This year’s keynote speaker will be Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In 2011, Ebony Magazine named Taylor to its Power 100 list, of the most influential African-Americans in the country.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Wildcat Dreams, Vol. 1, No. 8