Office of the President: October 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014 • Vol. 2, No. 4

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.

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Katura Wright, FVSU Featured Alum.

FVSU Featured Alum: Katura Wright

The featured Fort Valley State University alum for the Oct. 19 issue of the Wildcat Dreams is Katura Wright, a 1998 plant sciences alumna. Wright was recently named the assistant state conservationist for programs at the Natural Resources Conservation Services in Athens, Ga. She is responsible for the coordination, evaluation and direction for farm bill programs in Georgia.

Read more here.

Tom Joyner will visit Fort Valley State's campus during Homecoming.

Tom Joyner to visit FVSU's campus

The hardest working man in radio will be making a stop at Fort Valley State University’s campus on Tuesday, Oct. 21 to celebrate Homecoming with the Wildcats on campus.

Radio legend Tom Joyner will visit campus from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Student Amenities Building. Fellow members of the Tom Joyner Radio Show Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown also will be present. During the event, the campus will unveil a Walls of Wisdom poster featuring the Fly Jock, along with a famous quote by the radio personality.

Read more here.

FVSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Uppinder Mehan (left) and Professor Bobby Dickey (center) speak with Melba Moore (right).

Broadway icon Melba Moore thanks the crowd for their generosity.

Denise Eady, Fort Valley State University's special assistant to the president for compliance and director of strategic initiatives (left), and Pamela Berry-Johnson, FVSU's director of marketing and communications (center) give a present to Broadway legend Melba Moore.

Melba Moore stops by FVSU’s campus

Legendary Broadway Star Melba Moore called Fort Valley State University’s Walls of Wisdom a program on the “frontier of documenting” the greatness of those who try to lift up humanity.

Moore shared her observations recently when the Tony-Award winning actress and singer visited the campus for the unveiling of her commemorative poster for the FVSU initiative that recognizes significant achievers within society by placing a poster of their likeness and famous quotes within various buildings across campus. Moore called her addition to the tradition an “extreme pleasure and honor,” adding, “I didn’t know it was going to be this auspicious."

Wildcat students and administrators filled Pettigrew Center room 110 for a chance to meet Moore on Oct. 2 when the campus unveiled the poster at the meet-and-greet event in the C.W. Pettigrew Center.

Read more here.

Dr. Davida Curtis, director of FVSU’s TRIO Student Support Services program, Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith and the Hon. Sanford Bishop at the recent TRIO event on campus recently with students.

Georgia lawmaker speaks to state TRIO group on FVSU’s campus

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives recently praised personnel that help disadvantaged and pre-college students for their hard work during an annual conference on Fort Valley State University’s campus.

The Hon. Sanford Bishop served as the keynote speaker during the Georgia Association of Special Program’s Personnel (Georgia TRIO’s) 42nd Annual Fall Training on Oct. 9 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center.

Read more here.

FVSU students who participated in the Role Model Award are accompanied by associate professor of biology Dr. Frederick McLaughlin (left, back), Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Jessica Bailey (left, second in front), and Director of Undergraduate Research Center Dr. Sarwan Dhir (far right).

Administrator and student dubbed "role models" at national conference

FVSU senior Kelli Russell and Dr. Frederick McLaughlin were both recently recognized as national "role models" at a conference in Washington, D.C. that celebrates academic excellence and diversity.

The duo attended the National Role Models Conference sponsored by Minority Access, Inc. from Oct. 3-5. Russell won the National Role Model Student Award and McLaughlin, an associate professor of biology, earned the National Role Model Faculty Award. FVSU also won a special award from Minority Access, Inc. for being a high-achieving university.

Read more here.

FVSU geosciences majors are accompanied by Lisa Rashidi, CDEP energy coordinator (far left), Dr. Aditya Kar, associate professor of geosciences (front center), and Dr. Isaac Crumbly (far right).

FVSU Wildcats tap expertise and present at national geosciences conference

Eight Fort Valley State University Cooperative Developmental Energy Program students and three faculty advisors recently attended a national conference designed to encourage students to pursue careers in the geosciences.

The National Association of Black Geoscientists 33rd Annual Technical Conference was held at Washington State University in Richland, Washington, Sept. 17-20. The FVSU group was accompanied by Dr. Isaac Crumbly,associate vice president of Career and Collaborative Programs, and director of CDEP; Lisa Rashidi, CDEP energy coordinator; and Dr. Aditya Kar, associate professor of geosciences.

Read more here.

Counseling center to start community-based alcohol and STD prevention

A campus organization recently launched a new service to teach Middle Georgia residents about the dangers related to risky behaviors.

Fort Valley State University’s Valley Behavioral Health Services is initiating the Teaching Everyone about the Risks Community Coalition (TEARs2C). The program will provide evidence-based programs that will teach local citizens the risks related to alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases.

The university’s new outreach effort was made possible with $880,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and mental Health Services Administration Division (SAMHSA). The agency leads public health efforts to advance good behavioral health by reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental health in American communities.

Read more here.

President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (left) and Dr. Isaac Crumbly (right) present a student with an award during the CDEP Annual Energy Career Day and Student Recruitment Conference earlier this year.

Pre-College STEM pipeline program nets $724,000 federal windfall

A Fort Valley State University program that encourages pre-college students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematical-related fields recently received federal funding to continue its mission.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission awarded Fort Valley State University a $724,312 grant to support its (STEM) pipeline program: the Mathematics, Science and Engineering Academy. The four-year grant award period began in Sept. 30, 2014 and will last until 2018.

Read more here.

College of Education Dean Dr. Ed Hill speaks to students and young people at an FVSU event.

FVSU Title III Grant renewed for third year

Fort Valley State University recently received the green light to expand a program that improves student outcomes for teacher education and STEM disciplines. The program is funded through a Title III grant dedicated to strengthening historically black colleges and universities. FVSU’s renewal for a third year of funding has increased from $85,000 to $118,530.

FVSU’s College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences will use the funding for the “Improving Student Outcomes in Teacher Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program.” Specifically, the finds will provide additional academic resources for students, and renovations to improve classrooms and instructional facilities. The funds will provide for an expansion of student exam preparation and test taking initiatives that will include the edTPA assessment exam, the Ethics exam, the LiveText and iPad Air as part of the classroom training experience for 10 students.

Read more here.

Cynthia Parks, Fort Valley State University's new director of financial aid.

Parks named director of financial aid

Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith introduced Cynthia Parks as the university’s new director of financial aid on Oct. 9 during a Leadership Council Meeting in the Wildcat Commons Club House. Parks was not present for the meeting.

"Many, if not most, universities and colleges within our state face challenges with financial aid management and operations, partly because of the complexities involved and because of personnel and technology deficits of one kind or another,” Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith said. “We are no different in this respect. But we have started making improvements in both areas, setting the stage to be both different and better in our Financial Aid operations. The appointment of Ms. Cynthia Parks is part of that becoming different and better. I am excited about the quantum leap that she will help facilitate in this critical enterprise. Because of her wealth of experience and track record of accomplishments at Georgia Regents University, our students soon will begin to see the tangible improvements in this area.”

Read more here.

A training session at Fort Valley State University's 2013 Grantsmanship Institute.

2014 Grantsmanship Institute and Training Conference to teach

grant proposal strategies

At an upcoming conference on Fort Valley State University’s campus, grant writers will learn expert tips to properly write, edit and prepare proposals to win grant money.

The university’s Office of Sponsored Programs will hold its 10th Annual Grantsmanship Institute and Training Conference (GITC) on Thursday, Nov. 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. The theme of this year’s event is “Reaching Beyond the Boundaries.”

Read more here.

Woodie Hughes Jr., FVSU's interim 4-H statewide program leader, was recently selected to serve on two national committees.

Cooperative Extension employee named to national committee appointments

Fort Valley State University's interim 4-H statewide program leader was recently selected to serve as the 1890 regional chair representative for the National 4-H Council, National 4-H Healthy Living Management Team.

Woodie Hughes Jr. will begin his one-year term in 2015. As regional chair, Hughes will be responsible for conducting monthly management team meetings with all 1890 4-H program leaders and designated 1890 4-H healthy living liaisons.

Hughes, nominated for the position by 4-H colleagues from other 1890 Land-Grant institutions, said he plans to play a positive role in empowering youth through 4-H at the national level. “By being at the table, you’re right there as decisions are being made that affect the entire Cooperative Extension System,” Hughes said.

Read more here.

Dr. Brou Kouakou, a Fort Valley State University associate professor of ruminant nutrition, lectures to a group of students from Honduras interested in a study abroad experience at Fort Valley State University.

College of Agriculture earns approximately $700,000 in grant funds

Students, community members and farmers may soon reap benefits from approximately $700,000 in grants funds earned by faculty in Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology.

Dr. Brou Kouakou, FVSU associate professor of ruminant nutrition, Dr. Sarwan Dhir, FVSU associate professor of plant biotechnology, Dr. George McCommon, FVSU associate professor of veterinary sciences and Dr. Hari Singh, research assistant professor, each received an 1890 Capacity Building Grant.

Read more here.

(From L-R) Misty Rigdon, a seventh- grade teacher at Bacon County Middle School in Alma; Elayne Whitten, program coordinator for the Chattahoochee-Flint Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center (GYSTC) and Julie Scott, a teacher from Tattnall Square Academy in Macon, take part in a STEM exercise during the GYSTC Academy held at FVSU’s Otis O’Neal Veterinary Technology Building on Sept. 22.

Teachers visit campus to participate in STEM Academy

According to the National Math and Science Initiative, 35 percent of eighth-grade students nationally met proficiency levels in mathematics in the year 2013.

To assist local middle school teachers in helping students become proficient in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, Fort Valley State University hosted the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center (GYSTC) STEM Teacher Academy on Sept. 22. The STEM academy drew more than 10 teachers and regional GYSTC coordinators to FVSU’s Otis O’Neal Veterinary Science Building.

Read more here.

Fort Valley State University's Department of Information Technology won the Providing Awesome Wildcat Service Award for excellence in customer service for August.

FVSU president presents PAWS Awards

Fort Valley State University recently recognized one individual and two university departments for providing outstanding customer service to the local campus community.

Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith presented Providing Awesome Wildcat Service Awards (PAWS) to the former director of Academic Counseling and Coordinator of Differently-Abled Services and professor of psychology Dr. Jerry Haywood, FVSU’s Office of Information Technology, and the Office of Marketing and Communications during a meeting on Oct. 6.

Read more here.

Campus pauses to honor Constitution Day

Representatives of the Fort Valley State University Criminal Justice Club, Historical Society, Honors Program, and the Political Science Student Association hosted a two-day session, Sept. 17 and 18, for Constitution Day 2014. During this year's event, students discussed various aspects about the historical document and its significance as the supreme law of the land.

Read more here.

Simmons speaks before Rainbow PUSH Coalition

A Fort Valley State University administrator recently attended a national conference aimed at creating opportunities for young people.

The Rainbow Push Coalition invited Dr. Romelda Simmons, FVSU’s director of Career and Alumni Services, to serve as a panelist during its 15th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference, Oct. 2-4, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. The theme was “Discovery to Recovery: Thriving in a Changing Economy.”

Simmons was invited to present career advice and information. On Oct. 4, Simmons served on the Career Planning-Innovation and Technology Panel about changes that drive today’s economy. Simmons talked about the skills students need in order to pursue their chosen occupations and professional careers, and talked to the audience about ways to motivate students to enter STEM-related fields.

She served with panelists that included representatives from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Black Silicon Valley, CFY-Atlanta, Georgia Power and MARTA. The Rainbow Push Coalition, founded in 1996 by the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., is an organization dedicated to fighting for social change.

For details, contact Simmons at (478) 825-6350.

FVSU alumna Dr. Krystal Lynn Conner, vice president of ENVIRO Ag Science.

FVSU to hold annual Founder’s Day Convocation

Fort Valley State University will honor the 18 men that laid the foundation for the institution's existence during the annual Founders Day Convocation at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Health and Physical Education Complex.

This year’s keynote speaker will be FVSU alumna Dr. Krystal Lynn Conner, vice president of ENVIRO AgScience, Inc., a 30-year-old, family-owned construction management and commercial landscape firm in Columbia, S.C.

Read more here.

Repairs on Fort Valley State University's pool began on Oct. 6.

FVSU pool to reopen this fall

Dr. Dwayne Crew, Fort Valley State University’s associate vice president of Business and Finance, recently announced construction on the campus pool began on Oct. 6 and said the facility is on schedule to reopen in December 2014.

“Aqua Designs, a pool contractor from Fayetteville, Ga., is completing the renovation work of the pool,” Crew said. In 2009, FVSU’s pool was closed after a crack in its foundation was discovered. Earlier this year, FVSU president Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith secured $400,000 from the University System of Georgia to repair the pool.

The administrator says Aqua Designs learned that it will need to replace the original piping in the pool. The system, which has been inoperational for the last five years, is not working properly. Furthermore, the contractor will need to dig a deeper foundation, than was originally projected, for the pool.

"Our president has asked that we plan a ribbon-cutting and pool party," Crew said. "We expect the event to be held before the end of this calendar year."

Update: FVSU's radio station to hit the airways January 2015

Bobby Dickey, chair of Fort Valley State University’s Fine Arts, Humanities and Mass Communications Department, recently announced the radio station will begin operations on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015.

The campus station’s power will leap from 100 watts to 6,000 watts. FVSU radio broadcasts will be heard in Warner Robins, Macon, and throughout the Middle Georgia area.

The university also is in the process signing a lease for a tower and purchasing a building for the new station. According to Dickey, the station will help the campus recruit and retain new students, and market the university to a broader audience.

For more information, contact Dickey at (478) 825-6387.

Jasmine Bowers, 2013 FVSU graduate

Atlanta Blackstar magazine names FVSU alum to national Black prodigy list

A young Fort Valley State University Wildcat alum is continuing to get high recognition because of her work ethic. The Atlanta Blackstar, an online publication, recently named 2013 alum Jasmine Bowers to its “12 Black Prodigies You’ve Probably Never Heard Of” list.

Atlanta Blackstar magazine covers narratives related to individuals of African-American descent. The magazine recognized Bowers for her efforts to educate young people about financial literacy.

At Fort Valley State University, Bowers earned dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science. She is currently attending North Carolina A&T State University as a graduate student. Earlier this year, online publication The Root named Bowers to its “2014 Young Futurists” list, which features high achievers in science, business, social justice, the arts and the environment.

For details, call Marketing and Communications at (478) 825-6319.

Four FVSU students selected for Georgia Lottery internships

Four Fort Valley State University students received a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes operations of the Peach State’s Lottery.

FVSU students Joshua Farmer, Tracie Hite, Alonda Miller and Kimberly Ivey, were selected for internships at the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The students assisted with retailer training on lottery equipment, creating databases for the corporation, and scheduling meetings.

Read more here.

A Fort Valley State University student signs up for the university's
Graduate Professional Day on Oct. 15.

FVSU holds Graduate Professional Day

Fort Valley State recently held its 2014 Graduate Professional Day on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

At the event, students networked with employers and graduate school recruiters inside the C.W. Pettigrew Center.

To view images from the event, visit FVSU's Flickr stream.

Brenda Rivera-Brignoni in a traditional Brazilian outfit.

FVSU student visits Brazil

A Fort Valley State University student took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit Brazil recently. Fantasy Tours Inc., a travel agency started by FVSU alums Tommy and Gwendolyn McMullins, provided the trip to Brenda Rivera-Brignoni, a graduating FVSU senior and a student in the Honors Program. Rivera-Brignoni only had to pay for her visa, travel to Los Angeles and plane ticket down to Brazil, which cost approximately $2,000.

The rest of the costs (totaling about $7,000) were covered by the travel agency, which included internal country and other travel, site entrance fees, meals and hotel fees. The student visited the cities of Salvador, Bahia, Rio De Janiero, Manuas and Iguaçu.

Fort Valley State Director of Career and Alumni Services Romelda Simmons, FVSU seniors Eric Ackaah and Joshua Farmer, President Griffith, FVSU seniors Jeremy Wimes and Kelli Russell, and Director of Undergraduate Research and Biotechnology Dr. Sarwan Dhir.

Outstanding students share scholarly achievements at FVSU

Leadership Council

Fort Valley State University administrators, deans and leaders listened to trailblazing students share details of their summer internships during the recent University Leadership Council on Oct. 9.

The University Leadership Council is a 70-member body that comprises the university's president, cabinet members, deans, directors and department chairs.

The group included Kelli Russell, a plant science-biotechnology student; Joshua Farmer, a senior majoring in management, Jeremy Wimes, a senior majoring in plant science-biotechnology, and Eric Ackaah, a senior majoring in computer sciences.

Read the entire article here.

FVSU releases research report

Fort Valley State University recently released an annual report detailing the globally connected agriculture-related research initiatives taking place on the university’s campus.

In addition to highlighting FVSU researchers' exploration of methods to improve the production of goat meat raised for market, the 2014 Research Report also details development of natural, anti-parasitic livestock feeds (like Tannin), and the growth of the sorghum plant for biofuels.

Additionally, individuals can also learn about cutting-edge scholarship research taking place on Neem plant to help peach growers and organic farmers practice sustainable agriculture, and viability of small farmers in Georgia of growing the Stevia plant (as a sugar substitute). The report also discusses the production of goat milk soap and ice cream on FVSU’s campus.

Read FVSU’s 2014 Research Report here: http://ag.fvsu.edu/files/3814/1219/6373/2014ResearchReport.pdf

Fort Valley State University prospective students during Saturdy's Open House on campus.

Fall Open House held for prospective students

Prospective students and their families had the chance to get to know Fort Valley State University’s academic offerings and campus life activities during the recent Fall Open House.
The event was held Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included sessions on financial aid and admissions as well as tours and information on campus clubs and student organizations.

“We want to expose more of the student services and beauty of our campus to help young people make an informed decision about choosing our university over other ones,” said. Sha-Ron Jones, FVSU’s director of recruitment. “Potential students interacted with current students, faculty and staff. They also toured our classrooms, laboratories, computer labs and residence halls.”

Prospective students also attended Saturday's football game against Limestone College at the Wildcat Stadium on campus. The Wildcats beat Limestone 24-19.

See highlights from the Open House here.

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.

Fall 2014 Open House
2014 Superintendents Meeting
TRIO Fall Training
Kolorstruck
Working for the Government Seminar
Melba Moore Meet and Greet
Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Ga.
4-H Field Day
Graduate Professional Day

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Homecoming 2014 Schedule of Activities

Sunday, October 19, 2014

6 p.m.
Gospel Concert
C. W. Pettigrew Center

Monday, October 20, 2014

12 p.m.
Kick-Off
HPE Complex

7 p.m.
Comedy Showcase
Pettigrew Center

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014

1 p.m.
SGA Student Appreciation Day
Lyons Students Center

9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Party in Paris/Late Night Breakfast

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

10 a.m.
Third Meeting of Global Initiatives Council
Pettigrew Center

12:30 p.m.
Presidential Excellence Lecture
"Ebola as a Dynamic International Disease"

6 p.m.
First Lady Appreciation Reception
C. W. Pettigrew Center
Invitation Only

7 p.m.
FVSU Night at Rigby's Entertainment Complex
Warner Robins, Ga.
*Bus signup in Campus Life, Student Amenities Center - Free with FVSU ID

Thursday, October 23, 2014

12 p.m.
Connie O. Smith Queen's Brunch
Student Amenities Center
Invitation-Only

7 p.m.
Coronation
Health and Physical Education Complex

Friday, October 24, 2014

8:30 a.m.
FVSU NAA Inc. Golf Tournament
Location: The Landings Golf Club - Warner Robins, Ga.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FVSU Class Registration/Meet and Greet
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 110

12 p.m.
Gladyce C. Sampson Memorial Scholarship Luncheon
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 103-104

FVSU NAA, Inc. Fish Fry
C. W. Pettigrew Center, Lawn

2 p.m.
FVSU NAA Inc. Business Meeting
C. W. Pettigrew Center, Auditorium

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1969 Meeting
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 107

6 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Lifetime Membership Reception
Student Amenities Center

7 p.m.

FVSU NAA Inc. Hunt Bond Troup Gala
Student Amenities Building

FVSU Class of 1974 Reunion Celebration
Pettigrew Center 110

9 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Hospitality
Perry Arts Center
Perry, Ga.

9 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Warner Robins Chapter “Old School Jam”
VFW Corder Road
Warner Robins, Ga.

9 p.m. – until
FVSUNAA, Inc. Carolinas Alumni Chapter “Dance”
American Legion Post 172
Warner Robins, Ga.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

7:30 a.m.
43rd Annual FVSU Agricultural Alumni Breakfast
Pettigrew Center, 103 - 104

9 a.m.
Homecoming Parade
Downtown Fort Valley

10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
FVSU Class of 1964 Brunch
Georgia Room

11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1974 Meet and Greet
Pettigrew Center, 110

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1965 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 106

FVSU Class of 1970 Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 104

FVSU Class of 1975 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 107

FVSU Class of 1984 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 103

FVSU Class of 1985 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 102

2 p.m.
Homecoming Game
FVSU Wildcats vs. Paine College Lions

6 p.m.- 9p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Hospitality
Miller-Murphy Howard Building
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agri-center, Perry, Ga.

8p.m.
Stepshow (Stompfest 2014)
Health and Physical Education Complex

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.