Office of the President: January 2015

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 • Vol. 2, No.8

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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2014 YEAR IN REVIEW EDITION

2014 was an amazing year for Fort Valley State University. We celebrated major milestones, including the inauguration of a new president, our first FVSU Day at the Capitol and even partied with the Fly Jock Tom Joyner and his amazing radio team for homecoming. We also welcomed a new provost and deans, enjoyed several national rankings highlighting our outstanding accomplishments and applauded the amazing achievements of our students, faculty and staffers.

We invite you to join us as we look back at some of those FVSU Wildcat 2014 highlights.

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A Happy New Year from the President and First Lady

New is the year; new are the hopes, new is the resolution; new are the spirits and new are our warm wishes just for you. Here is wishing you an amazing New Year from the FVSU Wildcat Family.
---- Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith and First Lady Francille Griffith

CLICK HERE FOR DR. IVELAW GRIFFITH'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

The inauguration of Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith

Did you miss the investiture ceremony for Fort Valley State University's ninth president, Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith? Visit the following links to find out what you've missed.

Inauguration website: http://inauguration.fvsu.edu/

Inauguration media resources: http://inauguration.fvsu.edu/inauguration_media

Inauguration address:

Members of the Class of 1964 present a $70,000 check to Dr. Melody Carter, vice president of External Affairs(far left).

Alums of the Year - Class of 1964

The Fort Valley State University Class of 1964 made a historic donation that broke previous giving records. The class donated $70,000 on May 2 as part of its 50-year reunion and celebration.

Tommy McMullins, a member of the FVSU Golden Class of 1964 and the group’s fundraising chair, said he hopes the gift inspires other alums to give back to Fort Valley State.

“We understand that there is a great need for student scholarships and support of the university and we wanted to set an example and as alumni, someone has to step up to the plate and hopefully we did,” said McMullins of Alta Dena, California. “If $70,000 is the largest gift then that means something. It means that it’s going to challenge other classes to do similarly and if they do, then we’ll come back and beat them.”

A large screen announces the FVSU Day at the Capitol on March 12, 2014.

Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith shakes the hand of Student Government Association Vice President Rena Ingram after his inauguration on April 11 in the Health and Physical Education Complex.

Fort Valley community welcomes its new mayor, Barbara B. Williams, a FVSU alum, at her inauguration on Jan. 17, 2014.

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education named FVSU number one in the country for producing African-American mathematics graduates.

Presidential highlights and initiatives

The University Board of Regents inaugurated Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith as the ninth president of Fort Valley State University on Friday, April 11, 2014.

He celebrated his first year in office in July 2014 at a special ceremony.

Here is a list of highlights president has launched during 2014.

Cabinet Appointments

Fort Valley State University president announces two new appointments to his leadership team
In an ongoing effort to enhance campus leadership and support key strategic initiatives, Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith recently announced the addition of two new cabinet members.

The new members are Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly, associate vice president for Careers and Collaborative Programs and founder/director of the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP), and Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., director of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The promotions will become effective May 1.

Professors rise to international prominence during 2014

Last year, Fort Valley State University faculty earned national prominence for their scholastic research and academic contributions.

U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, appointed FVSU College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology dean, Dr. Govind Kannan, to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Kannan will serve a two-year term on the board from 2014 until 2016.

Wildcat staff highlights for 2014

Fort Valley State University’s staff received national recognition for their expertise, professionalism and work ethic in 2014.

Several employees were recognized by national organizations. In addition to the honors they received, the university’s staff council selected new leadership in 2014 after being reactivated by President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith in 2013.

FVSU’s assistant administrator for Community Development and Outreach, Cooperative Extension program, Joy Moten-Thomas was elected as the council chair in July 2014. Other officers included Ashley Ballard, vice chair; Deborah Tucker, secretary; and Elsie Ridley, treasurer.

Read more highlights 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).

(From L-R) Brandon Beaty, a junior plant science- biotechnology major, and senior FVSU plant science- biotechnology majors Jasmine Scott and Ashley Norris. Plant science biotechnology majors’ present research in Dubai at the 4th Annual International Conference on Biotech March 11.

Jhameka Jones, senior family and consumer sciences major, recently earned “The Most Outstanding Student Award” from the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumers Sciences.

FVSU students shine in 2014

FVSU students repeatedly pushed and exceeded the bar for high achievement inside and outside the classroom in 2014.

Here are some highlights and student accomplishments for the previous year.

Future researchers attend conference in Washington, D.C. - Joseph Nesbit, a senior agricultural education major, received the First Place Poster Award in the Ecology, Environmental and Earth Sciences category at the Emerging Researchers National Conference in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Nesbit was among 800 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members in attendance.

Read more highlights here.

Members of The Fort Valley Links, Incorporated present Fort Valley State University President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith with a check for scholarship funds for students.

Dr. Issac Crumbly, vice president of Collaborative Programs (far left), Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, (second, left), Dr. Uppinder Mehan, College of Arts and Sciences dean (far right) and Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (left center) recently received a $5,000 check from Northrop Grumman Finance Manager Larry Wingate (right center) and Human Resources Manager Keri Pierce (second left).

FVSU gains major support in 2014

For Fort Valley State University, last year was a banner year in the area of external funding. The university received several major grants that will help fund students scholarships and launch new programs on campus. Read the briefs below for an overview of the grant money that FVSU received in 2014.

FVSU receives a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety - Fort Valley State University’s Valley Behavioral Services Counseling Center received $6,500 in funding from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to continue an alcohol awareness program aimed at reducing the number of drunk driver crashes among college-age students.

FVSU Articulation Agreements in 2014

Here is a list of Articulation agreements that Fort Valley State University made with other external organizations and campuses during 2014.

FVSU inks new agreement with the City of Warner Robins - On May 30, FVSU President Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith and Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms inked a new articulation agreement that will allow FVSU students to give future law enforcement officers real-life experience with the city’s police department. It will also help with the city’s efforts to recruit more officers and bring in more minority workers.

Fort Valley State University pens articulation agreement with Georgia Military College

Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, president of Fort Valley State University and Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell IV, president of Georgia Military College (GMC), recently signed an articulation agreement that makes it easier for GMC students to attend Fort Valley State. The articulation agreement signing took place June 10, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the legislative chamber of the Old Capitol Building on GMC’s campus in Millidgeville, Georgia.

FVSU signs articulation agreement with CGTC

Fort Valley State University administrators recently traveled to Warner Robins to sign an agreement that will help technical college students get an edge in their future career goals by securing a four-year degree.

The university signed an articulation agreement with Central Georgia Technical College on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. on the CGTC’s Warner Robins campus. The document allows CGTC criminal justice students working on their associate’s degrees to enroll at FVSU’s campus and pursue their bachelor’s.

Edward Boston, FVU's new senior director for Career and Alumni Services

Dr. Jessica Bailey, FVSU's new provost.

Administrative appointments and new hires

Fort Valley State University’s had a number of administrative changes, promotions and new staff members to join during 2014. Read the following briefs to learn about the new hires, promotions and notable appointments campus last year.

FVSU hires new executive director for Office of Marketing and Communications - The university recently named Pamela Berry-Johnson as the new director of the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Fort Valley State University president announces two new appointments to his leadership team - In an ongoing effort to enhance campus leadership and support key strategic initiatives, FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith recently announced the addition of two new cabinet members. The new members are Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly, associate vice president for Careers and Collaborative Programs and founder/director of the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP), and Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., director of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The promotions will become effective May 1.

Read more highlights here.

Fort Valley State University employee Florine Sturn (right) receives her award from Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (middle) and Dr. Dwayne Crew, associate vice president
of Business and Finance (left).

FVSU 2014 Providing Awesome Wildcat Service (PAWS) winners

APRIL
Florine Sturn – Plant Operations Custodian

Providing Awesome Wildcat Service Award winners Bryan Bird, director of Campus Life (left); Dr. Romelda Simmons, director of FVSU's Office of Career and Alumni Services; and Willie Johnson, assistant director of Head Start Manager and Education and Mental Health manager, accept their awards from FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith.

MAY
Brian Byrd – Director of Campus Life

JUNE
Willie Johnson, FVSU Head Start Manager

JULY
Dr. Romelda Simmons, director of Campus Life

Fort Valley State University's Department of Information Technology won the Providing Awesome Wildcat Service Award for excellence in customer service for August 2014.

AUGUST
FVSU Information Technology Department

SEPTEMBER
Dr. Jerry Haywood, professor of psychology

OCTOBER
Marketing and Communications

Jon Chaffin, FVSU alum that plays Warlock in Tyler Perry's "The Haves and Have Nots."

FVSU 2014 Alumni Spotlights

Fort Valley State University alums are making strides in the professional realm in 2014. Catch up on some FVSU Alumni Spotlights that you might have missed.

Barbara B. Williams - The City of Fort Valley recently elected Barbara B. Williams, a 1971 FVSU alum, as its new mayor. She is the first African-American female mayor of the city.

Jasmine Bowers - The 22-year-old, who was named to the 2014 Young Futurists list, was identified as one of the nation’s rising stars by The Root, an Internet news and opinion site that is published by the Slate Group.

Dr. Vernard L. Hodges - The philanthropist along with fellow FVSU alum, Dr. Terrence Ferguson, owns Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospitals in Bonaire, Ga.

See the full list here.

FVSU Ag Advice Column: Winter care for pets

Dr. George McCommon, head of Fort Valley State University’s Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health and director of the State Animal Facilities for Emergencies (SAFE) Center, provides tips below that will help to keep pets healthy and safe during winter weather and holiday festivities.

For more tips on how to care for your pets in Winter, download this pamphlet.

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.

Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown (center) joined Fort Valley State University Associate Director of Athletics LuWanna Williams (left) and members of the Wildcats Basketball team in 2014.

Fort Valley State University's 2014 Year in Review 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.

Snow at FVSU - Jan 2014
FVSU Scholarship Luncheon
Farm Bill Signing
CDEP Recruitment Conference
Bow Tie Thursday
First Wall of Wisdom Unveiling
President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith Investiture Ceremony
Ham & Eggs Legislative Breakfast
Research Day
Administrative Professional Day
Spring Commencement
Carolyn Pitts 100th Birthday Celebration
Nigerian Consulate Visit FVSU
Father's Day Breakfast
FAME Camp
Ag Discovery Camp
Summer Kids Camp
NAA Conference
President's 1st Anniversary Celebration
Biannual Global Initiatives Council Meeting
Faculty Staff Institute
Freshman Convocation
International Cultural Festival & Soccer Exhibition
Melba Moore Meet & Greet
Happy Hour with Tom Joyner and Team
Ebola Lecture
Tom Joyner & Team Visits FVSU
Homecoming
Barbados Recruitment
Christmas Lighting
Staff Council Holiday Social
Fall Commencement
December Holiday Reception

COMING SOON - The FVSU Mobile App AND the new Website

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

Jan. 23 and 24 - ILead Conference
Feb. 11, 2015 - FVSU at the Capitol
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.

Twenty Colleges with the Lowest Student Loan Debt

Columbus State Routs Fort Valley State

Farm Bill changes to be discussed in Fort Valley

VSU women drop home opener to Fort Valley

Are you ready to make a gift today?

We have several options to make it easy and secure for you.

Text to Give: Text “Wildcats” to 52000. A $5 donation will be charged to the givers’ wireless bill or deducted from a prepaid balance.

All charges are billed by and payable to mobile service providers. The account holder must authorize donations.

Messaging and data rates may apply.

Online: Visit http://www.fvsu.edu/give-online to make a secure gift today.

By Phone: Contact the Fort Valley State University Foundation, Inc. at (478) 825-6474.

By Mail: Fort Valley State University Foundation, Inc. 1005 State University Drive Fort Valley, GA 31030 Please complete the attached PAN, specifying where you would like the gift to be designated (i.e. FVSU Marching Band, Annual Scholarship Luncheon, Athletics, etc; ).