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
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Shanah Sharpe
FVSU Alum Spotlight: Shanah Sharpe
Where are you from?
I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica. I moved to Atlanta, Ga. when I was fifteen years of age (tenth grade). How did you end up at FVSU and when did you graduate? I learned about Fort Valley State University while I was a senior in high school. FVSU was among the schools that visited my high school (Westlake High). I was very fascinated by the recruiters and the passion the students expressed while describing their experience to us. Thus, I applied and was accepted. FVSU was one of my top two choices of selection for colleges (Bethune-Cookman was the second). However, my father quickly narrowed my choice down since the HOPE scholarship was available if I stayed in the state of Georgia. Hence, I enrolled at FVSU in 2009 where I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics four years later (2013). Read more here. 
FVSU alum Earl Lockette shares the amazing story of his son's Super Bowl 2015 journey.
His son, Ricardo Lockette, is a former FVSU football standout and current wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. This will be Ricardo Lockette's third straight Super Bowl appearance.
 Two FVSU online programs ranked top in the nation
Affordable Colleges Foundation (ACF), a resource for online learning and college affordability information, recently published its new ranking of 2015’s Top Online degree programs. ACF used a proprietary scoring system to evaluate hundreds of colleges with the best online psychology program options. Fort Valley State University’s online criminal justice program was ranked 21st in the nation, and its psychology program was ranked 24th.
“Our recent rankings in the top 25 of the nation’s best online degree programs in Criminal Justice and Psychology are testament to not only the economic value of Fort Valley State University degrees but also to the dedication and excellence of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Uppinder Mehan, FVSU’s dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “While online degrees allow students greater flexibility in reaching their goals they pose unique challenges, and our students benefit from faculty and staff who are experts in their disciplines as well as knowledgeable about the online world.” Read more here.  Fort Valley State University contractors recently completed repairs on the pool. 
Administrators and students cut the ribbon.
 FVSU's pool re-opens
During Middle Georgia’s coldest months, Wildcat students and the local community can warm up by taking a dip in Fort Valley State University’s newly re-opened pool.
To celebrate, the university held a Big Splash pool re-opening and ribbon cutting on Jan. 30 in the Health and Physical Education Complex. Fort Valley State University president Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, first lady Francille Griffith, and members of the campus’ royal court and Student Government Association cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of repairs on the pool. Read more here.  HBCU Digest Interview with FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
Fort Valley State University president Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith was recently featured in HBCU Digest's presidential podcast series. The interview was conducted by Jarrett Carter, founding editor of HBCU Digest. Hear the podcast by visiting this website.
 Jessie Jackson and Magnify Money host financial literacy class at FVSU
Fort Valley State University and a national organization supported by civil rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr. joined forces to offer FVSU students and Middle Georgia citizens a financial literary class designed to help them become better consumer advocates.
The university hosted two financial literacy classes called “Foundations for College Success and Lifelong Learning” on Thursday, Jan. 29 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. The sessions were lead by Nick Clements, a former banker turned consumer advocate and co-founder of MagnifyMoney.com.  FVSU's CDEP to host 32nd Annual Energy Career Day Conference
Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (will celebrate its 32nd Annual Energy Career Day and Student Recruitment Conference on Feb. 22-24, 2015. A Scholarship Awards Luncheon will be held 11:15 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23 in the C.W. Pettigrew Center.
The university’s program will present six high school students with $300,000 in scholarships. Each scholarship, which will allow students to attend CDEP’s dual-degree program is valued at $50,000 each. During the luncheon, members of the audience will include representatives from industry and government, state legislators, CDEP scholarship recipients, CDEP alumni and faculty. Read more here. 
Nassau, Bahamas
FVSU seeks Bahamian students at Recruitment Fair
A Fort Valley State University recruiter will fly to the Caribbean later this month to share information about the university’s academic programs during an upcoming recruitment fair.
Calandra Wright, the university’s director of admissions, will attend the Freeport/Nassau College Fair in the Bahamas. She will speak with potential students at the Nassau fair on Feb. 27 at The College of the Bahamas in Oakes Field, Nassau. “The recruitment trip by Director of Admissions Calandra Wright is our university’s second international recruitment outreach, following that to Barbados last November,” said Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, president of Fort Valley State. “As was the case in Barbados, I’m calling on my personal network in Bahamas to help make that venture successful. But unlike Barbados, we also will be engaging alums in the Bahamas, both to aid that February recruitment venture and to re-activate the Bahamas alumni chapter. Senior Director Edward Boston is spear-heading that aspect.” Read more here. 
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members and honorees at the Martin Luther King Scholarship and Awards Luncheon.
FVSU students receive scholarships from fraternity
A fraternal organization awarded two Fort Valley State University students scholarships that will help cover the expenses of attending college.
Gamma Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., a fraternity committed to fostering the spirit of brotherhood and training a new generation of leaders, awarded Brian Cornish, an FVSU sophomore, and Andrew Crosby, a senior majoring in Middle Grades Education, $1,500 scholarships during its 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship and Awards Luncheon held Jan. 19 at First Baptist Church Garmon Street New Beginnings Center. Read more here.  FVSU to host teacher educator conference
This month, Fort Valley State University will host a conference that will provide teacher educator programs at historically black colleges with strategies to help increase the number of instructors of color within the classroom. On Feb. 17-18, the university will host "A Call to Action: Raising the TIDES: Teaching Preparation Investigating Dimensions of Excellence and Service in the C. W. Pettigrew Center.
During the event, Dr. Ivory A. Toldson, deputy director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, will address administrators, professors and students at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The deputy directory has been featured on MSNBC, C-SPAN2, NPR News and publications including The Washington Post, New York Times, Newsweek Magazine and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Read more here.  High school student conducts experiments at Fort Valley State University
Auriel Wright, a senior attending Northeast High School in Macon, Ga., was looking for an adequate laboratory to conduct agriculture research. An encounter with an instructor from Fort Valley State University's College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology changed her fortunes.
Auriel learned about FVSU's facilities through Dr. Curtis Borne, a FVSU agriculture education professor while attending an FFA meeting at Northeast. "I told him about my project and how I was seeking lab space," Auriel said. Borne then told her to contact Dr. Nirmal Joshee, head of FVSU's graduate biotechnology program. "She had a wonderful project, but she did not have the necessary facilities at her own school to complete her work," Joshee said. "Because we are an agricultural research station, we are very well equipped to conduct research on plants, animals, microbes and biotechnology as a whole," said Joshee, explaining why FVSU's facilities are ideal for Auriel's experiment. Read more here. |
Participants gather in front of Wildcat Commons before the march.
A crowd honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marches down State University Boulevard.
FVSU holds annual march to honor civil rights leader
The Fort Valley State University family and community recently marched down State University Boulevard to honor the life of a slain civil rights leader. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance March took place Monday, Jan. 19. Following the march, participants entered Trinity Missionary Baptist Church for a short program about the fallen leader.
Read more here.
Student enrolls at Fort Valley State University's Fall Open House.
A current FVSU College of Education student speaks to a parent and young woman about the university's educational programs.
Two potential students in the lobby of the C.W. Pettigrew Center during FVSU's Fall Open House.
Registration opens for 2015 Open House
The Spring Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 and March 28, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. In addition to showcasing academic, research and mentoring programs, visitors will get a chance to meet and greet current students, faculty and staffers. Also scheduled is a Greek fraternity and sorority exhibition, academic bowl, basketball game and a special presentation for the 2014 FVSU Wildcat basketball players and coaches.
"Open House is an extraordinary opportunity for FVSU to showcase its Wildcat spirit," said Sha-Ron Jones, FVSU's director of recruitment. Jones says the program will give prospective students time to meet personally with college deans and professors in different academic disciplines.
Conference attendees listen to speakers at the event.
FVSU hosts two-day leadership conference for students
Fort Valley State University recently held its annual conference to help future leaders meet the professional challenges in the corporate America.
The 2014 iLead Conference took place Jan. 23-24 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center.
Chata Spikes, a media personality, writer and former FVSU professor, hosted the two-day leadership conference that featured motivational strategist Kervance Ross.
During the conference, students attended breakout sessions that helped them navigate professional settings and provided them the tools that would ensure their success in the global marketplace.
The 2014 iLead Conference took place Jan. 23-24 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center.
Chata Spikes, a media personality, writer and former FVSU professor, hosted the two-day leadership conference that featured motivational strategist Kervance Ross.
During the conference, students attended breakout sessions that helped them navigate professional settings and provided them the tools that would ensure their success in the global marketplace.
Attendees from FVSU's 2014 Scholarship Luncheon.
Reminder: FVSU to host 28th annual scholarship luncheon
Fort Valley State University’s largest scholarship luncheon to aid deserving students will be held on Feb. 16, 2015. The 28th annual FVSU Scholarship Luncheon 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.”
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.
Georgia lawmakers, administrators and Wildcat supporters at the 2014 FVSU Day at the Capitol.
Reminder: FVSU to hold second annual day at the capitol
Fort Valley State University will provide lawmakers with a glimpse into Wildcat Country during the second 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.
“Alums and supporters should not miss this special occasion,” said Kristie Kenney, director of the FVSU Foundation, Inc. "This year, the university will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the legislation that established 1890 land-grant universities. This event was launched by Dr. Mark Latimore Jr. (an FVSU Extension administrator), and we want the legislative body to know that FVSU is a premier land grant institution that is making great strides in agricultural research."
Read more here.
Shirley Ellis (left center) with Fort Valley State University
Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith (center) and Mass Communications Department
students.
Broadcast Manager receives NPBC award for second year
For the second consecutive year, Fort Valley State University's Broadcast Manager Shirley Ellis, was one of the award honorees at the annual National Broadcasting Professionals Coalition's ( NBPC) Radio & Records Awards Ceremony. During the ceremony held at the BackStage in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 14, 2014, Ellis was the recipient of a "Women in Radio & Music" award for her contributions in the radio and music industry"It's so wonderful to be recognized by my peers in the business. I am so elated to be honored with some of the most distinguished women in the business," Ellis commented about receiving the award.
Read more here.
Two employees receive PAWS awards
Two Fort Valley State University employees were recently honored for their excellent customer service to students, employees, and the community.
Sharon Palms, a retention specialist with FVSU's Center for Retention Services, and Teresa Joseph, an adviser in the university's Office of Financial Aid, received the Providing Awesome Wildcat Service Award on Jan. 21 for their commitment to customer service excellence.
FVSU president, Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, commended the employees for being good examples to others.
Read more here.
FVSU leadership team participates in SWOT analysis as part of the 2015 Strategic Planning Process at Columbus State University's Cunningham Center.
Strategic Planning Guiding co-chair Dr. Donta Truss, FVSU associate vice president for Institutional Research and Planning, reviews identified threats during a SWOT analysis.
FVSU focus group session.
President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith addresses the crowd.
FVSU launches strategic plan focus group sessions
In January 2015, Fort Valley State University kicked off a series of meetings to help the university map out its new Strategic Plan. University administrators listened to groups of stakeholders that included faculty, staff, students and members of the community.Future sessions are planned, including an Alumni/Community Focus Group meeting:
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2015
Times: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. or Noon (only one session is required)
Location: Founders Hall Auditorium
Dr. Uppinder Mehan, Fort Valley State University's dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology.
Lynn Hobbs, FVSU's vice president of Business and Finance.
FVSU holds Leadership Retreat
Fort Valley State University employees recently attended a leadership retreat session that would help them tackle the challenges on the job, Jan. 23 at the Agricultural Technology Conference Center. The theme of this year's retreat was "Facing and Fixing."
Please visit our Flickr site for photographs from the administrative retreat here.
Please visit our Flickr site for photographs from the administrative retreat here.
(Click the image for a larger view of the document)
FVSU releases latest economic impact facts
Administrators at FVSU needed to document the institution’s economic impact for the purpose of better promoting
FVSU’s value to the University System of Georgia, Peach County, community members, university
stakeholders, and state legislators.
While the University System of Georgia (USG) already conducts annual economic impact reports on its 31 constituent institutions, FVSU desired a more detailed analysis focused on its specific economic and social impacts.
To quantify FVSU’s influence on local, regional, and statewide economic development efforts, the university commissioned Hanover Research to perform both quantitative and qualitative economic impact analyses.
Hanover’s evaluation provided the following insights to supplement the USG report:
• Expense-based analysis in addition to budget-based evaluation;
• Long-term economic benefits (e.g., contributions to workforce development, increased lifetime earning power associated with the degrees achieved by its graduates); and
• Long-term social benefits (e.g., FVSU-hosted student community service and volunteer work, cultural programs, athletic events).
The validated that in fiscal year (FY) 2013, FVSU’s operating, capital, payroll, and student spending supported over 1,300 jobs and contributed nearly $139 million to the Georgia economy.
Further, based on the estimated earning potential in the state of Georgia, FVSU’s graduating class of 2012 will earn nearly $9.5 million more per year than state residents lacking comparable education credentials.
An invested member of the Fort Valley community, FVSU operates programs now proven to support a diverse cross-section of local residents. FVSU’s impact on the local economy totaled nearly $90 million in FY 2013, and supported 1,000 jobs within a six-county region surrounding the institution. The output amount was fueled by $43 million in local spending within the region by FVSU and $25 million in spending by university students.
While the University System of Georgia (USG) already conducts annual economic impact reports on its 31 constituent institutions, FVSU desired a more detailed analysis focused on its specific economic and social impacts.
To quantify FVSU’s influence on local, regional, and statewide economic development efforts, the university commissioned Hanover Research to perform both quantitative and qualitative economic impact analyses.
Hanover’s evaluation provided the following insights to supplement the USG report:
• Expense-based analysis in addition to budget-based evaluation;
• Long-term economic benefits (e.g., contributions to workforce development, increased lifetime earning power associated with the degrees achieved by its graduates); and
• Long-term social benefits (e.g., FVSU-hosted student community service and volunteer work, cultural programs, athletic events).
The validated that in fiscal year (FY) 2013, FVSU’s operating, capital, payroll, and student spending supported over 1,300 jobs and contributed nearly $139 million to the Georgia economy.
Further, based on the estimated earning potential in the state of Georgia, FVSU’s graduating class of 2012 will earn nearly $9.5 million more per year than state residents lacking comparable education credentials.
An invested member of the Fort Valley community, FVSU operates programs now proven to support a diverse cross-section of local residents. FVSU’s impact on the local economy totaled nearly $90 million in FY 2013, and supported 1,000 jobs within a six-county region surrounding the institution. The output amount was fueled by $43 million in local spending within the region by FVSU and $25 million in spending by university students.
Alums featured in Atlanta Business Journal
A prominent Atlanta publication recently featured two Fort Valley
State University alums who are blazing trails in the world of
business.
Tanya Scott-Pilcher, a United HealthCare manager of the Southeast Region, and Dr. Lawrence E. Marable, owner of Marable Dental Center, were spotlighted in the 2014 Fall Issue of the Atlanta Business Journal. Pick up a copy today!
Tanya Scott-Pilcher, a United HealthCare manager of the Southeast Region, and Dr. Lawrence E. Marable, owner of Marable Dental Center, were spotlighted in the 2014 Fall Issue of the Atlanta Business Journal. Pick up a copy today!
Save-the-Date: FVSU to show the movie Selma
The movie Selma and a panel discussion will be held March 18, 2015 at
the Health and Physical Education Complex. More details soon.
FVSU Ag Advice Column: Help Stop the Spread of the Flu Virus
Frequent hand washing is the best defense against the spreading of flu
germs. Although it may seem like common sense to some people, the
instructions for proper hand washing below are overlooked by many and
make a difference.
Read more here.
Read more here.
FVSU holds internship fair
Students
interested in gaining an edge in the business world after graduation
learned about internship opportunities that would help polish their
professional skills during the university’s Internship Fair on Jan. 21
in the Lyons Student Center.
The event was sponsored by Fort Valley State University’s Career and Alumni Services Department.
For more information about potential internship opportunities, contact FVSU’s Career and Alumni Services at (478) 825-6347.
Dr. Uppinder Mehan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
FVSU Voices: The College of Arts and Sciences Blog
Belated Happy New Year!
All the faculty, staff, and students at FVSU and the College of Arts and Sciences looked forward to the break and have come back energized and ready to learn and work.
CAS has been working on a developing new programs and concentrations and we hope to get number of them started this Fall 2015 semester.
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.
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.
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.
Inaugural Mid-Year Faculty-Staff Institute
Richard Miller's Retirement
Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Team Visit
Strategic Planning Kick-Off Event
MLK March/Program and Luncheon
PAWS Winners - Jan. 20, 2014
Faculty Senate Breakfast with President
Strategic Planning Focus Group
Leadership Retreat
iLead Conference
FVSU in the News
Did
you miss a recent event? You can catch up with the latest pictures from
Fort Valley State University events on our Flickr Stream.
FVSU's head start could get millions for child development
Students to attend FVSU on Michael Brown scholarships
Jesse Jackson speaks at Fort Valley town hall
Rev. Jesse Jackson visits Fort Valley
Reverend Jesse Jackson pushes for community involvement in Fort Valley
Reverend Jesse Jackson visits Fort Valley School
FVSU pool grand re-opening makes big splash
FVSU's Living in the Valley radio show
Fort Valley State University has a radio show called Living in the Valley. Catch up on past episodes online.
Interview with Cynthia Parks, director of Financial Aid
Interview with FVSU alum Geneva West - Real I.M.P.A.C.T.
Interview with Lisa Wilson, Office of Sponsored Programs
Interview with Dr. Isaac Crumbly, CDEP director
Interview with Dr. Dwayne Daniels, FVSU's Chemistry Chair
Interview with Terrence Wolfork and Yolanda Surrency - Mobile Technology
Interview with FVSU's Adult Learning Consortium
FVSU Living in the Valley featuring Mayor Barbara Williams
Who is FVSU
Living in the Valley featuring Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
Living in the Valley Featuring Calandra Wright
Fort Valley State University's Latest Ad
Watch Fort Valley State University's latest commercial on YouTube. To apply for admission at FVSU visit our admissions page.
COMING SOON - The FVSU Mobile App AND the new Website
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OTHER UPCOMING FVSU EVENTS
Feb. 11, 2015 - FVSU at the Capitol
Feb. 16, 2015 - FVSU Scholarship Luncheon
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