The University System of Georgia (USG) has officially launched the search for the next president of Fort Valley State University (FVSU), naming an 11-member Presidential Search Committee to lead the national search process.
The leadership transition follows the announcement by President Paul Jones that he will retire in 2026 after serving 10 years as FVSU’s president and more than 24 years within the USG. Jones will remain in his role until a successor is appointed.
Fort Valley State University is one of only three public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Georgia and serves as the state’s only 1890 land-grant institution.
“President Paul Jones has spent the past decade making FVSU into one of the South’s best public HBCUs,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “His leadership has positioned the university for continued growth while maintaining a strong focus on student success and community impact.”
The search committee will be chaired by Regent Mat Swift and includes representatives from the Board of Regents, alumni, faculty, students, state government, and university leadership. Among the members are former Albany State University President Marion Fedrick, FVSU Foundation Chairman Calvin Smyre, and FVSU Student Government Association President Jenniya Sams.
Search Committee Members:
- Regent Mat Swift (Chair)
- Regent Chris Cannon
- Regent T. Dallas Smith
- Marion Fedrick
- Terrence Ferguson
- Olivia Langevine
- Dr. Berlethia Pitts
- Jenniya Sams
- Calvin Smyre
- State Rep. Patty Marie Stinson
- Dr. Jeff Washington
The committee will hold its initial meeting on July 27, when members will be formally charged with overseeing the search process. Following its review, the committee will recommend three to five unranked finalists to the Board of Regents for consideration.