Fort Valley State University President

University System of Georgia; Fort Valley (GA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Valley State University is seeking a visionary, relationship-driven leader to become the next president. The board of regents seeks a results-oriented executive to advance student success, research, extension and experiential learning, and to guide the university’s growth and impact in Georgia and beyond.

The president will steward a land‑grant, public HBCU with a storied history, foster partnerships with industry and communities, sustain enrollment, strengthen academic excellence, and

Job description

Fort Valley State University

President

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia seeks avisionary, relationship-driven and results-oriented leader to serve as the next president of Fort Valley State University (FVSU), Georgia's only land-grant Historically Black College and University (HBCU). As one of 25 public institutions within the University System of Georgia, FVSU occupies a distinctive place in higher education, combining a rich land-grant heritage with a mission centered on access, student success and service to communities across Georgia and beyond.

For more than 130 years, Fort Valley State has transformed lives through academic excellence, research, extension and experiential learning. Today, the university is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities for innovation, impact and student success. This leader will have the opportunity to guide an institution with a distinguished history and a clear commitment to preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Located in the heart of Georgia, FVSU serves more than 3,100 students through 29 undergraduate majors and a growing portfolio of academic programs aligned with workforce and community needs. The university's distinctive strengths include agriculture, STEM disciplines, nursing, counseling and education. FVSU is home to Georgia's only four-year veterinary technology program and the nationally recognized Cooperative Developmental Energy Program, which creates pathways for students pursuing careers in engineering, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geoscience and related fields through partnerships with leading energy organizations.

Fort Valley State is experiencing measurable institutional momentum. The university has recorded enrollment growth over the past two fall terms, increased summer enrollment for four consecutive years and strengthened first-year student retention for three consecutive years. FVSU has been recognized as the top public HBCU in Georgia for nine consecutive years and ranks among the nation's leading institutions for social mobility, reflecting its enduring commitment to expanding access and upward mobility while transforming lives through education.

Fort Valley State University's next president will have the opportunity to build on the institution's strong trajectory by advancing student success, sustaining enrollment growth, strengthening academic excellence and elevating the university's profile across Georgia and beyond. The president will further position FVSU as a destination for students seeking an affordable, high-quality education and as a leader in workforce development, innovation and community engagement.

The successful candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with a record of driving strategic results in complex organizations and inspiring diverse constituencies around a shared purpose. While experience in higher education or the public sector is valued, Fort Valley State University welcomes candidates from a broad range of sectors whose leadership experience aligns with the scope and responsibilities of the presidency. The next president will bring strong financial and operational acumen, a demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships and philanthropic support, and a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of HBCUs and land-grant institutions. As a visible, accessible and engaged leader, the president will strengthen relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders and industry partners while advancing the university's mission and long-term priorities.

The complete search profile and additional information are available on the presidential webpage.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office, the Georgia Public Library Service and the Georgia Archives. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability and Respect.

These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom, found at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Fort Valley State University is committed to equal opportunity and employment decisions based on merit. In accordance with applicable federal and state law and University System of Georgia policy, FVSU prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex or veteran status. Employment decisions are based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications necessary to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.