The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named members of the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Presidential Search Committee. The committee will conduct a national search for a new president to lead one of only three public historically Black colleges and universities in Georgia, and the state’s only 1890 land-grant institution.

In January 2026, current FVSU President Paul Jones announced his plans to retire, concluding a decade of service as the university’s 10^th president and more than 24 years of service within the university system. Jones will remain in place until his successor is named.

“President Paul Jones has spent the past decade making FVSU into one of the South’s best public HBCUs,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “That work has laid a strong foundation for a university that plays a critical role in the vitality of the state and especially rural Georgia. It allows the next president to keep building on its 130-year legacy. Most importantly, it keeps the focus right where it belongs: on student success and making a real impact in the community.”

Members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows:

• Regent Mat Swift, committee chair
• Regent Chris Cannon
• Regent Dallas Smith
• Marion Fedrick, senior advisor on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiatives, USG; former president, Albany State University
• Terrence Ferguson, alumnus; veterinarian
• Olivia Langevine, chief of staff, USG
• Berlethia Pitts, Ph.D., professor, College of Arts and Sciences; coordinator for the Languages and Liberal Studies unit of the Department of Arts and Humanities
• Jenniya Sams, president, FVSU Student Government Association
• Calvin Smyre, alumnus; former legislator; chairman, FVSU Foundation
• State Rep. Patty Marie Stinson, legislator 
• Jeff Washington, Ph.D., alumnus; principal, Eagle Springs Elementary School

“Our focus is on finding a leader who understands how unique and vital Fort Valley State University is to our state,” Regent Swift said. “FVSU’s faculty, staff, alumni and campus community have a dedicated history of helping talented students embrace their potential and achieve long-term success. We want a new president who will keep championing that mission while ensuring our graduates are ready to step directly into the workforce as global leaders, whether they are pioneering breakthroughs in STEM research, leading the way in agribusiness or launching careers in veterinary science.”

The Presidential Search Committee will guide the first stage of the search, with support from Ann Yates, USG’s new vice chancellor of executive talent. Yates brings more than 20 years of national higher education search experience to the system. At the conclusion of its work, the committee will forward the credentials of three to five unranked candidates to the Board of Regents for consideration.

The initial meeting of the Presidential Search Committee will be July 27, at which time the members will be formally charged with their roles and responsibilities in conducting the search.