Academics
Fort Valley State University is a small, public university that provides the funding, education, and research opportunities typically found at a much larger school. To that end, it is the only school that is a University System of Georgia member, a historically Black university, and an 1890 land-grant institution. FVSU is a strong producer of STEM graduates, partially due to its Cooperative Developmental Energy Program, which works to increase the numbers of minorities and women working in science and engineering. Through its partnerships with corporations and governmental agencies, it has provided over 480 scholarships and more than 850 internships. Academics are at the center of FVSU life, and there are 29 bachelor’s degrees on offer across 3 schools, with top majors including Biology, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. The Liberal Studies major (recommended for those looking to seek a secondary degree) allows for a broader, interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates all areas of arts and science, in addition to some areas of agriculture and education. Through the FVSU Undergraduate Research Valley Scholars program, students can find financial and academic support on research activities in all disciplines.
Career
While academics may be the main focus of FVSU, the school sees student life as the soul of a good education. More than 70 student clubs and organizations are available for professional, religious, and social exploration, including several fraternities and sororities. FVSU is an NCAA Division II school, and the Blue Machine Marching Band is nationally-known. Intramural sports provide organized recreational competition, and the Health and Physical Education Complex is open for students to exercise and play games, and acts as home to the Wildcats basketball teams. The Student Government Association sponsors numerous events and programs activities throughout the year, such as the election of the Royal Court.
Culture
At several times in recent history, FSVU has awarded more bachelor’s degree to Black graduates in math-related majors than any other school in the country. In Georgia, it is also the number one producer of Blacks with bachelor’s in agriculture, agricultural operations, and related sciences, and it is routinely in the top five for doing so in engineering fields and various other subjects. Notable alumni include Jo Ann Gibson Robertson (planner of the Montgomery Bus Boycott), Calvin Smyre (the longest serving member of the Georgia Legislature), and former Dallas Cowboys captain Larry Rayfield Wright.
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