Fort Valley State President Paul Jones to retire after 10 years at the helm

Fort Valley State University President Paul Jones announced Tuesday he will retire in June, concluding a decade of leadership at Georgia’s No. 1 public Historically Black College and University and nearly four decades in higher education.

Jones, the university’s 10th president, made the announcement as Fort Valley State embarks upon its 130th anniversary. He has also served more than 24 years within the University System of Georgia, according to a news release shared by the university.

In a written statement, Jones said the decision to step down followed careful thought and prayer.

“Serving as the 10th president of Fort Valley State has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” he said. “From the beginning, I have believed in Fort Valley State as a place that has long served as a light for opportunity, possibility and transformation for generations of students and families.”

During Jones’ tenure, Fort Valley State achieved its largest enrollment since 2013, strengthened student retention and graduation rates and expanded opportunities for students, he added.

“Our collective work has resulted in sustained recognition, including being ranked the number one public Historically Black College or University in Georgia for eight consecutive years and being ranked the number one regional university in Georgia for social mobility, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings,” Jones said.

Additional progress under Jones’ leadership included continued campus beautification efforts, infrastructure investments and a strengthened financial foundation, according to the news release. The university also introduced new academic programs aligned with workforce and community needs, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Master of Public Administration and Master of Social Work degrees.

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue praised Jones’ leadership and impact.

“Respected nationally as the former chair of the Council of 1890 University Presidents, President Jones has set Fort Valley State University up for long-term impact by establishing high-priority health care programs and strengthening its philanthropic efforts,” Perdue said in the university’s news release. “He is a proud Wildcat who leaves a legacy of advancing the university’s historic mission. I am grateful for his service to the system and our students, and I wish him and his family the very best.”

Jones, who has been recognized three times as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “500 Most Influential Leaders in Georgia,” said university’s progress reflects collective effort.

“None of this progress belongs to one person,” he wrote. “I am also grateful to our faculty and staff whose dedication, professionalism, and care for students sustain Fort Valley State every day.”

Jones also expressed gratitude to FVSU students, alumni, community partners and supporters, as well as to First Lady Sylvia Jones for her support and service to the university.

As he prepares for retirement, Jones said his focus will remain on ensuring a stable leadership transition, expressing confidence in the university’s future.

“The foundation is strong. The mission is clear. The next chapter for our Wildcat community holds tremendous potential,” he said. “Until my final day in office, I remain fully committed to Fort Valley State and to the work we are called to do.”

The university has not responded to requests for comment from The Telegraph regarding whether an executive search committee has been formed.