THE EIGHTIETH SPRING COMMENCEMENT - 9:30 AM Saturday, May 15, 2021 Wildcat Stadium 1005 State University Drive Fort Valley, GA - Fort Valley ...
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THE EIGHTIETH
SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Saturday, May 15, 2021
9:30 AM
Wildcat Stadium
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, GAFort Valley State University
1About Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University is home to thousands of students discovering the genius within themselves
and exploring their extraordinary potential for leadership under the guidance of highly-accomplished
faculty. Since 1895, the FVSU family has shared a love of invention and innovation, and embraced a
culture where discovery is celebrated. No matter where you start in life, we believe that education is the
surest way to make a difference in the world and achieve your dreams.
FVSU is one of the most affordable colleges in the country, because our goal is to make sure anyone
with talent and desire can use education as a means to advance in life. Yet, excellence is demanded
across our campuses, from our faculty members who are respected researchers, instructors, and
authors, to our students, who accept the challenges of leadership, scholarship, and
professionalism. More than 60 clubs and organizations provide students with real-world opportunities
to pursue their passions, and our professional network help launch students into careers through
internships and career development.
FVSU is one of nineteen 1890 land-grant institution, which means that our mission is to not only
empower students to use education to pursue meaningful careers, but it is also to use our scholarship,
research, and outreach to make lives better for the communities around us. Our overriding goal is to
equip people from all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to impact the world as leaders in
meaningful fields, and to also spread knowledge and resources throughout the state to make the lives
of ordinary people better today.
• FVSU Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling program named among nation’s
Top 50 Counseling Degree Programs for 2021 by Intelligent.com.
• FVSU ranked as a Top 50 University for Best Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology for 2021 by
Study.com.
• FVSU ranked as one of the Top 50 Best HBCUs in the nation for 2021 by College Consensus.
• FVSU was named the top public HBCU in Georgia for four consecutive years by U.S. News
and World Report.
• FVSU conducts more federally funded research than any other public teaching university in
the state of Georgia and is fifth among the 26 Georgia public universities overall.
• FVSU was named the 2019 #1 affordable online colleges for psychology by SR Education
Group.
• FVSU is the #4 top producer nationally of African Americans with bachelor’s degrees in
agriculture, agricultural operations and related sciences and is #1 in the state of Georgia.
• FVSU’s four-year veterinary technology program is the only one in Georgia.
• FVSU’s online master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling program is ranked the #1
affordable program in the country by bestcounselingdegrees.net.
• FVSU’s mathematics, engineering technology, family and consumer sciences, computer and
information sciences, psychology and history degree programs all rank in the top ten in
Georgia for producing the most African Americans with bachelor’s degrees.
• FVSU is ranked in the top ten on the list of “Best Value HBCU Graduate Schools” by
bestvalueschools.com.
• FVSU is ranked #8 on the national list of “Top 10 Colleges with Tuition Under $20,000” by
collegeraptor.com.
• FVSU was the number one school in the nation for online student economic mobility in 2017,
meaning that students who enroll in our online programs move farther up the economic
ladder than any other students in the country (SR Education Group, 2017).
2Academic Attire
The academic costume derives from practices originating in the Middle Ages. When European
universities were formed in the 12th and 13th centuries, the first scholars, mainly clerics, adopted
costumes like those of their monastic orders. Cold halls and drafty buildings made caps and floor-
length gowns with attached hoods a necessity for warmth. Probably because of the religious
customs of that period, academic costumes remained largely drab. After the administration of the
universities was removed from the control of the church, some features of the academic costumes
took on brighter hues. Drawings and restored prints from this era reveal a strong similarity
between the academic costumes worn in the early European universities and the regalia worn
today.
In light of the strong English heritage in the United States, the academic costume has been in use
in this country since colonial times. To establish a standard of uniformity regarding the practice of
dress in the academy, an intercollegiate commission was formed. This commission prepared the
code, which has been adopted by all universities, for the wearing of caps, gowns, and hoods. The
shape of the cap is often the more familiar mortarboard square. Its design resembles the scholar’s
book. Legend has it that the privilege of wearing a cap was the initial right of a person who had
been enslaved under the Roman Empire. The flowing gown has become a symbol of the
universality of scholarship, for it covers any attire, which might indicate work or social strata. The
hood indicates the type of degree, and is lined with the official colors of the university.
THE GOWN
BACHELOR’S Black, full cut with long pointed sleeves
MASTER’S Black, long or short sleeves with an arc-shaped panel for each sleeve
DOCTORATE Black, with velvet panels on the front of the gown and three velvet
bars on each sleeve. Color of the velvet may be black or distinctive
of the field of study
THE HOOD
BACHELOR’S Three feet in length with two-inch wide velvet trim
MASTER’S Three and one-half feet in length with three-inch wide velvet trim
DOCTORATE Four feet in length with five-inch wide velvet trim and panel at the
sides
The lining of all hoods, which is folded out, bears the official colors of the institution from which
the degree was received. The color of the trim indicates the field in which the master’s degree was
granted: Public Health (salmon pink); Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation
Counseling (golden yellow); Animal Science (gray); Biotechnology (golden yellow); and Education
Specialist and Education (light blue).
THE CAP AND TASSEL
Candidates for graduate degrees at Fort Valley State University wear the black mortarboard with a
gold tassel, and candidates for undergraduate degrees wear the black mortarboard with a black
tassel.
3Presidential Mace
Like the academic costume, the mace dates to medieval times. Knights used the mace, a heavy
club topped with a spiked metal knob, as an effective instrument against the strongest armor in
battle. Most likely this use of the mace influenced university officials to adopt it as a symbol of
vested authority. Usually about two feet in length, the ceremonial mace survives today as a symbol
of authority in most institutions.
Notable instances of its use are found in the sessions of the British House of Commons, where the
mace is placed on the treasury table, and in sessions of the United States House of
Representatives, where the mace is placed to the right of the Speaker of the House. The mace has
also been adopted as an emblem by many colleges and universities in the United States. It is used
in formal academic ceremonies and activities.
The Presidential Mace of Fort Valley State University is 26 inches long. Its shaft is made of
rosewood. The head and tail of the mace are sterling silver. At the very top is an inset consisting
of the engraved university seal, which is gold plated and sterling silver. On the sides of the head
are four scenes in low relief, illustrating the academic emphases of the university: education, arts
and sciences, agriculture, and business. The mace was designed by a nationally known
gold/silversmith, Professor Kurt J. Matzdorf of New Paltz, New York. The inauguration of
President Luther Burse in 1984 marked the first ceremonial use of the mace at Fort Valley State
University.
4The University System of Georgia Board of Regents was created in 1931 as part of a reorganization
of state government. For the first time, public higher education in Georgia was unified under a
single governing and management authority.
Board members are appointed by the governor for seven-year terms. The Board of Regents consists
of 19 members — five who are appointed at large, and one each from Georgia’s 14 congressional
districts. Chancellor Steve Wrigley, the chief administrative officer of the University System, also
serves as the board’s chief executive officer.
The board oversees 26 colleges and universities that compose the University System of Georgia
and has oversight of the Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library System.
Board of Regents
W. Allen Gudenrath Jose R. Perez
Erin Hames Neil L. Pruitt, Jr.
Barbara Rivera Holmes Sarah-Elizabeth Langford Reed
Samuel D. Holmes Harold Reynolds
C. Thomas Hopkins, Jr., M.D. Sachin Shailendra, Chair
James M. Hull T. Dallas Smith
Cade Joiner, Vice Chair Kessel D. Stelling, Jr.
C. Everett Kennedy, III Don L. Waters
Rachel B. Little Philip A. Wilheit, Sr.
Lowery Houston May
56
PROGRAM
T. Ramon Stuart, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presiding
Prelude ............................................................................................................................................ Elvis Lewis, Jr.
*Processional ...............................................“Pomp and Circumstance” ........................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr.
Sir Edgar Elgar
*Invocation .............................................................................................................................. J. C. Howard, D.Min.
Pastor, House of Hope, Macon, Georgia
*The National Anthem .................................. “Star-Spangled Banner” .................Fort Valley State University Choir
Francis Scott Key
Selection ................................................... “Lift Every Voice and Sing” .............Fort Valley State University Choir
James Weldon Johnson
Welcome ........................................................................................................................... T. Ramon Stuart, Ph.D.
Message from the Valedictorian .................................................................................................... Bertha S. Knight
Social Work Major
Commencement Address ............................................................................................................ Paul Jones, Ph.D.
10th President of Fort Valley State University
Musical Selection ............................................................................................... Fort Valley State University Choir
Presentation of Deans ....................................................................................................... T. Ramon Stuart, Ph.D.
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees ....................................................................................... Deans of Colleges
College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology – Ralph Noble, Ph.D.
College of Arts and Sciences – Gregory Ford, Ph.D.
College of Education and Professional Studies – Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D.
Conferring of Degrees ................................................................................................................. Paul Jones, Ph.D.
Induction of Graduates into the National Alumni Association ....................................................... Edward Boston
President, Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc.
Commissioning of Cadets .................................................................................................... Cpt. Diego Ariastorres
Assistant Professor of Military Science
*The Alma Mater ........................................................................... Fort Valley State University Students & Alumni
William H. Pipes and Odessa Hardison McNair
*Benediction .......................................................................................................................... J. C. Howard, D.Min.
Postlude ........................................................................................................................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr.
*Faculty Recessional .................................... “War March of the Priest” ........................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr.
Felix Mendelsohn
*Student Recessional ...................................................... Fort Valley State University Blue Machine Marching Band
*The audience should stand. See page 20 for lyrics for Fort Valley State University Alma Mater and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
7GRADUATE DEGREES
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST
School Counselor Education
Julie Alexa Castellanos-Akins ................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Sheanna Jade Chappell ............................................................................................................ Fort Valley State University
Crystal Chavone Rose .............................................................................................................................. Liberty University
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Environmental Health
Kierra Nicole Crafter ................................................................................................................ Fort Valley State University
Jessica Holmes .......................................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Tenetta Yevette Holt ..................................................................................................... University of Southern Mississippi
Kardiatou Kane ................................................................................................................ Middle Georgia State University
Jessica Lawrence ........................................................................................................................ Fort Valley State University
Alfonso Mallory .................................................................................................................................. College of Saint Rose
Shawna Sherrell Reese ................................................................................................. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
LaDonna Marie Anthony ......................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Allison Victoria Eason ..................................................................................................... Middle Georgia State University
Martavis Isaac .............................................................................................................................................. Allen University
Robert Mark Jackson ....................................................................................................................... Albany State University
Zaqayvia Ravonne Ajhiya Johnson .......................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Brittany Symone Lamar ........................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Glenda Michelle Pickett ........................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Cassandra Marie Robinson ...................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Gwendolyn Bonita Scott .......................................................................................................................... Mercer University
Leeza A. Solomon ............................................................................................................. Middle Georgia State University
Ashley Sha’wanzela Stubbs ....................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Rehabilitation Counseling
Ariele Nicole Bryant ................................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University
LaShadrian Deuntrice Bryant .................................................................................................................. Mercer University
Angelica Marie Collier ............................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University
Dionne Alexise Formey .............................................................................................................. Savannah State University
Vicki M. Harter ....................................................................................................................................... Viterbo University
Yakeniya Tia Jones ................................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University
Brittney Michelle Richardson .................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University
8MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
School Counselor Education
Sierra La’Shae Brown ................................................................................................................... Valdosta State University
Anna Charlotte Chupp .................................................................................................... Middle Georgia State University
Megan E. Davis ......................................................................................................................................... Piedmont College
Venus V. Gomes ...................................................................................................................................... Kaplan University
Kaitlyn C. Wells ............................................................................................................................ Georgia State University
Joycelyn Dionne White ........................................................................................................... Georgia Southern University
9UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Academic Honors
Cum Laude (with honor) - Graduates with an overall grade point average of 3.25 - 3.49
Magna Cum Laude (with high honor) - Graduates with an overall grade point average of 3.50 - 3.74
Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) - Graduates with an overall grade point average of 3.75 - 4.00
† Cum Laude †† Magna Cum Laude ††† Summa Cum Laude
Honor graduates are identified based on the students’ institutional and cumulative grade point averages calculated through the fall
2020 semester. Since final action cannot always be taken by the time this program is printed, the list of candidates here is tentative
only.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
FAMILY SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Veterinary Technology
Khaliph Kareem Abdullah ......................................................................................................................... Chicago, Illinois
Ebonie Victoria Appleberry ..................................................................................................................... Fairburn, Georgia
Lydia Cooper ................................................................................................................................. Powder Springs, Georgia
†Mekali Shahada Felton .............................................................................................................. Capital Heights, Maryland
††Laura Elise Kathleen Franklin .......................................................................................................... Easley, South Carolina
††Briana Lavonne Grier ................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia
†Gabrielle E. Henderson ............................................................................................................................ Monroe, Georgia
ZaMaria Trenise Jones ................................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia
Nicole Renee Lavene-Ratliff ............................................................................................................... Richmond, Michigan
George Ellis Rainey .................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
†Janeece Holly Richardson ...................................................................................................................... Jonesboro, Georgia
††Chaley Elizabeth Smith ........................................................................................................................ Fort Valley, Georgia
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Economics
Myles Blake Duncan ............................................................................................................................ Montezuma, Georgia
†Kaylen René Johnson ............................................................................................................................. Hampton, Georgia
†Shakeena B. Reeves ..................................................................................................................................... Albany, Georgia
10Agricultural Education
††Takandris KeAera Jordan .......................................................................................................................... Dawson, Georgia
Animal Science
Jalani Amari Brown .................................................................................................................................. Norcross, Georgia
†††Brittany Ta’Neal Howard .................................................................................................................... Birmingham, Georgia
Damesia Annette Jenkins ........................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Keteria Mashawn Loney ............................................................................................................................ Decatur, Georgia
†Khadijah Saabirah Muhammad ................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia
Deven J. Myers ........................................................................................................................................ Jonesboro, Georgia
Plant Science
†Tori Elise McGuire ........................................................................................................................................ Miami, Florida
Kayla Nichelle Staten .............................................................................................................................. Waycross, Georgia
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Jah-Mere Quajae Dean .............................................................................................................................. Decatur, Georgia
Kevin J. Lott ......................................................................................................................................... Stockbridge, Georgia
Rashad Jamal Moore .......................................................................................................................... Douglasville, Georgia
†Edward Lamar Rice ................................................................................................................................... Augusta, Georgia
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
AhLuana Kayshae Mountain .................................................................................................................... Tennille, Georgia
††Munira Nabil Yousif ...................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia
11COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Criminal Justice
Malika Lashay Brown ................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia
†Nezra Y. Brown .............................................................................................................................................. Rome, Georgia
Brianna Tasiya Cooper ............................................................................................................................ Snellville, Georgia
Tamara Kayla Davidson ............................................................................................................................ Decatur, Georgia
Stacy Fleming .............................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia
Addison Montanez Ford, Jr. ................................................................................................................. Covington, Georgia
Sheniqua Nicole Freeman .................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
††Kiara Amari Gibbs ....................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia
Brittany Danielle Hamilton ........................................................................................................................ Albany, Georgia
Na’neq Desiree Holley .............................................................................................................................. Decatur, Georgia
††Santina Niesha Johnson ................................................................................................................... Montgomery, Alabama
Ken’Neshia Dermiese Jones .................................................................................................................. Belle Glade, Florida
Shabreka Ann Jordan ............................................................................................................................ Columbus, Georgia
Tealisia Kiyrrah Miller .................................................................................................................................. Byron, Georgia
Santina Shanise Pierce ........................................................................................................................ Sandersville, Georgia
Alexus Nichelle Snow ....................................................................................................................... Locust Grove, Georgia
Jalaia K. Surles ............................................................................................................................................ Chicago, Illinois
Kalisha Alexis Tashae Tucker ................................................................................................................ LaGrange, Georgia
Maya Arrian Vega ....................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Bryan Williams ...................................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia
Ladayshia Jemisca Williams ................................................................................................................... Monticello, Florida
Demetrius Oxy Willis ............................................................................................................................ Florida City, Florida
History
Bryce Thomas Ford ........................................................................................................................... McDonough, Georgia
Roger Melburne Green ............................................................................................................................ Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas Frederick Haywood ................................................................................................. Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Liberal Studies
††Tamera J. Edwards ................................................................................................................................... Snellville, Georgia
Marlon Landnovis Fleming, II ..................................................................................................................... Tampa, Florida
Aleazar LaDan Hall ..................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia
Lauren Marae Hodnett ..................................................................................................................... Milledgeville, Georgia
Undre J. Williams ........................................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia
Media Studies
Katiana Adams ............................................................................................................................... Central Islip, New York
Ashton Armand Akins ........................................................................................................................... Hinesville, Georgia
†Jordan Ashley Davis .............................................................................................................................. Florissant, Missouri
Makayla LaRee George ................................................................................................................................ Albany, Georgia
Miles Kenneth Gunby ......................................................................................................................... Stockbridge, Georgia
Andrea Lattiner-Smith .............................................................................................................. Lexington, North Carolina
Brach A. Thomas ................................................................................................................................ Delray Beach, Florida
Keijne A. Thomas ...................................................................................................................................... Conyers, Georgia
Quenterrius Marquis Turner .................................................................................................................. Reynolds, Georgia
Anthony Rashad Williams ..................................................................................................................... Kingsland, Georgia
12Political Science
Lance A. Adamson .................................................................................................................................. Waycross, Georgia
†Alaea Baptiste ................................................................................................................................. New Orleans, Louisiana
†Jamie Lee Burden ......................................................................................................................................... Hiram, Georgia
†Charity Israel Davis .................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Edward Gosa, IV ........................................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia
Neddrick Nichols .............................................................................................................................. Milledgeville, Georgia
Antonio D’Angleo Wynn ............................................................................................................................. Cairo, Georgia
Psychology
†††Jonathan Barber ................................................................................................................................. McDonough, Georgia
†††Li’yonna Callie Battle ........................................................................................................................ McDonough, Georgia
Shonda Bellamy ...................................................................................................................................... Hinesville, Georgia
Avery Kendale Clemons .............................................................................................................................. Griffin, Georgia
Carlos Lamont Cooper ................................................................................................................................ Sardis, Georgia
†††Kashuna Bre’l Copeland ........................................................................................................................... Moultrie, Georgia
Tre’von DeShon Ellison .......................................................................................................................... Eatonton, Georgia
Kerri Ann Renee Ferguson .............................................................................................................................. Lorain, Ohio
Tatyana Finney ......................................................................................................................................... Fairburn, Georgia
†Kametrise Jabria Holt ................................................................................................................................ Conyers, Georgia
Kishara Howard ............................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia
Mark Kentrell Hurt ................................................................................................................................. Eatonton, Georgia
Jerberee Christina Jefferson ........................................................................................................... New Orleans, Louisiana
†Jasmine Jones ......................................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia
†Qianna Lockett ........................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
David Deondrae Martin ....................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
†††Aleeah Malika Muhammad ............................................................................................................. Long Beach, California
Malika Elizabeth Oats .......................................................................................................................... Homerville, Georgia
Briana Danielle Ortiz ......................................................................................................................... Minot, North Dakota
Sha’Nya Stockton ....................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Maquaylen Thomas .............................................................................................................................. Gainesville, Georgia
†Rakala Shaquil Ward ..................................................................................................................... Boynton Beach, Florida
Nicolas Joshua Wells ................................................................................................................................ Marietta, Georgia
†††Le’Andrea Alexis White .......................................................................................................................... East Point, Georgia
†Asia Marie Whitmore ........................................................................................................................... Fayetteville, Georgia
Jakiriah Jené Yates ..................................................................................................................................... Camilla, Georgia
Visual & Performing Arts
Edward Charles Anderson ................................................................................................................. Thomasville, Georgia
Malasia Shandral Hyman .......................................................................................................................... Conyers, Georgia
Aaron D. Henderson-Singfield ............................................................................................................... Riverdale, Georgia
†Naomi S. Stanley ........................................................................................................................... Powder Springs, Georgia
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Accounting
††Crystal Ashlee Batts ............................................................................................................... Wake Forest, North Carolina
†††Candace Kristal Drummer .............................................................................................................. Long Island, New York
Tassja Carmenlita Shanice Ivy .............................................................................................................. Jackson, Mississippi
Amil Shalita Jones ................................................................................................................................ Fort Valley, Georgia
†Braxton McCallum ................................................................................................................... New Brunswick, New Jersey
13Management
Christian Uzziah Boyd ............................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
†Tariq Rashudamir Coker ......................................................................................................................... Marietta, Georgia
Dwight David Cornelious, II ............................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
Rodney K. Dillard, II ................................................................................................................................. Decatur, Georgia
Ny’Tia Shyra Dupree ....................................................................................................................... Dillon, South Carolina
††Ayanna Elizabeth McDuffie ..................................................................................................................... Lithonia, Georgia
††Jhavani Rousell Mezier ........................................................................................................................... Queens, New York
DeRod Moore ........................................................................................................................................... Fairburn, Georgia
†Kayla Winona Phillips ......................................................................................................................... Stockbridge, Georgia
Dashun Tyrik Powell ............................................................................................................................... Riverdale, Georgia
†††Micah Charell Sheppard ........................................................................................................................ Covington, Georgia
Leah A. Thomas ......................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
†Gianni Dasanté Ulmer .............................................................................................................................. Lithonia Georgia
†Tierra L. Wright ..................................................................................................................................... Hampton, Georgia
Marketing
†Jacelyn Diamond Hammond .................................................................................................................... Decatur, Georgia
Larasia Moore-Hill .................................................................................................................................... Omaha, Nebraska
Karina Chanelle Russell .............................................................................................................................. Austell, Georgia
Cierra S. Shotomide ................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
†††Tahj M. Anderson .............................................................................................................................. McDonough, Georgia
Melissa Elaine Ferguson ......................................................................................................................... Savannah, Georgia
†††Brianna M. Hampton .................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia
Devon Sir Johnson ........................................................................................................................ Warner Robins, Georgia
Demontay V. Jones .................................................................................................................................. Quitman, Georgia
†Keana Larell Jones .......................................................................................................................................... Perry, Georgia
††Jonathan Emmanuel Niger Travis ........................................................................................................... Quitman, Georgia
DeAsia Samone West .................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Biology
Ahmad Jamal Adams ................................................................................................................................... Blakely, Georgia
†Kiana ZaTaria Adams ............................................................................................................................... Valdosta, Georgia
Augustine Agyeman-Badu .......................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Kianna Ashley Anderson ...................................................................................................................... Belle Glade, Florida
Taesha Anyae Cook-Pirtle .......................................................................................................................... Smyrna, Georgia
†Kristina Shanice Daniels ............................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia
Kai Frazier .................................................................................................................................................... Boston, Georgia
†Ashia Jonai Goggins ............................................................................................................................. Fort Valley, Georgia
††Javier Lamar Guillén ...................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia
Mary Lordlyn Heraut ........................................................................................................................... Palm Beach, Florida
Vivica Quentia-LeQi Hill ..................................................................................................................... Sharpsburg, Georgia
Nyasia Amanda Lazarus ....................................................................................................................... Brooklyn, New York
Baalat T. Marshall .................................................................................................................................. Clarkston, Georgia
Jerome Mobley ...................................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
Amber M. Orr ................................................................................................................................... Milledgeville, Georgia
14T’yanna R. Paige .................................................................................................................................... Brooklyn, New York
Cre’Dresha Price ................................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia
Joseph R. Redfield, III ............................................................................................................................... Augusta, Georgia
Kevius Juan Shaw ..................................................................................................................................... Valdosta, Georgia
Tatiyana Dominikue Terrell ...................................................................................................................... Lilburn, Georgia
Sade Keja Thomas ....................................................................................................................................... Austell, Georgia
Woodjina Valcin ......................................................................................................................... West Palm Beach, Florida
Kyla E. Williams .......................................................................................................................................... Albany, Georgia
Chemistry
†Jasmine Brianna Clarke .......................................................................................................................... Dumfries, Virginia
†Christian D. Pope ..................................................................................................................................... Detroit, Michigan
††Trinity Eliza Riggins ........................................................................................................................... Hawkinsville, Georgia
†Aanesa Jeanell Watson ................................................................................................................................. Selma, Alabama
Computer Science
†Dekwan L. Barnes .................................................................................................................................. Savannah, Georgia
Ashley D. Blair .........................................................................................................................................................................
Richard Brown ........................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Jordan K-D Coleman .............................................................................................................................. Savannah, Georgia
Chardarius Armón Fambro ........................................................................................................................ Griffin, Georgia
Jordan Bobby Gibson ................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia
Alex C. Greeley .......................................................................................................................................... Decatur, Georgia
Terrick Griffin, Jr. ...................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Alexis Nache Kimbrough ..................................................................................................................... Fayetteville, Georgia
Jamal Marvin Michel ........................................................................................................................ Manhattan, New York
Ashley Simmons-Blair ...................................................................................................................... Aiken, South Carolina
India Nare Sheffield-Blondel ............................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
Allen Daniel Smith ....................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia
Mathematics
Thaddeus Jameson Adams ........................................................................................................................... Byron, Georgia
Demond Patray Brown ................................................................................................................................ Albany, Georgia
Alex Michael Cooper ............................................................................................................................... Kathleen, Georgia
†††Skyy Charisma DuBose ............................................................................................................................. Lithonia, Georgia
Toni Shamane Johnson .............................................................................................................................. Albany, Georgia
††Donquavius Taylor ........................................................................................................................ Warner Robins, Georgia
Rickey B. Weston, II ........................................................................................................................... Thomaston, Georgia
Organizational Leadership
Andrea Nichelle Blalock .................................................................................................................... Thomasville, Georgia
†Zachary F. Boggs ............................................................................................................................ Warner Robins, Georgia
†Sedra Brown ......................................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia
Montel Jamal Hardrick ........................................................................................................................... Shellman, Georgia
Lisa Nichols ................................................................................................................................................. Dublin, Georgia
Alexus MaShay Starks .............................................................................................................................. Lithonia, Georgia
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Breonna Shalae Andrews ............................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia
Tyannna Mekelle Askew ............................................................................................................................. Dublin, Georgia
Calena Latrice Brown ............................................................................................................................ Columbus, Georgia
15†Ryesha N. Butler ........................................................................................................................................ Broxton, Georgia
Shakera H. Cheston ............................................................................................................................... Jonesboro, Georgia
Ymantre Cole ........................................................................................................................................... Marietta, Georgia
Kaija Huguley ............................................................................................................................................ Decatur, Georgia
Chelsea Johnson ..................................................................................................................................... Savannah, Georgia
Johnathan Tyrell Jones ........................................................................................................................... Kingsland, Georgia
†††Bertha Shaunita Knight .......................................................................................................................... LaGrange, Georgia
Gene’Rique Arthill Noel ........................................................................................................................ Monticello, Florida
De’Voshua Jikilria Rainey .......................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
††Adrian Sierra Richardson .......................................................................................................................... Bonaire, Georgia
Jaylenn Michelle Snow ............................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia
Deja Nekita Williams .................................................................................................................................. Macon, Georgia
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Elementary Education/Special Education
††Akiyah Douglas .................................................................................................................................. Marshallville, Georgia
†††Makayla Janae Wells ................................................................................................................................... Chicago, Illinois
Health and Physical Education
†William Anthony Colson .................................................................................................................. Hawkinsville, Georgia
†Jaylen Micke’ll Lowder .................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia
Middle Grades Education
††Breonca Nykea Ashley ............................................................................................................................. Eatonton, Georgia
†††Ashley Simone Williams .......................................................................................................................... Riverdale, Georgia
16United States Army Commissions
Second Lieutenant, Reserve Duty
Ashley D. Simmons-Blair ................................................................................................................................. Signal Corps
Antonio D. Wynn ......................................................................................................................................... Transportation
Administration Dr. Paul Jones, President
Dr. T. Ramon Stuart Dr. Olufunke A. Fontenot
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Interim Chief of Staff
Jesse F. Kane
Michelle Martin
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment
Vice President for Business and Finance
Management
Dr. Anthony L. Holloman Dr. Govind Kannan
Vice President for University Advancement and Vice President for Economic Development and
Executive Director for the FVSU Foundation, Inc. Land Grant Affairs
Dr. Ralph Noble Dr. Gregory D. Ford
Dean, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
and Technology
Dr. Beth Day-Hairston
Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies
Commencement Committee Members
Anita Allen Dr. Bridget Moss, Chair Dr. Berlethia J. Pitts
John Cagnina Wallace Keese Ronnie Scott
Alicia Carner-McDonald Shareé Lawrence Dr. Romelda Simmons
Edwidge Dufresne RJ Mathis, II, Ex-officio Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, Ex-officio
Ltc. Lance Fountain Malinda Nicholson Charles Weaver
Mace Bearer
Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly, Professor, Associate Vice President for Collaborative Programs and Founder/Director of the
Cooperative Developmental Energy Program
17Marshals
Dr. Mark Latimore, Jr., Professor and Associate Dean for Extension, Cooperative Extension Program, Faculty
Marshal
Dr. Brou Kouakou, Professor, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology, Department of Agricultural
Sciences, Animal Science Program, Graduate Marshal
Wallace Keese, Dean of Students, Student Marshal
Dr. Thomas Terrill, Professor, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology Marshal
Dr. James Mack, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics & Computer Science,
College of Arts and Sciences Marshal
Dr. Gregory Green, Professor and Chair, Department of Teacher Education, College of Education and
Professional Studies Marshal
*Marshals are selected based on the number of years of service to the university.
Reader
Dr. Berlethia J. Pitts, Professor and Chair, Department of Liberal Studies, Visual and Performing Arts and Media
Studies and Organizational Leadership, and Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Ushers
Golden Ambassadors
Blue Coat Ambassadors
ROTC Cadets
Alumni, Staff & Student Volunteers
18The FVSU 1895 Society
Since 1895, Fort Valley State University has empowered people to use education as a pathway to maximize their
potential through invention, intellectual fulfillment, civic leadership, and meaningful careers. As a way of honoring
our founders and perpetuating a meaningful lifetime connection to our dear ole alma mater, Fort Valley State, FVSU
1895 Society was established to celebrate the legacy of these pioneers. It is an opportunity for the graduating class,
both undergraduate and graduate students, to express their generosity and foresight for next generation scholarships
for students seeking an education that will benefit them for the rest of their life. Graduating class members who
donate at least $18.95 to the FVSU Foundation will be recognized at Commencement for their demonstrated
commitment to FVSU.
Lance Adamson Tamera Edwards Kevin Lott
Kianna Anderson Chardarius Fambro Jaylen Lowder
Tahj Anderson Melissa Ferguson AhLuana Mountain
Jonathan Barber Addison Ford, Jr. Khadijah Muhammad
Dekwan Barnes Dionne Formey Malika Oats
Liyonna Battle Shenique Freeman Glenda Pickett
Shonda Bellamy Terrick Griffin, Jr. Cre’Dresha Price
Andrea Blalock Javier Guillen Adrian Richardson
Sedra Brown Miles Gunby Alexus Snow
Nezra Brown Britany Hamilton Jaylenn Snow
LaShadrian Bryant Jacelyn Hammond Jalaia Surles
Jamie Burden Mary Heraut Tatiyanna Terrell
Ryesha Butler Vivica Hill Quenterrius Turner
Jasmine Clark Malasia Hyman Gianni Ulmer
William Colson Jerberee Jefferson Maya Vega
Taesha Cook-Pirtle Kaylen Johnson Makayla Wells
Kashuna Copeland Johnathan Jones Nicolas Wells
Charity Davis Shabreka Jordan LeAndrea White
Candace Drummer Takandris Jordan Asia Whitmore
Skyy DuBose Bertha Knight
Ny’tia Dupree Qianna Lockett
19Alma Mater Lift Every Voice and Sing
Fort Valley State! Fort Valley State! Lift every voice and sing,
Our lives to thee we dedicate. Till earth and heaven ring,
Our souls we blend to sing thy name; Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Eternal praise we do proclaim. Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Faithful and true, Fort Valley State, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
We at thy call, forever wait; Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us,
We lift our hearts to thankfulness, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
For loyalty and thoroughness. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.
We love to hear thy sweet name called;
Thou art the dearest school of all. Stony the road we trod,
Our hearts to thee will e’er belong, Bitter the chastening rod,
Thou art so steadfast, brave and strong; Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
We love thee so, Fort Valley State, Have not our weary feet,
Our loyalty we dedicate; Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
Thy name forever we proclaim; We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
Fort Valley State, We love thy name. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the
-William H. Pipes and slaughtered,
Odessa Hardison McNair, 1954 Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
The Star-Spangled Banner
God of our weary years,
O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, God of our silent tears,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight Thou who hast by Thy might,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? Led us into the light,
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee;
O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand.
O thus be it ever when free man shall stand True to our God,
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation; True to our native land.
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land -Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. -Music by John R. Johnson
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, “In God is our trust;”
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
-Francis Scott Key, 1775
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