Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has announced President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., plans to retire at the end of June 2026, concluding a decade of service as the university’s 10th president and more than 24 years of service within the University System of Georgia, including nearly four decades in higher education.

Jones’ announcement comes during a milestone period for the university, following the celebration of Fort Valley State University’s 130th anniversary and 10 years of his presidential leadership.

“Serving as president of Fort Valley State University has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” said President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D. “From the beginning, my goal was to serve faithfully, strengthen the institution and ensure that Fort Valley State is positioned to thrive well beyond my tenure.”

During his presidency, FVSU experienced sustained growth and forward momentum. The university achieved its largest enrollment since 2013, strengthened student retention and graduation outcomes and expanded access and opportunity in alignment with its mission as Georgia’s only 1890 land-grant institution.

Under Jones’ leadership, FVSU has received continued national recognition, including being ranked No. 1 public Historically Black College or University in Georgia for eight consecutive years and No. 1 regional university in Georgia for social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report.

During this tenure, FVSU saw significant progress across three key areas: campus infrastructure, academic program expansion and philanthropic growth. Strategic investments strengthened the university’s physical and operational foundation, new academic programs were launched to meet workforce and community needs, and fundraising efforts expanded support for student success, academic programs and endowed faculty positions.

In 2020, Jones was named one to the Third Class of The National Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders, recognized for his transformative influence and leadership in moving FVSU forward.

“President Paul Jones has dedicated more than 24 years to the University System of Georgia, including ten years leading one of the South’s top public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Georgia’s only 1890 only land-grant institution,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Purdue. “Under his leadership, Fort Valley State University rose to number one in Georgia for social mobility and expanded its reach. President Jones has set Fort Valley State up for long-term impact by strengthening academic offerings and philanthropic efforts, and he leaves a legacy of advancing the university’s historic mission.”

“On behalf of HCF, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., on the occasion of his announced retirement from FVSU,” said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF. “Dr. Jones’ distinguished tenure as the 10th president of FVSU stands as a testament to visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to student success, and enduring dedication to the mission of HBCUs. Under his stewardship, FVSU has seen remarkable growth and progress, elevating the institution’s national prominence as a leader in social mobility. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of Wildcats and HBCU leaders across the nation.”

Following the announcement of President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., retirement, HCF Founder, President & CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., is proud to announce President Jones’ selection as a 2027 honoree of the Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award, part of The National Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class. This prestigious distinction recognizes Dr. Jones’ extraordinary leadership, transformative contributions, and decades-long commitment to advancing higher education and the mission of HBCUs. The contributions under his visionary stewardships embodies the spirit of this award and set a powerful example for future generations of HBCU and higher education leaders.

The University states that Jones’ will continue to serve fully as president through June 2026, with a focus on ensuring a throughful and stable leadership transition that supports continuity, momentum and institutional strength. Information regarding the presidential search process will be shared by the University System of Georgia, at a later date.

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About Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University (FVSU), founded in 1895, is an HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant institution providing excellent academic programs that integrate quality instruction, research, extension, and student learning experiences responsive to the needs of culturally and economically diverse student population equipped to excel in the 21st-century global community. For more information about FVSU, visit fvsu.edu.