Fort Valley State University Fall 2023 Commencement Program

Fort Valley State University

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About 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 steppingstone. At the same time, 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 helps launch students into careers through internships and career development.

FVSU is one of nineteen 1890 land-grant institutions, 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.

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FVSU was named the top public HBCU in Georgia for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report, for six consecutive years.

FVSU has the highest ranking in Georgia for social mobility among public regional universities for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.

FVSU is ranked as the #32 top public university in the south for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.

FVSU ranked as one of the 2023 Top 25 Best HBCUs in the nation by College Consensus.

FVSU was ranked as a Top 50 Online Master’s Degree in Counseling by EduMed.org.

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 by Diverse Issues.

FVSU’s four-year veterinary technology program is the only one in Georgia.

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Academic 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 floorlength 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 the United States 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 MASTER’S DOCTORATE

Black, full cut with long pointed sleeves Black, long or short sleeves with an arc-shaped panel for each sleeve 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 MASTER’S DOCTORATE

Three feet in length with two-inch wide velvet trim Three and one-half feet in length with three-inch wide velvet trim 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.

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Presidential 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 inauguration of President Luther Burse in 1984 marked the first ceremonial use of the mace at Fort Valley State University. The Mace was retired after 38 years on May 14, 2022.

During the 81st Spring Commencement, a new Presidential Mace was installed in a ceremony led

by President Paul Jones and Dr. Isaac Crumbly.

The Presidential Mace of Fort Valley State University is 42 inches long and is Cherry with Cordovan Stain. The Staff is wood with two metal sleeves and sits in a cherry wood hexagon stand.

The top of the mace consists of an Antique Brass Medallion engraved with the university seal, which is gold plated.

The mace was designed by Medalcraft Mint, Inc., the largest private mint in all North America.

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SPEAKER Rose M. Holton, MD Director of Anesthesia Services, Summit Endoscopy Center Dr. Rose Marie Holton, the Valedictorian of the Class of 1988, achieved summa cum laude honors with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Fort Valley State College (University).

Subsequently, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. Following five years of post-graduate training, comprising of residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Interventional Pain Management fellowship at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. With Board Certification in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Dr. Holton embarked on a distinguished 20+ year career as a respected anesthesiologist.

Commencing her medical journey in rural and community hospitals, Dr. Holton's roots in the small town of Ellaville, GA, with a population of under 2,000, served as a constant reminder of her humble beginning. At the age of 8, her dream of becoming a doctor, specifically a family doctor like those who made house calls, took root.

However, the tragic passing of her younger sister at the age of 17, prompted a change in Dr. Holton's medical specialization to Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine.

As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Holton takes solace in being the "silent force behind the scenes," bringing comfort to patients dealing with various pain syndromes, particularly those with cancer. Her career trajectory includes positions at Dorminy Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Digestive Healthcare Endoscopy Centers of Georgia. Presently, she serves as the Director of Anesthesia Services at Summit Endoscopy Center, a role she has held since 2007. Notably, Dr. Holton founded her own company, Global Anesthesia & Pain Management Consultants, in 2001.

Driven by philanthropy, Dr. Holton believes in the power of service as the measure of greatness. As such, she is an avid supporter and volunteer with the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, a special needs ministry; she also grants wishes to children and young adults with terminal illnesses and partners with In Touch Ministries, aiming to spread the gospel worldwide.

Additionally, she personally endowed the Taahsela K. Holton Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of her late sister and is an ongoing mentor, advisor, and tutor for individuals aspiring to careers in healthcare.

In a field where black women constitute less than 2% of the total anesthesiology workforce, Dr. Holton takes pride in being a Fort Valley State University graduate, contributing to the legacy of trailblazers across various fields, including medicine.

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Honorary Doctorate Recipient Alonzo E. Jones Sr., MD, FACC Cardiologist, Columbus Cardiology Associates, P.C. Dr. Alonzo E. Jones Sr., ’83, FACC, a skilled and compassionate physician and specialist in cardiovascular disease, has dedicated his life to the service of his community of Columbus, Georgia, for more than 35 years. He received an undergraduate degree in zoology from Fort Valley State College and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Following this, he pursued rigorous training in internal medicine and cardiology at the esteemed University Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

His pursuit of excellence led to board certifications in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Born and raised in Macon County, Georgia, Dr. Jones’ generosity extends well beyond Fort Valley State University. He and his wife, Kathy Jones, ’83, have been stanched supporters of numerous nonprofit organizations in the Columbus community.

Through their generous gift in 2021, Alonzo and Kathy Jones helped with the establishment of the Christine and Willie C. Jones Amphitheater, named after Alonzo’s parents, who only had a fourth and seventh-grade education, respectively, but ensured that all their children had an opportunity for a better life. Five of their thirteen children and several grandchildren earned undergraduate degrees from FVSU. Alonzo, Alfred, Alma, and granddaughter Rose have had distinguished careers in medicine, while David and Ray are respected business leaders.

The family’s legacy is reflected in their life-long commitment to education and medicine. They have distinguished themselves as alumni, professionals and philanthropists having collectively gifted nearly $2M to FVSU. In September of this year, Dr. Alonzo Jones and his eldest sister Alma Jones, ’71, MD, MPH, MA, donated $1M to the university, the largest gift from a living alumnus. In recognition of Dr. Alma Jones and her contributions to medicine and as a medical trailblazer for their family, Dr. Alonzo Jones established the Alma Jones Endowed Professorship in Social Justice at FVSU, the university’s first-ever endowed position.

Dr. Jones recently joined the Board of the FVSU Athletic Association which supports Athletics and the Blue Machine Marching Band. He has made an impact in the community through his involvement with many civic organizations, including Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Life Member of the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, member of the Columbus Chapter of the FVSU Alumni Association, member of the Columbus Cardiology Associates and Columbus Fort Benning Medical Society, just to name a few.

His leadership transcends the medical field, impacting the lives of those who look up to him as a role model.

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PROGRAM th

Paul Jones, Ph.D.

10 President, Fort Valley State University Presiding Prelude ............................................................................................................................................ Elvis Lewis, Jr. *Processional ...............................................“Pomp and Circumstance” ........................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr. Sir Edgar Elgar

*Invocation ................................................................................................................................ Pastor Jordan Poole Hope Church, Fort Valley, 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 ..................................................................................................................................... Paul Jones, Ph.D. Message from the Valedictorian ....................................................................................................... Janyah Morten Political Science Major Introduction of Speaker .............................................................................................................. Paul Jones, Ph.D. Commencement Address ........................................................................................................ Dr. Rose Holton ’88 Director of Anesthesia Services, Summit Endoscopy Center Special Presentation and Acknowledgements ............................................................................... Paul Jones, Ph.D. Conferring of Honorary Degree to Dr. Alonzo Jones Sr., FACC ’83 Selection ............................................................................................................ Fort Valley State University Choir Presentation of Deans .............................................................................................. Olufunke A. Fontenot, Ed.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Presentation of Candidates for Degrees ......................................................................................................... Deans Graduate Studies – Nirmal Joshee, Ph.D. College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology – Keith Howard, Ph.D. College of Arts and Sciences – Fares Howari, 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 .................................................. Mr. Ashley Ballard President, FVSU National Alumni Association, Inc. *The Alma Mater .......................................................................... Fort Valley State University Choir and Audience William H. Pipes and Odessa Hardison McNair

*Benediction ............................................................................................................................. Pastor Jordan Poole *Recessional ................................................. “War March of the Priest” ........................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr. Felix Mendelssohn

Postlude ........................................................................................................................................... Elvis Lewis, Jr. *The audience should stand. See page 20 for lyrics to FVSU Alma Mater and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

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GRADUATE DEGREES EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST School Counselor Education Josey Gardner Allen .................................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Sierra La’Shae Brown ................................................................................................................ Fort Valley State University Kalycia Lashay Harrell ..................................................................................................................... Angelo State University Alexis Juanidrian Jones ................................................................................................................... Albany State University Tinikia L. Jones ........................................................................................................................................ Argosy University Candance Lair Joseph ............................................................................................................................ Southern University Allegra Tanzania Morgan .................................................................................................................. Long Island University Colleen McPhee Pinto .............................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Tanyika Keyonia Wooden................................................................................................................ Albany State University

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Environmental Health Esther Adunni Oluwadiya ........................................................................................................................... Allen University Jessica Iman Tucker .................................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Sierra Jennings West ........................................................................................................................ Albany State University

MASTER OF SCIENCE Clinical Mental Health Counseling Tiffany Danielle Hines ..................................................................................................... Middle Georgia State University Anthony DelJuan Jackson ............................................................................................................................ Troy University Lettie B. Jordan ................................................................................................................ Middle Georgia State University Shanteria Teiona Mosley .......................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University Hannah Elizabeth Rule ........................................................................................ Mercer University Theological Seminary

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Tamera Je’Ne Edwards .............................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Lillian Gibson ............................................................................................................................. Kennesaw State University JaTondria Danielle Hill ............................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Cre’Dresha Alicole Price ........................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University Keyuna Kushuna Thomas ...................................................................................................... Georgia Southern University

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE Sai Chandan Chelkapally .................................................................................................... P.V. Narsimha Rao, Telangana Priyanka Gurrapu ................................................................................................................. P.V. Narsimha Rao, Telangana Ayesha Neha ....................................................................................................... Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa, Pradesh Arshad Shaik ....................................................................................................................... P.V. Narsimha Rao, Telangana 8

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY Abosede Tomilola Abolude ....................................................................................................Abeokuta University, Nigeria Varun Kumar Reddy Cheruku ............................................................................................... Annamalai University, India Nnamdi Obumneme Eneh ...................................................................................................... Gregory University, Nigeria Alexis Alejandra Irving ............................................................................................................. Fort Valley State University Kumudini Talari ......................................................................................................................... Osmania University, India

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION Elementary Education/Special Education Jeffreia Raines ........................................................................................................................ Western Governors University

Middle Grades Education Tionne Stroman ......................................................................................................................... Fort Valley State University

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UNDERGRADUATE 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 spring/summer 2023 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 Kiara Cricket Bivins ...................................................................................................................................... Miami, Florida Alexandra Alia Jones ................................................................................................................................ Norcross, Georgia †††Kayla Jasmine Kroger .................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia Tyson Latimore ...................................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia Miranda Chelsea Naa Dzagbleorkor Mensah ............................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia Heather Ashley Nichols .............................................................................................................................. Macon, Georgia Hadiyah Lillian Orr ......................................................................................................................... Long Island, New York Katherine Alexis Patterson ........................................................................................................... Beaufort, South Carolina Deja Zaire Ross ........................................................................................................................................ Riverdale, Georgia ††Michaella Rayanna Rubio ............................................................................................................ Newbury, South Carolina Dhrue Kortney Vinson ........................................................................................................................... Kingsland, Georgia ††Orianna Dinasja Watters ................................................................................................................... Phenix City, Alabama Margarette Angelica Wilkerson ................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Kyelena Alisha Wilson ................................................................................................................... Raleigh, North Carolina

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE Animal Science Daisha Nicole Beal ................................................................................................................................... Cochran, Georgia Kayla Myrtle Cook ................................................................................................................................. Statesboro, Georgia †Janan Q. Fareed ........................................................................................................................................ Lithonia, Georgia ††Yasmin Shantol Holt ..................................................................................................................... Powder Springs, Georgia Madison Hubbard .......................................................................................................................... Powder Springs, Georgia ††Casey Dalton Hunter ...................................................................................................................................... Perry, Georgia †Keyanne Jones ............................................................................................................................................. Dublin, Georgia Jasmine Tyshea Jordan ............................................................................................................................ Americus, Georgia †Nallely Mendez ....................................................................................................................................... Mableton, Georgia 10

Courteciya Price ................................................................................................................................. College Park, Georgia Ahmari Rutherford ..................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia ††Shaylon Zamiel Saunders ............................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia Kaylynn Shamsid-Deen ............................................................................................................................ Lithonia, Georgia †††Yuri Inoue Smith ........................................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia Dream Valles ............................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia Iyania Mykeria Wright ......................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY †Larry Gejiuan Davis................................................................................................................................. LaGrange, Georgia Lorenzo L. Harvey, Jr. ................................................................................................................................. Macon, Georgia Kenny James Holmes ............................................................................................................................... Marietta, Georgia ††Demetrice Gathryn Parks .............................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia DeUndre Tyree White .............................................................................................................................. Newton, Georgia

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES Kailen Larren-Beatrice Avery ............................................................................................................ McDonough, Georgia †††Naomi Sharmayne Becks .......................................................................................................................... Augusta, Georgia ††Nyah Becks ................................................................................................................................................ Augusta, Georgia Destiny D’Ivun Ivey ............................................................................................................................ Thomasville, Georgia Leslie Mansion ...................................................................................................................................... Lincolnton, Georgia †Joselyn Jonice Wyche .................................................................................................................. Lauderdale Lakes, Florida

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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BACHELOR OF ARTS Criminal Justice ††Amiya Monae Allen ................................................................................................................................. Valdosta, Georgia Deionta Jarrod Anderson ........................................................................................................................... Vienna, Georgia Tytianah Arnold ....................................................................................................................................... Fairburn, Georgia Caiyra De’Zhanel Butler ....................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia Deja Arieanna Daniels ...................................................................................................................... Lawrenceville, Georgia †Precious Ma’Kayla Lockhart .................................................................................................................... Americus, Georgia Keonica McClinton .................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia Evan Willie Monson .................................................................................................................................. Winder, Georgia Pamela Ncengetere ..................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia †Jamichael Parks ....................................................................................................................................... LaGrange, Georgia ††Ambria Nicole Porter ................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Dalvin Amon Ruff ............................................................................................................................. Milledgeville, Georgia Quintyrus Javon Rush ................................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia Candace Simms .................................................................................................................................... Jacksonville, Florida D’Mya Zhane Smith ....................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia Jatavian Smith ................................................................................................................................ Pine Mountain, Georgia

Liberal Studies Allen Deante’ Brown ................................................................................................................................. Camilla, Georgia Darius Antonio Xavier Douglas ....................................................................................... Moncks Corner, South Carolina Scottearyia Jovecherica Dumas ................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia Hakeem Trayvon Ellington ........................................................................................................ Ridgeville, South Carolina †Landon Emery ............................................................................................................................................. Macon, Georgia Justin Denard Harris ............................................................................................................................ Fort Valley, Georgia Cameron Hines ................................................................................................................................... East Albany, Georgia Aalani Tatyana Martin .................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia Pierre Dumont Donyel Mitchell .............................................................................................................. Detroit, Michigan Justin Taylor Nesbit ............................................................................................................................. Greensboro, Georgia Cordell Antwan Pimienta ............................................................................................................................ Tampa, Florida Destiny Unique Potter ............................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia Sedquita Vontasia Tyshek Roundtree ......................................................................................................... Albany, Georgia Darnell Makki Stephens ............................................................................................................................ Conyers, Georgia Jordan Wheat ............................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Dioniciomal Antonio Wright .............................................................................................................. Fort Valley, Georgia

Media Studies Danielle Yvonne Baltrip ............................................................................................................................... Houston, Texas Kendarian T. Lane ..................................................................................................................................... Dearing, Georgia William McKenzie Little ............................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia ††Jakoba Jarode Mildton, Jr. ......................................................................................................................... Decatur, Georgia Alexxis Deatre’nae Thompson ............................................................................................................. Hephzibah, Georgia

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Political Science Foster Eugene Ford ....................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia ††Ravine Sean Harrell ................................................................................................................................ Hinesville, Georgia †Haston Ma’Si Holder ............................................................................................................................ Columbus, Georgia Destini Sakia Hurst ................................................................................................................................. Savannah, Georgia Jeremiah Hutchinson ............................................................................................................................. Savannah, Georgia Steviana McCoy .................................................................................................................................... Warrenton, Georgia †††Janyah Anita Morten ............................................................................................................................. Brunswick, Georgia Taylor N. Sellers ..................................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia

Psychology Malcolm Jeffrey Bentick .................................................................................................................... Boston, Massachusetts ††Te’Andra Carmyn-Tierra Chirawu ............................................................................................................. Ellabell, Georgia †Jada Nicole Cloud .................................................................................................................................. Jonesboro, Georgia Raven Coker ................................................................................................................................. Fort Campbell, Kentucky Na’Kiyah Tanaye Conner ........................................................................................................... Statesville, North Carolina Laila Lekia Edwards ..................................................................................................................................... Albany, Georgia Tamekia Michelle Felton ............................................................................................................................ Athens, Georgia Celestine Linda Gavins ................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia Ny’jay Nydia Greene ..................................................................................................................................... Cairo, Georgia Kennedy LaChan Hardin .......................................................................................................................... Morrow, Georgia Angela Askew Hite ......................................................................................................................................... Peery, Georgia Ayanna Howard ............................................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia Kelsi Ashaylah Jackson ............................................................................................................. Upper Marlboro, Maryland Monasia Artese James ................................................................................................................................ Decatur, Georgia Allison-Leigh Louretta Johnson .................................................................................................................. Senoia, Georgia Kewanna Jordan .................................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia Quiseonna LaKesi’a Kuhn .................................................................................................................... Warrenton, Georgia †††Savannah G. Levett ............................................................................................................................... Carrollton, Georgia Amonti Massey ............................................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia Keziah Tommia McGhee .......................................................................................................................... Bonaire, Georgia Keely Miller .................................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia Markeita Denise Miller .......................................................................................................................... Barnesville, Georgia Mariah Lytria Morgan ................................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia Kaylen Simone Ponder ................................................................................................................................ Albany, Georgia †Telisa N. Reid ........................................................................................................................................... Eatonton, Georgia Niyah Michelle Render ......................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia Jawuan Robbins ............................................................................................................................................. Sparta, Georgia ††Ragan Elizabeth Robinson .......................................................................................................... Stone Mountain, Georgia Tyrik Devon Weaver ................................................................................................................................ Madison, Georgia B’Asia AnnDria Young ............................................................................................................................ Kathleen, Georgia

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ††Zaria Jacqueline Joseph ............................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Lashai Sade Rose ................................................................................................................................. Centerville, Georgia

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BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting †††Jada Michele Johnson ............................................................................................................................... Conyers, Georgia †††Tianna Shanise Mallory .............................................................................................................................. Macon, Georgia Dvante Lajorian Siler .......................................................................................................................... Chesapeake, Virginia †Pandy Warren ................................................................................................................................ Warner Robins, Georgia Ryan Jamal Williams ............................................................................................................................. Columbus, Georgia

Management Uriah Boyd ................................................................................................................................................ Atlanta, Georgia ††Imani Diann Claud .................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia ††Dametri Antonio Hill ................................................................................................................... Winter Garden, Florida Tre’Darius Da’Shawn Lauderdale ...................................................................................................... Memphis, Tennessee ††Frances Christina O’Bryant ........................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia †Rhonda Evelyn Reynolds ...................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia Kaniyah Chambray Stewart ........................................................................................................................ Pelham, Georgia Daejan Ja’Niya Walls ............................................................................................................................ Gainesville, Georgia Cedric Oneal Wymbs, Jr. .......................................................................................................................... Monroe, Georgia Hasaan Zakee Zareef ................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia

Marketing Colby Cornell Brown ............................................................................................................................. East Point, Georgia ††Kaelynn Denise Brown-Collier .................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Aletan Ramon McKinney ........................................................................................................................ Ashburn, Georgia Christion Chancellor Walker-Wilson ......................................................................................................... Griffin, Georgia Chakiyah Andrea Wesley .............................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia

Supply Chain and Logistics Management Roman Isaak DeBerry ............................................................................................................................ Kennesaw, Georgia Markivious T. Dickson ................................................................................................................................. Sparta, Georgia Angela Johnson .................................................................................................................................. St. Albans, New York Patrick W. Jones .......................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biology Alexis Makaylah Brooks ............................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Maleah Arianna Brown ............................................................................................................................ Midland, Georgia †Elizabeth Dajia Rose Cody ..................................................................................................................... Arlington, Georgia †Sharif Coker ............................................................................................................................................. Marietta, Georgia Ajalan S. Collier ........................................................................................................................................... Lizella, Georgia Ashley Wynona Davis .................................................................................................................................... Perry, Georgia †Jontasia Yah-mya Evans ........................................................................................................................ Fayetteville, Georgia Christian Re’john Henry ..................................................................................................................... Jacksonville, Florida 14

Tyla Simone Hollis ................................................................................................................................ Ellenwood, Georgia Christopher Tahim Hyacinthe ......................................................................................................... Port St. Lucie, Florida Ericka Desiree Jones .................................................................................................................................. Augusta, Georgia Aaliyah Milan Lane .................................................................................................................................. Valdosta, Georgia Johnjy Michel ................................................................................................................................... Daytona Beach, Florida Deja Amani Middleton ................................................................................................................................. Miami, Florida Stefanie Miles ............................................................................................................................................ Augusta, Georgia Ja’Mya A. Norman ...................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia Jaylen Dimir Pinckney ................................................................................................................ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Aniyah Charee Plummer .............................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia Nylah Powell ............................................................................................................................................... Atlanta, Georgia Janyah Emani Robinson .................................................................................................................... College Park, Georgia †Darius Ahmad Ruff ...................................................................................................................................... Sparta, Georgia Mafor Rebecca Segnou .......................................................................................................................... Ellenwood, Georgia †Faith Jasmine Smith .................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia Joshua Bennie Smith ................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia Andelia Lora’el Wilson ..................................................................................................................... Riviera Beach, Florida

Chemistry Calvin Logan Brown ............................................................................................................................ Edwardsville, Illinois India Shardae Gipson ........................................................................................................................... Covington, Georgia Maya Michelle Smith ..................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia ††Mieko Maritza Smith .................................................................................................................... Warner Robins, Georgia

Computer Science Bakari A. Bland .................................................................................................................................... Hephzibah, Georgia Morgan Renee Brantley ......................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia Marzaveon Florence ............................................................................................................................... Ellenwood, Georgia †Marcus Jomar Gaye .................................................................................................................................... Decatur, Georgia Jarred James Johnson ........................................................................................................................... Fort Valley, Georgia Mekhal Jones .............................................................................................................................................. Atlanta, Georgia Jaylen Ka’darius Joyner ................................................................................................................................ Albany, Georgia ††Charles Jacob Knight ................................................................................................................................... Dublin, Georgia Shilo Lorainey ......................................................................................................................................... Clarkston, Georgia Markita Danyelle Lucious ..................................................................................................................... Columbus, Georgia †Mel’yada Milner ..................................................................................................................................... Byromville, Georgia ††Areaun Myja Russell ............................................................................................................................Portsmouth, Virginia Daavid K. Smiley ............................................................................................................................ Warner Robins, Georgia Nashom Williams .................................................................................................................................... Savannah, Georgia

Mathematics ††Diamond Labrie McDow ............................................................................................................ Lancaster, South Carolina

Organizational Leadership †Armisha B. Campbell .................................................................................................................................. Forsyth, Georgia Michael Dylan Mapp ........................................................................................................................... San Diego, California Alvin Ricky Tyronne Smith ...................................................................................................................... Lakeland, Florida

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BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK †Keeley E. Allen .............................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia Waylin Malik De’ante Bell ......................................................................................................................... Harlem, Georgia Monique Boone ............................................................................................................................. Warner Robins, Georgia Kierra Michelle Brown ................................................................................................................................ Macon, Georgia Kahlil Rashun Day ...................................................................................................................................... Albany, Georgia ††Kimya Pershanta Ferguson ................................................................................................................... Lincolnton, Georgia †Aniyah Gates ............................................................................................................................................. Valdosta, Georgia Kiarra Shawnté Giles ................................................................................................................................. Monroe, Georgia Melchezedek Semaj-Drayton Green .................................................................................................... Union City, Georgia Ce’Aya Howard ........................................................................................................................................... Macon, Georgia Ashley Nicole Jackson .................................................................................................................................... Perry, Georgia Jyrrynn Jakeith Jordan ............................................................................................................................... Augusta, Georgia †Syralyne Brianna Kamara ........................................................................................................................... Lilburn, Georgia Jordan Leigh Lewis .................................................................................................................................. Riverdale, Georgia ††Jaquory Rashad Zanders ................................................................................................................................ Perry, Georgia

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION Elementary Education/Special Education ††Jamyracie Raneisha Bryant .......................................................................................................................... Tifton, Georgia ††Zy’kia TaMiracle Robinson ............................................................................................................... College Park, Georgia

Health & Physical Education †Jared Ahmad Hill ...................................................................................................................................... Monroe, Georgia

Middle Grades Education ††Taylor Elan Royal ................................................................................................................................. Fayetteville, Georgia

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Administration

Paul Jones, Ph.D., President

Emma Bennett-Williams, Esq. Chief of Staff

Olufunke A. Fontenot, Ed.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Michelle Martin Vice President for Business and Finance

Timothy L. Hatchett, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Karen Wright Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director for the FVSU Foundation

Govind Kannan, Ph.D. Vice President for Economic Development and Land Grant Affairs

Nirmal Joshee, Ph.D. Interim Dean, Graduate Studies

Keith Howard, Ph.D. Dean, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology

Fares Howari, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D. Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies

Commencement Committee Members Ndidi Akuta, DScIT John Cagnina Alicia Carner-McDonald Michele Drew, DBA Edwidge Dufresne Joyce Ann Eaker Meigan Fields, Ph.D. Chief Antonio Fletcher Genesis Ivey, SGA President

LTC Nicholas Kauffeld Felicia King Shareé Lawrence Anita McMurtry, Ph.D. Cheryl McNeil-Jordan Karyn Nooks Jim Posey Lorea Reid Betty Rogers

Hari Singh, Ph.D. Britney Smith Saferino Dout, Sr. Class President Olufunke A. Fontenot, Ed.D., Exofficio Emma Bennett-Williams, Esq., Exofficio Bridget Holyfield-Moss, Ed.D., Chair

Mace Bearer Isaac J. Crumbly, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Vice President for Collaborative Programs and Founder/Director of the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program

Marshals Mohammed Ibrahim, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Academic Programs, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, Faculty Marshal Brou Kouakou, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, Graduate Marshal Mr. Alex Thomas, Executive Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Student Marshal Jacques Surrency, Ph.D., ‘93, Associate Professor, Plant Science Program, College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology Marshal Sanjeev Arora, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences Marshal Gregory Green, Ph.D., 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.

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Announcers Regina Ivory Butts, DBA, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Business Administration and Economics, College of Arts and Sciences James R. Newton, D.H.Sc.,CRC, Associate Professor, Professional School Counselor, Counseling Department, College of Education and Professional Studies

Commencement Staff Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Students Blue Coat Ambassadors Office of Marketing and Communications Marketing and Communications Media and Marketing Agency Students Office of University Events ROTC Cadets Upward Bound Volunteers Women in Gold

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The 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. Amiya Allen Kailen Avery Daisha Beal Uriah Boyd Morgan Brantley Allen Brown Maleah Brown Kaelynn Brown-Collier Caiyra Butler Armisha Campbell Te’Andra Camryn-Tierra Chirawu Sharif Coker Kayla Cook Jontasia Evans Larry G. Davis, Jr. Celestine Gavins Kiarra Giles Melchezedek Green Ravine Harrell Christian Henry JaTondria Hill Haston Holder Destini Hurst Jeremiah Hutchinson Quintyrus J. Rush Jared Johnson Ericka Jones Keyanne Jones Jasmine Jordan Charles Knight Quiseonna Kuhn Aaliyah Lane Kendarian Lane Tredarius Lauderdale Precious Lockhart Kierra M. Brown Leslie Mansion Aletan McKinney

Nalley Mendez Johnjy Michel Niyah Michelle Render Deja Middleton Jakoba Mildton, Jr. Shanteria Mosley Raven N. Coker Ja’Mya Norman Frances O’Bryant Hadiyah Orr Aniyah Plummer Destiny Potter Courteciya Price Alvin R. Smith, Jr. Jawuan Robbins Janyah Robinson Zykia Robinson Sedquita Roundtree Areaun Russell Kewanna S. Jordan Shaylon Saunders Faith Smith Joshua Smith Maya Smith Mieko Smith Aalani T. Martin Na’Kiyah Tanaye Conner Tanyika K. Wooden Ashley W. Davis Orianna Watters Andella Wilson Iyanla Wright Joselyn Wyche B’asia Young Deja Z. Ross Jaquory Zanders Hasaan Zareef 19

Alma Mater

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Fort Valley State! Fort Valley State!

Our lives to thee we dedicate.

Our souls we blend to sing thy name; Eternal praise we do proclaim.

Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won.

Faithful and true, Fort Valley State, We at thy call, forever wait; We lift our hearts to thankfulness, For loyalty and thoroughness.

We love to hear thy sweet name called; Thou art the dearest school of all.

Our hearts to thee will e’er belong, Thou art so steadfast, brave and strong;

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

We love thee so, Fort Valley State, Our loyalty we dedicate; Thy name forever we proclaim; Fort Valley State, We love thy name.

-William H. Pipes and Odessa Hardison McNair, 1954

The Star-Spangled Banner

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee; Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand.

True to our God, True to our native land.

-Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson Music by John R. Johnson

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

O thus be it ever when free man shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation; Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

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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