23 Interesting Facts about Fort Valley State University

Dan March 25, 2023

Fort Valley State University is a historically black public university located in Fort Valley, Georgia. Founded in 1895, it is the only 1890 land-grant institution in Georgia and is a member of the University System of Georgia. Fort Valley State University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas such as agriculture, education, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and technology. The university is particularly known for its programs in agriculture and environmental sciences, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resource management.

Fort Valley State University is a leading research institution in the field of agriculture and has been awarded millions of dollars in grants to support research projects focused on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. The university also has a number of partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies to support research and innovation.

Fort Valley State University has a vibrant campus community with numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. The university is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and offers a range of sports programs, including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. The campus is also home to a number of cultural and arts events throughout the year.

Fort Valley State University is committed to serving the needs of its local community and has a number of programs and initiatives focused on community engagement and outreach. The university’s Cooperative Extension program provides education and resources to farmers, businesses, and residents throughout the state, while its 4-H program engages youth in agricultural education and leadership development. The university also partners with local schools and organizations to provide educational programs and resources to underserved communities.

Let’s take a look at these 23 interesting facts about Fort Valley University to give us more information about this public university.

1. Fort Valley State University was founded in 1895 as the Fort Valley High and Industrial School.
2. It was designated as a land-grant institution in 1939 under the Second Morrill Act.
3. The university’s campus spans over 1,365 acres in Fort Valley, Georgia.
4. The university has over 2,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.
5. Fort Valley State University is one of the few universities in the nation that has a commercial farm on its campus.
6. The university’s commercial farm is 877 acres and is used to teach agricultural students and conduct research.
7. The university is the only institution in Georgia that offers a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.
8. The university’s freshman retention rate is over 70%.
9. The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
10. The university offers more than 50 student organizations and clubs.
11. The university has 13 NCAA Division II sports teams, known as the Wildcats.
12. The university’s mascot is a wildcat named Blaze.
13. The university has a partnership with NASA’s Langley Research Center.
14. The university is a member of the Georgia Research Alliance.
15. The university is one of only two institutions in Georgia that offer a degree in urban forestry.
16. The university has a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote sustainable agriculture.
17. The university’s Cooperative Extension program provides education and resources to farmers and businesses in Georgia.
18. The university’s 4-H program provides agricultural education and leadership development to youth.
19. The university has a historic bell tower that was built in 1938 and is a campus landmark.
20. The university’s annual Fall Festival is one of the largest events in the Middle Georgia region.
21. The university’s jazz band, the Blue Machine, has performed at several national and international events.
22. The university offers study abroad programs in countries such as Ghana, China, and South Korea.
23. The university’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development and Research supports business and economic development in the region.

Fort Valley State University is a vibrant institution that has been providing quality education and research opportunities to its students for over 125 years. With a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, the university has produced numerous successful graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty and staff, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. As one of Georgia’s leading public universities, Fort Valley State University continues to prepare students for success in an ever-changing global society.