Wildcats Rise!
Fort Valley State alumni have always been the heart of our institution. Wildcats Rise is about building authentic communities, mobilizing our most influential voices, transforming homecoming into the most impactful weekend of the year, and creating a legacy that lasts.
Bold Leadership. Real Results.
For too long, we've asked alumni to show up to events that don't reflect who they are or what they care about. Engagement has been shallow. Opportunities have been missed. Wildcats Rise changes that — four pillars, one vision, and a clear roadmap to make Fort Valley State the standard for HBCU alumni engagement.
"No matter the position or place, Fort Valley has always been my north star."
— Hollis Towns
Our Shared Mission
To build vibrant communities of Fort Valley State alumni organized around shared interests — creating pathways for meaningful engagement that go far beyond traditional alumni events, while opening doors to support the university in ways that feel authentic and personal.
Wildcat Connect groups are extensions of chapters, not replacements. They gather on their own timetable, organized around passion rather than geography, attracting alumni of every generation.
Potential Affinity Groups at Launch
How It Works
Each affinity group is led by a Founding Chair — a competitive, entrepreneurial alumnus who recruits members, organizes events, and builds community around shared passion. Groups compete annually on membership growth, event attendance, volunteer hours, and funds raised. The top-performing group is celebrated at homecoming.
Year One Outcomes
6 Groups Launched
All six founding affinity groups active with recruited chairs and founding members.
Engagement Tracked
Active membership, event participation, and volunteer hours measured monthly.
Champion Recognized
Top-performing group honored at homecoming, fueling next year's competition.
Giving Grows
Fundraising embedded naturally into group activities — not as an ask, but as an outcome.
Our Shared Mission
To mobilize influential Fort Valley State alumni across local, state, and federal spheres to advocate for the university's most urgent priorities — closing Georgia's funding gap, establishing doctoral programs, and securing federal support that honors Fort Valley's historic 1890 land-grant mission.
Legislative Priorities
Close Georgia's documented $600M+ underfunding gap for Fort Valley State and the state's public HBCUs.
Establish PhD-level programs at Fort Valley State — a right denied to Georgia's public HBCUs for too long.
Expand professional development funding at the state level to support institutional growth.
Maintain a regular federal presence to secure agriculture and land-grant funding aligned with Fort Valley's 1890 mission.
Three Tiers of Alumni Influence
Local
Business and civic leaders in Peach, Houston, and Bibb Counties who benefit from Fort Valley's regional economic impact.
State
Alumni with access to Georgia legislators positioned to influence funding and doctoral program decisions.
Federal
Alumni with Washington connections advocating for agriculture programs and land-grant HBCU priorities.
Annual Action Steps
Quarterly briefings arm members with talking points tailored to their sphere. An annual delegation trip to Washington puts our most connected alumni in rooms that matter. Legislative wins are tracked and shared with the broader alumni community.
Our Shared Mission
To transform Fort Valley State homecoming into a coordinated, visible, and economically impactful alumni celebration that rewards supportive businesses, creates unforgettable experiences, and drives meaningful university support.
The Central Hub & Business Partnership System
A designated hotel becomes the official Homecoming Weekend base. Local businesses are invited to become partners — with window stickers signaling their support, digital coupon book placement directing alumni spending, and tiered recognition rewarding the highest supporters. Alumni will know who's in our corner.
Signature Entertainment & Activation
Headline Entertainment
A signature concert or marquee event anchors homecoming week and draws alumni into coordinated programming.
QR Code Campaign
QR codes on campus signage and stadium boards drive alumni to events and giving opportunities in real time.
Alumni Branded Merchandise
Fort Valley-branded gear makes our presence visible all weekend and creates a unified celebration.
Wildcat Connect Meetups
Affinity groups host Homecoming Weekend gatherings — cars show, fishing meetup, music night — giving every alum a natural home.
Year One Outcomes
Official hotel partnership secured. Digital coupon book live with 50+ businesses. Window sticker program deployed. Headline entertainment announced. QR code infrastructure live. Measurable increase in alumni giving during Homecoming Weekend.
Our Shared Mission
To establish a direct, alumni-funded scholarship and awards program through the National Alumni Association — creating a legacy of support for FVSU students that is independent, impactful, and tied to the specific passions of our alumni community.
This is not a pass-through. This is the National Alumni Association investing directly in the next generation of Wildcats.
Scholarship Award Categories
Academic Excellence
Recognizing students with outstanding academic achievement.
Athletic Achievement
Honoring student-athletes who excel on and off the field.
Career Pathway
Supporting students in agriculture, education, business, and key career fields.
Community Leadership
Honoring students with exceptional service and civic engagement.
Alumni Giving Tiers
Make Wildcats Rise a Reality.
These aren't promises. They're plans. Four pillars. One vision. A Fort Valley State Alumni Association that is engaged, powerful, visible, and leaving a lasting legacy.
It starts with your vote.
Vote Hollis Towns for FVSU NAA President"I don't make promises. I make plans." — Hollis Towns