PRESS RELEASES

Fort Valley State University Appoints Dr. Vonda Easterling as Dean of Students in the division Student Affairs

FORT VALLEY, GA — August 11, 2025 — Fort Valley State University (FVSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vonda M. Easterling, Ph.D., as Dean of Students, effective August 18, 2025. She brings nearly 30 years of progressive leadership in student affairs, enrollment management, academic support, and student success.

A student-engaged, equity-driven higher education leader, Easterling has built a distinguished career designing and leading high-impact initiatives that expand access, foster engagement, and drive success for first-generation, historically underrepresented, and non-traditional students. Known for her collaborative and inclusive leadership style, she is committed to creating supportive campus environments that promote holistic student development and a strong sense of belonging.

Most recently, Easterling served as consultant/coordinator for Housing and Residence Life at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she advanced strategic planning, operational improvements, and student engagement initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Her career includes senior leadership roles at Elizabeth City State University, Shaw University, and North Carolina Central University, where she consistently achieved measurable gains in retention, enrollment, and student satisfaction.

Dr. Easterling earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Augustine’s University, a Master of Arts in English Literature from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University. She is an active member of NASPA, NCHO, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

As Dean of Students, Easterling will lead efforts to enhance the student experience at FVSU, strengthen engagement, and ensure that every student has the resources and support to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Vice President Hatchett also acknowledged TM² Executive Search for their instrumental role in leading the national search:

“I am truly pleased with TM² and the professional, prompt engagement during our Dean of Students search. I would gladly recommend their services to my colleagues. Exceptional Experience.”

About Fort Valley State University

Founded in 1895, Fort Valley State University is one of the University System of Georgia’s three public HBCUs and the state’s only 1890 Land Grant Institution. FVSU is recognized as the highest-ranked regional university in Georgia for social mobility and has been the #1 Public HBCU in Georgia for seven consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report. The university offers 37 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through three academic colleges, serving approximately 2,700 students from 127 counties, 20 states, and 14 countries.

About TM² Executive Search

TM² Executive Search is the only executive search firm exclusively focused on serving HBCUs and PBIs. As a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, TM² specializes in placing mission-driven executives who bring transformational leadership to their institutions.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Will Anyu & Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett
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