TM² Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Fort Valley State University
January 28, 2026 – TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently retained by Fort Valley State University (FVSU) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu are leading the assignment. The CHRO oversees the strategic direction of the human resources department. The CHRO provides leadership and direction for HR policy, employee relations, recruitment, systems development and benefits and serves as a member of the university cabinet.
For this position, a bachelor’s degree required with seven years of direct experience related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field and experience in human resources in a higher education setting is preferred. More than four years of related experience is also required.
Those applying, should have a minimum of three years of experience supervising professional staff in a human resources or related organizational setting as well as a minimum of three years of progressive human resources experience within a higher education institution.
Fort Valley State University is a public land-grant historically black university in Fort Valley, GA. It is part of the University System of Georgia and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Fort Valley State University is the state’s 1890 land-grant university and enrolls over 2,500 students.
Provost Search
Last April, TM² Executive Search also assisted in the recruitment of Derrick Scott as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Fort Valley State University. “Dr. Scott is a transformational leader whose track record of advancing academic excellence, driving innovation, and championing access aligns perfectly with our university’s mission and vision,” said FVSU president Paul Jones. “His strategic insight and passion for innovation and student success will be instrumental as we chart the next chapter of our academic journey.”
TM² Executive Search specializes in providing exemplary executive talent acquisition consultation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, and other organizations looking to attract highly qualified, motivated, accomplished diverse candidates at all levels of the administration. The firm focuses on filling C-suite leadership positions, including presidents, chancellors and their cabinet-level direct reports, and board directorships.
Related: TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
In 2016, four former black college presidents launched TM² Executive Search. The firm is the brainchild of former black college presidents John Garland (former president of Central State University); Sidney Ribeau (former president of Howard University); Wayne Watson (president emeritus of Chicago State University); and Dorothy Cowser Yancy (president emerita of Johnson C. Smith University & Shaw University).
TM² Executive Search Recruits Dean for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Vonda M. Easterling as dean of students at Fort Valley State University. “I am truly pleased with TM² and the professional, prompt engagement during our dean of students search,” said Timothy L. Hatchett, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “I would gladly recommend their services to my colleagues. Exceptional experience.” Dr. Easterling 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, she 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.
Dr. Washington Lockett is a dedicated scholar-practitioner with over a decade of experience in higher education and strategy development. Dr. Washington Lockett’s research and practice focus on innovations in higher education, transformative leadership and institutional sustainability. She has served as a strategic advisor to the presidents of two Minority Serving Institutions and most recently served as a Strategist for the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). In this role, she developed strategic priorities and initiatives that improved the sustainability and institutional outcomes at HBCUs.
Ms. Horton has extensive experience in higher education, having worked in Ohio, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Florida. Her career spans roles in advancement and student affairs, where she excels in identifying overlooked perspectives and translating them into organizational strategies. During her tenure in education, Ms. Horton a leveraged her network to create learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty. Prior to TM², she recruited for boutique search firms specializing in private and public sector executive placements.
Dr. Anyu has over a decade of experience spanning executive search, higher education, and corporate environments. His career began in higher education as assistant director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions, where he managed programs and developed initiatives for students, faculty, and administrators nationwide. Dr. Anyu’s career in executive search started at Storbeck Search as a junior associate, supporting C-suite searches for educational and non-profit organizations. After Storbeck, he joined HTI/True Search as a senior associate leading dozens of executive level searches across diverse sectors including climate tech, edtech, and CEO & board practices.
Related: TM² Executive Search Fills Senior Position for Benedict College
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
