TM² Executive Search Recruits Dean for Fort Valley State University
September 12, 2025 – TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Vonda M. Easterling as dean of students at Fort Valley State University (FVSU). “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. 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, Dr. 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.
As dean of students, Dr. 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.
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
In 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.”
Related: TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
A nationally recognized scholar, administrator, and leader, Dr. Scott has a wealth of experience in bioinformatics, STEM education and health sciences, as well as a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, research innovation and community service. He previously served as the dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and interim dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University.
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.
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
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).
Amanda Washington Lockett is the interim president at TM² Executive Search. She 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.
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
