Fort Valley State University (FVSU) was recognized by the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) for the inaugural Catalyst Award for Institutional Transformation. This honor, which includes a $25,000 prize, was presented at the University Innovation Alliance Summit in Tempe, Arizona, recognizing FVSU’s innovative approach to enhancing student success, retention, and overall campus enrollment.

The NISS Catalyst Award highlights the exceptional commitment and visionary leadership shown by FVSU’s student success team. Since launching a strategic partnership with NISS, FVSU has set new benchmarks in student support. The university has experienced a notable 5.8% increase in enrollments, established multi-year records for retention rates and the size of its first-year class and expanded campus-wide enrollment. A key driver of these outcomes has been FVSU’s enhanced first-year experience, which is designed to provide intentional, structured support for students from the outset of their college journey. This initiative led to a six-percentage-point increase in retention, with 88% of students now enrolled full-time.

“Receiving the NISS Catalyst Award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “Our partnership with NISS has empowered us to reimagine and elevate the student experience, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to every student’s success. We are excited to build on this momentum and continue making strides that impact our entire Wildcat family.”
A standout achievement in FVSU’s transformation is the Summer Success Academy. This program provides incoming students with targeted academic support, helping them acclimate to college life while developing strong study habits. Summer Success Academy participants have achieved an impressive average GPA of 3.59, with nearly all students testing out of learning support and earning full academic standing for their freshman year. These achievements underscore FVSU’s role as a leading institution in creating effective, timely pathways to student success and illustrate how quickly transformative change can happen.

“This award reflects the intentionality and dedication we put into every student success initiative, said Timothy Hatchett, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Our Summer Success Academy has been instrumental in preparing students for the demands of college life, as reflected in their outstanding academic performance. With the support of the NISS Catalyst Award, we are ready to expand our reach and make an even greater impact on our scholars’ futures.”
Fort Valley State University’s outstanding achievements in student retention, enrollment and student experience showcase the power of intentional, data-driven strategies. As Georgia’s #1 public HBCU and #1 for social mobility, FVSU remains committed to setting new standards for academic excellence.