Fort Valley State University (FVSU) announces the appointment of Derrick Scott, Ph.D., as the new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2025. A nationally recognized scholar, administrator, and leader, Scott brings 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.

Currently, Scott serves as the dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and interim dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University, where his leadership resulted in notable increases in student enrollment, retention and research productivity. These efforts significantly contributed to the university’s elevation to a Carnegie Classification R2 Research Institution.

“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, Ph.D. “His strategic insight and passion for innovation and student success will be instrumental as we chart the next chapter of our academic journey.”

Scott’s professional trajectory includes transformative leadership at Delaware State University, where he served as the founding executive director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and director of the Center for Health Disparities. During his tenure, Scott secured more than $15 million in research funding and played a pivotal role in establishing cutting-edge facilities for COVID-19 testing, positioning the university at the forefront of pandemic response and healthcare innovation.

"Fort Valley State University stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation,” said Derrick Scott, Ph.D. “I am committed to advancing Fort Valley State’s land-grant mission, strengthening its academic enterprise, and positioning FVSU as a national model for innovation, access and excellence in higher education."

His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia State University. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology from Virginia Tech, a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics from the University of South Carolina and a Post Doctorate in Bioinformatics from the University of South Carolina.

Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Scott is a widely respected educator and researcher. He has been named one of the “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Mentor and currently serves on the National Board for Education Sciences, following an appointment by President Joseph Biden.

Scott is married to LaTia Scott, Ph.D., and together they are the proud parents of four children.

Fort Valley State University looks forward to the innovative leadership and academic vision Derrick Scott, Ph.D., will bring as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.