Fort Valley State University (FVSU) selects Samuel Delanor Jolley Jr., Ed.D., esteemed educator, accomplished leader and proud Wildcat alumnus, to deliver the keynote address at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m. in Wildcat Stadium. This special commencement is part of FVSU’s yearlong celebration commemorating 130 years of Unapologetic Excellence. 

A native of Montezuma, Georgia, Jolley is a 1962 graduate of Fort Valley State College (FVSC), where he earned his degree in Mathematics Education. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has profoundly impacted higher education as a mathematics professor, college president and pioneering administrator, always guided by his core philosophy: “Excellence in all Endeavors.”

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Jolley back to campus as this year’s commencement speaker,” said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “His life’s work embodies the values we hope to instill in every Wildcat: leadership, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Jolley began his career as a high school mathematics teacher before joining the faculty at FVSC, where he served for 26 years in numerous roles, including professor, chair of the Division of Education, and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. His visionary leadership helped secure a NASA grant to launch the university’s Department of Computer Technology and Information Systems.

He later served as the 14th and the 17th president of Morris Brown College, where his strategic leadership turned a multimillion-dollar deficit into a surplus and restored the college’s accreditation. His presidency at Morris Brown and following role as executive director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium left a lasting mark on the HBCU community.
A nationally recognized figure in education, Jolley has received more than 200 awards and honors. He is a member of multiple halls of fame, including FVSU’s Alumni Hall of Fame and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2024, he was inducted into Omega Psi Phi’s Georgia State Hall of Fame in recognition of his 65 years of service to the fraternity.
Jolley’s speech is expected to inspire the Class of 2025 as they take their next steps beyond Fort Valley State University, carrying the same spirit of excellence that has defined his legacy.

For more information about FVSU’s Spring Commencement, visit www.fvsu.edu/commencement.