Fort Valley State University
10/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2026 22:29
President Jenniya Sams and the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration Inaugurated at Fort Valley State University
President Jenniya Sams and the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration Inaugurated at Fort Valley State University
by Zakayla Starling
Posted on Oct 07, 2026
FORT VALLEY, Ga. - A new chapter of student leadership officially began at Fort Valley State University on Thursday, September 17, as President Jenniya Sams and the 2026-2027 Student Government Association's R.E.A.D.Y. Administration were inaugurated during a black-and-white ceremony at the C.W. Pettigrew Center Auditorium.
Surrounded by university administrators, faculty, staff, student leaders, family and friends, the newly inaugurated administration marked the beginning of its term with a commitment to student advocacy, authentic leadership and meaningful change.
The evening represented more than the installation of new officers. It was an opportunity to celebrate the leadership journeys that brought each member of the administration to the stage while establishing a vision for the academic year ahead.
"Today is more than an inauguration. Today is a declaration," President Sams stated during her inaugural address. "A declaration that we are ready. Ready to serve, listen, lead, work. And most importantly, ready to put our students first."
A New Administration Takes the Wheel
The ceremony formally recognized President Sams alongside the seven members of her Executive Board: Vice President Alana Gilbert, Executive Secretary Craig Harris, Legislative Secretary Aria Byrd, Business Manager Sarah McGrant, Chief Justice Jakiya Bracy, Chief of Staff Tylia De'Armond and Equerry to the President William Barnes.
Vonda M. Easterling, Ph.D., dean of students, administered the oath of office to Gilbert, and the Derrick Scott, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, administered the oath of office to Sams. Brian Byrd, assistant dean of students and director of Campus Life, administered the oath of office to the other cabinet members, formally installing the student leaders in their roles. The inauguration marked the formal beginning of the administration's responsibilities and its commitment to representing the interests of the Wildcat student body. Throughout the ceremony, the administration emphasized the importance of collaboration, accountability and the role each student leader plays in shaping the campus experience.
Class Presidents Address Their Peers
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for each class president to deliver an address. Ja'Mari Little, freshman class president; Montana Yancey, sophomore class president; Riyanna Hilton, junior class president; and Jamya Waterman, senior class president, addressed those gathered.
Their participation brought representation from all four classifications to the program and gave each class president an opportunity to speak as the new administration began its term.
From Finding Her Purpose to Leading the Student Body
One of the evening's defining moments came during President Sams' inaugural address as she reflected on her unexpected journey into student leadership.
Sams shared that she initially had no intention of pursuing a position in student government. Her original goal was simply to become a New Student Orientation leader. However, encouragement from her mother led her to pursue an opportunity in student leadership, even though her first attempt was unsuccessful.
Rather than allowing that setback to define her college experience, Sams continued serving her peers, advocating for students and becoming more involved in campus life.
"Somewhere along the way, I realized that leadership wasn't about being seen. It was about seeing others," Sams expressed. "It wasn't about having a position. It was about having a purpose."
Her journey eventually led her to serve as Sophomore Class President and SGA Legislative Secretary before becoming the 2026-2027 SGA President.
Throughout her address, Sams acknowledged the family members, friends, mentors, university staff and fellow student leaders who supported her journey. She also offered personal remarks to each member of her Executive Board, recognizing their individual strengths and contributions to the administration.
Her message reinforced a central principle of the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration: leadership is not defined solely by a title, but by a willingness to serve others.
Vice President Gilbert Calls for Kindness and Authentic Leadership
Vice President Alana Gilbert delivered a personal address reflecting on her journey from an uncertain incoming freshman to a student leader preparing to complete her final year at Fort Valley State University.
Gilbert shared how the university community helped her discover her identity, develop confidence and recognize her ability to make a difference.
"Fort Valley didn't just give me an education. Fort Valley helped introduce me to myself," Gilbert shared.
Reflecting on the challenges she experienced throughout her collegiate journey, Gilbert encouraged students to recognize that their peers may be facing difficulties that are not immediately visible.
She challenged the Wildcat community to lead with compassion, extend kindness to one another and create an environment where every student feels valued.
"Leadership is noticing the person everybody else walked past, listening when somebody feels unheard, and reminding people that they matter," Gilbert stated.
Her address also included a personal message to students in each classification, encouraging freshmen to embrace new opportunities, sophomores to become intentional about their impact, juniors to seek support when needed and seniors to cherish their remaining time at the university.
As she prepares to complete her final undergraduate year, Gilbert expressed her desire to leave a lasting impact through service and meaningful relationships.
"When this year ends, I hope we can say somebody's Fort Valley experience was better because we served," she shared.
Turning the R.E.A.D.Y. Vision Into Action
Beyond celebrating the inauguration, President Sams used her address to outline the administration's priorities for the 2026-2027 academic year.
At the center of that vision is a commitment to ensuring that students are actively included in conversations and decisions affecting their university experience.
"There should be no change without student input," Sams declared. "If something affects students, students deserve a seat at the table."
Sams emphasized that student-centered leadership requires listening to concerns, advocating for meaningful solutions and ensuring that students are aware of the resources and opportunities available to them.
She also highlighted several initiatives and priorities that will shape the administration's work throughout the year.
Among them is the continued improvement of the residential student experience, including the introduction of free laundry services with new machinery. Sams recognized the efforts of previous SGA administrations and the university's Housing Department in making the amenity possible.
The administration is also preparing for Homecoming 2026, with a focus on creating an inclusive and engaging experience that strengthens Wildcat spirit and fosters a sense of belonging among current students, incoming Wildcats and returning alumni.
Under the leadership of Homecoming Chair Ne'Rhia Watson, the administration has been working alongside Campus Life and the SGA Senate to develop programming centered on the student experience.
Additionally, Sams expressed her excitement about serving on the university's Presidential Search Committee, where she intends to represent the perspectives and interests of students as Fort Valley State University prepares for its next chapter of institutional leadership.
For Sams, these responsibilities reflect the importance of ensuring that student voices are not only acknowledged but actively considered in decisions that shape the future of the university.
A Legacy of Service Purpose and Student Advocacy
As the ceremony concluded, the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration's message centered on the importance of collective leadership and the responsibility of every member of SGA to contribute to the organization's mission.
President Sams challenged student leaders to move beyond simply holding positions and instead focus on identifying needs, taking initiative and making a difference in the lives of their peers.
She reminded the administration that its success will not be determined solely by individual accomplishments, but by its ability to work together and create a positive impact on the entire student body.
"Let us be leaders who are remembered not simply because we held a title, but because we made an impact," Sams stated.
With the 2026-2027 academic year underway, the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration begins its term with a commitment to strengthening student engagement, expanding opportunities for student involvement, promoting accountability and ensuring that every Wildcat has a voice in the future of Fort Valley State University.
As President Sams concluded her inaugural address, she left the Wildcat community with a final reminder of the administration's mission: "Not just to represent students, but to stand WITH students."
With a new administration officially installed and a year of opportunities ahead, the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration is prepared to turn its vision into action.
The seatbelts are fastened, the wheels are turning, and the R.E.A.D.Y. Administration is officially taking the wheel.
- Categories:
- Home
- Home Featured
Fort Valley State University published this content on October 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 08, 2026 at 04:29 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]