Derrick Scott has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at historically Black Fort Valley State University in Georgia. He is slated to assume his new role on July 1.
Dr. Scott comes to his new role from another HBCU, Virginia State University, where he is dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and interim dean of the College of Agriculture. His leadership played a key role in increasing student enrollment, retention, and research participation, leading to the HBCU’s recent elevation to an R2 research institution. Earlier, Dr. Scott was executive director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and director of the Center for Health Disparities at historically Black Delaware State University.
As a leader in the broader field of education, Dr. Scott currently serves on the National Board for Education Sciences. He was also named one of the “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Mentor.
“Fort Valley State University stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation,” said Dr. Scott “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.”
Dr. Scott received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Virginia State University, a master’s degree in molecular biology from Virginia Tech, and Ph.D. in integrative biology with a concentration in bioinformatics from the University of South Carolina.
