Fort Valley State receives record $5.8 million estate gift
The estate of alumnus Eddie D. Smith Sr. and his wife, Martha Smith, provided the donation to support academics, student success and university priorities.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University has received a $5.8 million estate gift, the largest philanthropic donation in its history, according to the university.
The gift comes from the estate of alumnus Pastor Eddie D. Smith Sr. and his wife, Martha Smith.
The university says the money will support academic excellence, student success and other institutional priorities.
“This gift represents an extraordinary investment in the future of Fort Valley State University and, most importantly, in our students” FVSU President Paul A. Jones said. “We are grateful to Eddie and Martha Smith for believing in the mission of this institution and recognizing the impact that FVSU has on the lives of our students, our communities and the state of Georgia.”
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at FVSU in 1968 and a master’s degree in the same field in 1971.
Kenneth Moye, executor of the Smith family estate, presented the gift to the university.
Credit: Fort Valley State University
