Fort Valley State University opens Lyons Center to centralize student services
New facility brings financial aid, advising, and career services together in one convenient location for students
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Lyons Center is now officially open at Fort Valley State University, and leaders say the new space is designed to make life easier for students.
The facility serves as a one stop shop, bringing together services like financial aid, academic advising, and career services all under one roof. University officials say the goal is to give students easier access to the resources they need without having to travel across campus.
Dr. Timothy Hatchett, Vice President of Student Affairs, says the building has been years in the making.
“We have all of the support services any student would need, as opposed to going from different offices and being what we call ping ponged. You can come here and get all of your resources in one stop,” Hatchett said.
Now, students like senior Blanche McCluskey, who once walked past the site as a freshman while it was under construction, are getting to experience the center firsthand.
“We never knew how much life this center would be able to bring to our campus and just being in here right now, seeing how beautiful it looks and all the different services we have for our students, I can say this is definitely a blessing,” McCluskey said.
Students say the center is more than just a place to handle business. They say it is also a space to build connections and community.
“The incoming freshmen and students who come are going to have that camaraderie and that bond with each other because everything is in one spot, so they will be able to be around each other more,” said student Marquaveon Johnson.
University leaders say they hope the Lyons Center will serve students for years to come.
The project was funded at 21 million dollars through the Georgia General Assembly. It is part of Fort Valley State University’s renovation project, which also includes Founders Hall and the Bywaters Building.
