FORT VALLEY, GA-– Fort Valley State University (FVSU) announced late last week the hiring of Sammy D. Jackson as the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach.
Jackson has over 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, including the last eight years as an assistant coach at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. Prior to his most recent assignment, Jackson served as assistant coach at the University of Alabama (2002-2003). From 1999-2000 he was the head coach at Savannah State University. He has also served as assistant coach at Georgia Southern University (1995-1999) and Tennessee State University (1994-95).
The Huntsville, Alabama native earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications from the University of Montevallo. While in attendance, he was captain of the men’s basketball team and an all-conference selection. He played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association for the Rockford Lightning (1986-87) and semi-professionally for the Birmingham Magic (1987-88).
Jackson will replace John Douglas who served as head coach for the past two seasons. According to Jackson, “I am excited about opportunity to play a vital role in the re-branding of the Fort Valley State University Men’s Basketball Program. I recognize that the most essential element in re-shaping the program is to create an effective balance of quality student-athletes who display a commitment to winning. I am convinced that I can make a major contribution to moving the program in that direction.”