Written by Lexx Thornton
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) proudly hosted its popular electric vehicle (EV) awareness conference on September 25 with a celebration of transportation and sustainable energy. The dynamic event was a strong collaboration between Fvsu’s Cooperative Development Energy Program (CDEP), University of Georgia, Georgia for Electric Mobility (UGA-GNEM) and the Georgia-Georgia Network for Georgia Power.
The conference drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 200 guests, including students, faculty, industry professionals and community members. Attendees were eager to explore the rapidly evolving EV landscape and the significant opportunities it presents for Georgia’s future.
The tone of the day was set by a compelling address from Commissioner Tim Echels, a Georgia Public Service Commission grant that emphasized the importance of innovation, education and collaboration in achieving the state’s clean energy and transportation goals.
After the regulation, Dr. Isaac J. Crumply, Senior Vice President of Career and Collaborative Programs and Operating and Imaging and Founder, gave a presentation focused on Stem Loan Development. He emphasized the need for students to prepare to become experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, emphasizing the vital role of technology in bridging the gap between academic preparation and career opportunities in the energy sector.
Throughout the day, attendees gained valuable insights from a series of expert panel discussions covering a diverse range of topics:
- Electric vehicles 101
- Battery technology and charging infrastructure
- Community awareness and municipal branding
- Workforce development and job opportunities in the EV industry
- A panel of EV owners sharing their first-hand experiences
These sessions provided a comprehensive look at how electric vehicles are changing the transportation landscape, but also address practical considerations such as accessibility, infrastructure needs, and long-term sustainability.
Despite inclement weather reducing turnout for the outdoor portion of the event, enthusiasm for the EV EXPO remained high. The Expo features 15 vehicles, including a blue bird electric bus, from key industry leaders such as Kia, Hyundai, Rivian, Georgia Power, Flint Energy, Five Star and Prosperity Gas. Attendees had the opportunity to see the latest models up close and learn directly from manufacturers and energy providers about their commitment to developing electric mobility.
The success of the inaugural conference highlighted the strength of the partnership between FVSU-CDEP, UGA-Gnem and Georgia Power. Together, these organizations continue to advance education, awareness and workforce readiness in electric vehicles, enabling Georgia communities to clean up, transition to and benefit from more sustainable transportation solutions.
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) proudly hosted its popular electric vehicle (EV) awareness conference on September 25 with a celebration of transportation and sustainable energy. The dynamic event was a strong collaboration between Fvsu’s Cooperative Development Energy Program (CDEP), University of Georgia, Georgia for Electric Mobility (UGA-GNEM) and the Georgia-Georgia Network for Georgia Power.
The conference drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 200 guests, including students, faculty, industry professionals and community members. Attendees were eager to explore the rapidly evolving EV landscape and the significant opportunities it presents for Georgia’s future.
The tone of the day was set by a compelling address from Commissioner Tim Echels, a Georgia Public Service Commission grant that emphasized the importance of innovation, education and collaboration in achieving the state’s clean energy and transportation goals.
After the regulation, Dr. Isaac J. Crumply, Senior Vice President of Career and Collaborative Programs and Operating and Imaging and Founder, gave a presentation focused on Stem Loan Development. He emphasized the need for students to prepare to become experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, emphasizing the vital role of technology in bridging the gap between academic preparation and career opportunities in the energy sector.
Throughout the day, attendees gained valuable insights from a series of expert panel discussions covering a diverse range of topics:
- Electric vehicles 101
- Battery technology and charging infrastructure
- Community awareness and municipal branding
- Workforce development and job opportunities in the EV industry
- A panel of EV owners sharing their first-hand experiences
These sessions provided a comprehensive look at how electric vehicles are changing the transportation landscape, but also address practical considerations such as accessibility, infrastructure needs, and long-term sustainability.
Despite inclement weather reducing turnout for the outdoor portion of the event, enthusiasm for the EV EXPO remained high. The Expo features 15 vehicles, including a blue bird electric bus, from key industry leaders such as Kia, Hyundai, Rivian, Georgia Power, Flint Energy, Five Star and Prosperity Gas. Attendees had the opportunity to see the latest models up close and learn directly from manufacturers and energy providers about their commitment to developing electric mobility.
The success of the inaugural conference highlighted the strength of the partnership between FVSU-CDEP, UGA-Gnem and Georgia Power. Together, these organizations continue to advance education, awareness and workforce readiness in electric vehicles, enabling Georgia communities to clean up, transition to and benefit from more sustainable transportation solutions.
