André Fortune

A university campus is much more than just classrooms and lecture halls; it’s a vibrant community where students grow, connect, and prepare for their futures. For Dr. André Fortune, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of West Georgia (UWG), fostering that sense of belonging and purpose is at the heart of his work.

In this edition of The Interview, André sits down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss his career journey, initiatives for first-generation students, and how UWG is leveraging innovative approaches to engage and support a diverse student body.

André’s Journey

Jack: Can we start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution?

Absolutely. I’m Dr. Andre Fortune, and I serve as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of West Georgia. We’re a regional comprehensive institution just 45 miles from Atlanta, Georgia. This fall, we achieved record enrollment with nearly 14,400 students. We’re also in our first year as an NCAA Division I institution, competing in the ASUN Conference, however our football team competes in the United Athletic Conference.

Jack: That sounds like an exciting year! Can you share a bit about your career path and what led you into Student Affairs?

Like many in my generation, I stumbled into Student Affairs. It began with my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where we mentored high school students and encouraged them to think about college. During this work, I met someone in admissions who suggested I apply for a role as an admissions counselor. Six months after graduation, I started as an admissions counselor, helping prospective students navigate college access.

I loved the opportunity to work with students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented groups, and help them see college as an attainable goal. Over time, my focus shifted from recruitment to retention and student success initiatives. That’s where I found my passion: working directly with students to enhance their college experience. After earning my doctorate, I moved into senior leadership, where I now focus on creating holistic support systems for our students.

Jack: With record enrollment and many first-generation students, how does UWG support these students inside and outside the classroom?

Being a first-generation college student myself, I know the challenges they face. I remember my grandmother advising me to avoid distractions and focus solely on academics. While well-meaning, this advice didn’t account for the importance of building connections outside the classroom. Research shows that students engaged in campus life are more likely to succeed academically, graduate on time, and feel a sense of belonging.

At UWG, we take a comprehensive approach to student success. For example, we’ve expanded our welcome activities to cover the first six weeks of the semester – a critical period for student retention. We ensure students feel socially integrated, whether through movie nights, open houses at our rec center, or events introducing them to campus resources.

We also offer robust academic support, including writing centers and supplemental instruction. Our goal is to create an environment where every student, whether first-generation or not, feels equipped to thrive academically and socially.

Jack: Mental health is a major topic in Higher Education (HE) today. How is UWG addressing this issue, especially for students impacted by the pandemic?

Mental health is our number one priority. Many of today’s students – especially those whose high school experience was disrupted by Covid – face unique challenges. Our average student age is 24, so we also serve a large number of non-traditional and transfer students, each with their own needs.

We’re fortunate to be part of the University System of Georgia, which provides excellent mental health resources. Our on-campus counseling team offers in-person and virtual appointments, and we leverage 24/7 mental health apps for additional support. These tools often serve as an entry point, helping students feel more comfortable seeking in-person help.

We’ve also noticed an epidemic of loneliness, as highlighted by the US Surgeon General. Technology allows students to isolate themselves – food, entertainment, and everything else can be delivered to their door. Combatting this requires intentionality: creating opportunities for connection, fostering community, and ensuring students feel seen and supported.

Jack: Engagement is a common challenge in Student Affairs. How do you encourage students to get involved, especially in today’s digital age?

We focus on meeting students where they are – both physically and digitally. Small-group connections are key. Our residence life team plays a huge role in building these communities, starting with orientation leaders who create smaller, supportive groups for incoming students.

Our marketing team, staffed largely by communication and media students, excels at crafting engaging campaigns. They use social media, digital signage, and newsletters to highlight events and create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). We also incentivize participation in campus events and athletic games, which helps boost attendance and engagement.

One of my favorite events is “One Snowy Night in Georgia,” where we bring in artificial snow for a night of fun. Watching students, many of whom have never seen snow, experience this brings me so much joy. It’s events like these that create lasting memories and connections.

Jack: HE is often slow to adopt new technologies. How is UWG using innovation to enhance student engagement?

We’re actively exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). This week, I’m meeting with my senior leadership team to discuss a division-wide workshop on leveraging AI for student success. We’re looking at how AI can streamline processes, personalize student engagement, and support mental health initiatives.

Additionally, the University System of Georgia’s resources help us stay ahead. For example, we’ve piloted AI-driven tools for academic advising and career services, making it easier for students to access the help they need when they need it. Embracing technology is not just about efficiency; it’s about meeting students’ expectations and preparing them for a tech-driven world.

Jack: Finally, what advice would you give to your younger self or someone starting in higher education?

Two pieces of advice stand out, but I’ll share the most important: excel where you are. Early in my career, I often worried about what was next. But the best opportunities come when you focus on doing your current job well. Success will open doors – and you’ll be ready to step through them.