The college that sits just across the railroad tracks in this small town saved Larry Rivers’ life.

That’s one reason, perhaps the biggest reason, why Rivers wanted to become president of the institution. Now, as his resignation becomes official Sunday, the former president of Fort Valley State University reflects on seven years of leadership, which have been marked by many accomplishments and some challenges.

Some of the biggest accomplishments are the most visible ones. Under Rivers, about $185 million was pumped into new academic and activity buildings, new residence halls, a new stadium and a slew of refurbished buildings -- some of which were boarded-up eyesores when Rivers arrived as president.

Then there’s the sharp increase in enrollment. There are new programs and a partnership with the city, which has fostered new roads and a stronger downtown presence. There was accreditation for the College of Education and reaffirmation of the university’s overall accreditation for 10 years.