Fayetteville State University: A Legacy of Education and Community

Fayetteville State University (FSU), a public historically black university in Fayetteville, North Carolina, stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and community. From its humble beginnings in 1867 as the Howard School to its current status as a comprehensive university within the University of North Carolina System, FSU has consistently served as a beacon of opportunity for African American students and a vital resource for the broader community.

The Genesis of a Vision: The Howard School

The story of Fayetteville State University begins in 1867, just a few years after the Civil War. Seven African American men in Fayetteville recognized the urgent need for educational opportunities for the burgeoning black population. Driven by a shared vision, they pooled their resources, collecting $140 to purchase two lots on Gillespie Street. This act of collective determination laid the foundation for what would become Fayetteville State University.

Inspired by the vision of Freedmen's Bureau chief General Oliver O. Howard, the men organized into a board of trustees and established the Howard School. General Howard also contributed funds to construct the first education facility on the new lots. The Howard School, named in honor of its benefactor, became a symbol of hope and progress for the African American community in Fayetteville. In 1865, a "sophisticated" education agenda was already underway in Fayetteville's black community. Black citizens in Fayetteville were zealots for education and tried to have a school at Evans Chapel prior to 1865 but had problems with financial stability and space. Robert Harris was named the Superintendent of the AMA school in 1866 and appointed his brother Cicero Harris as his assistant. Robert taught the intermediate level, which he called the Sumner School and assigned Cicero the primary grades, which he called the Phillips School. The curriculum at the schools emphasized fundamentals in reading, writing, practical math, and moral development.

From Normal School to University: A Century of Growth

In 1877, the North Carolina General Assembly recognized the success of the Howard School and passed a charter for a black teacher-training school. The legislature selected the Howard School for this purpose and renamed it the State Colored Normal School, marking it as the first state-supported school for African Americans in North Carolina. Robert Harris was named Principal of the State Colored Normal School in 1877, and selected Charles Chesnutt as his Assistant. The Normal School was taught in the three rooms on the second floor of the Howard School. A new curriculum was designed for teacher certification by the state. After visits from newspaper reporters, white civic groups, state officials, and Governor Vance, the State Colored Normal School at Fayetteville was given the stamp of approval.

The institution played a crucial role in preparing African American teachers to serve in schools across the state. Charles Waddell Chesnutt became the second Chief Executive Officer of the school when he was appointed Principal of the State Colored Normal School upon the death of Robert Harris. In addition to high academic achievements, he pushed students to have high ambitions, moral character, and good manners. After three years in office, Chesnutt resigned in 1883 to pursue his desire to become a writer and moved to New York City, and later to Cleveland, Ohio. His literary career began in earnest in 1889 when The Conjure Woman, a collection of his stories was published. It was followed by many other novels, short stories and essays.

Read also: Legacy of Fayetteville State

The Smith Era: A Legacy of Leadership

Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith, an alumnus of Shaw University, assumed the principalship of the State Colored Normal School in 1883, embarking on a remarkable tenure that spanned several decades. During his time, Dr. Smith also served as President Grover Cleveland’s Minister to Liberia and established North Carolina’s first newspaper for African Americans, The Carolina Enterprise. Yet he remained a vital leader to the Fayetteville institution. Smith was one of the first six graduates to earn an A.B. George Williams, an 1879 alumnus of the school who earned an A.B. Degree from St. Augustine's, became the First Assistant Teacher. With the Preparatory Department on the first floor of the building, Smith capitalized on remediation for Normal School applicants, and for practice teaching for advanced students. In 1888 President Grover Cleveland appointed Dr. E.E. Smith Minister Resident and Counsel General to Liberia in West Africa.

George H. Williams became the fourth Chief Executive Officer when he was appointed Principal of the State Colored Normal School in 1888. He maintained the excellence and thoroughness in teaching that had been established. He enhanced the knowledge base of students with experts in the field with a guest lecture series. Dr. E.E. Smith returned to Fayetteville as Principal of the State Colored Normal School.

Dr. Smith's collaboration with blacks and whites in the community enabled him to purchase a forty-acre site on Murchison Road in 1907, which would become the school's permanent home. The school year for 1908 opened on the new site in Aycock Hall, which was built with state funds. During Smith's tenure the name of the school changed several times based on new curriculum requirements by the state: 1916 State Normal and Industrial School; 1921 State Normal School for the Negro Race; and, 1926 State Normal School. He was successful in getting the city to build Newbold Elementary School on the campus in 1930, which distinguished his signature principle of teacher training, which was that practice teaching should be done in a real school setting. The campus grew to eight buildings with several cottages and 92 acres of land by the time Dr. E.E. Smith retired in 1933.

Expansion and Transformation

In May 1937, the State Colored Normal School achieved another milestone, becoming a four-year college authorized to grant bachelor's degrees in elementary education. Two years later, the institution was renamed Fayetteville State Teachers College, reflecting its expanded role in teacher preparation. Dr. J. Ward Seabrook, who had served as Smith's Vice Principal and Dean, was the fifth Chief Executive Officer when he was elected President in 1933. He was noted for his scholarship and fatherly concern for students. Under his leadership the institution became a four-year college granting the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, was renamed Fayetteville State Teachers College in 1939, and earned both state and regional accreditation. He integrated the members of the Board of Trustees and increased the enrollment of veterans returning after World War II. He added nine new buildings to the campus.

The college continued to evolve in the 1940s and 1950s, broadening its academic offerings beyond teacher education. Dr. Rudolph Jones succeeded Dr. Seabrook as President and was the sixth Chief Executive Officer of the School. Advances made during his tenure included the expansion of the curriculum to include programs leading to degrees outside the teaching field in 1959 and the name changed to Fayetteville State College in 1963. Students participated in the Civil Rights Movement and were the catalyst for the desegregation of downtown businesses. Both the faculty and student body were integrated, and Dr. Jones added 60 acres to the campus and eight new buildings with the first major Master Plan. He pushed for University status which became effective July 1, 1969.

A University Emerges

In 1969, Fayetteville State Teachers College officially became Fayetteville State University (FSU), marking a significant turning point in its history. Dr. Charles "A" Lyons, Jr. became the seventh Chief Executive Officer, and the College was named Fayetteville State University, and designated as a regional university by an act of the legislature. Fayetteville State University was made a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina by legislative act in 1972. The University became a Comprehensive Level I institution offering a variety of baccalaureate degree programs. The first master's level degree programs were granted. Federal funding increased for research in math and science. The Early Childhood Learning Center was developed, Air Force ROTC was offered on the campus, and the Ft. Bragg - Pope AFB Education Center was established. Eight new buildings were added.

Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley was named the eighth Chief Executive Officer of Fayetteville State University. Hackley offered a 100% Educational Warranty for the quality of Teacher Education graduates. He strengthened FSU's community outreach to at-risk children in the public schools, and established tutoring/mentoring programs to encourage young people to aspire to academic excellence and a college education. The ultra-modern School of Business and Economics Building and the new Health and Physical Education Building were completed.

The institution continued to expand its academic programs and enhance its facilities, solidifying its role as a comprehensive regional university.

Leadership in the 21st Century

In the years that followed, Fayetteville State University continued to thrive under the leadership of several dedicated chancellors. Dr. Donna J. Benson, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for The University of North Carolina, was appointed by UNC President C. D. Spangler to serve as Interim Chancellor and was the first female to hold that position.

Dr. Willis B. McLeod, FSU Class of 1964, was appointed as the ninth leader and first alumnus Chancellor of FSU, effective November 15, 1995. Dr. McLeod developed the "Freshman Year Initiative," or "F.Y.I.", a program designed to enhance the skills and attitudes of first year students and to ensure student retention. He formed a regional partnership of public school, community college, and university leaders to focus on enhancing the educational outcomes for all students at every level. Department of Housing and Urban Development to revitalize the neighborhoods surrounding the FSU campus, which resulted in Bronco Square and University Apartments. He Inspired Bronco Pride and alumni participation with stadium renovations and 14 CIAA championships.

Read also: FSU Football History

Dr. T. J. Bryan was named the tenth chief executive officer of Fayetteville State University and was the first female head of FSU and was the first African-American woman appointed as head of a University of North Carolina institution. Bryan introduced 10 new academic programs, Cross Creek Early College High School, and collaborated with the city on the building of Fire Station# 14 to complement the new Fire Science Program at FSU.

Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley came back to FSU as Interim Chancellor in 2007. He improved business practices, returned to the Book Rental system, conducted 64 workshops on ethics for faculty and staff, and FSU participated as a partner in BRAC RTF.

Dr. James A. Anderson became the 11th Chief Executive Officer of Fayetteville State on June 9, 2008. He instituted global initiatives with 14 countries, successfully completed the 2009-2015 Strategic Plan, "The Future is Calling", and FSU was reaffirmed by SACS, NCATE, DPI, and AACSB. Dr. FSU established the Center for Defense and Homeland Security, established eight certificate programs, increased online degree programs, and ranked high as a Military Friendly institution. Global initiatives with 14 countries were instituted with Study Abroad, the Fulbright Fellows Program Exchange, and the International Early College High School was established on campus. Nursing, Social Work, the MBA, and Criminal Justice programs have received top national rankings.

Dr. Peggy Valentine was appointed Acting Chancellor of Fayetteville State University on July 15, 2019.

Darrell T. Allison became the 12th chief executive officer and Chancellor of Fayetteville State University, the 2nd oldest public university in the UNC System, on March 15, 2021. Under his leadership, Chancellor Allison has made it a priority to listen to stakeholders and has invested time and attention to listening to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of the university, through a series of town halls, one-on-one meetings, and small group engagement sessions.

These leaders have overseen significant advancements in academic programs, infrastructure, and community engagement, ensuring that FSU remains a vital institution for generations to come.

A Hub of Academic Excellence and Cultural Enrichment

Today, Fayetteville State University offers a wide array of academic programs, including 33 bachelor's degrees, 18 master's degrees, and one doctoral degree in educational leadership. The university is committed to providing a quality education through a basic liberal arts foundation, specialized professional training, and specific graduate programs.

Beyond academics, FSU is a major resource for cultural enrichment in the region. The university hosts concerts, dance performances, music recitals, art shows, and more, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Fayetteville. The Charles W. Chesnutt Library supports the university in its academic and cultural endeavors. Services are available onsite and virtually. In addition, the Chesnutt Library assumes its special role as a major cultural resource for the community and the region at large. The library is named for Charles W.

The Archives and Special Collections on the library's fourth-floor house the university's archives, dissertations, and special collections. These include the Charles Waddell Chesnutt Collection with his correspondence, letters, and records of his sisters Anne C. In 2022, the library underwent a transition incorporating a One Stop for Advising and Student Success and an Adult Learning Center. This transition includes a transformation of spaces, collections, and services. The College of Education, Office of Research Initiatives, and Fayetteville State University sponsor and publish the Journal of Research Initiatives (JRI). JRI publishes its issues bi-annually. This is an independent, peer-reviewed, and methodologically diverse open-access journal edited by Dr. Michele S. Marvin W.

Student Life and Traditions

Fayetteville State University offers a vibrant and engaging student life, with over 78 registered student organizations, including sororities and fraternities. An active intramural program provides opportunities for students to participate in various sports, such as flag football, basketball, track and field, soccer, and swimming.

FSU's athletic teams, known as the Broncos, compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The university currently participates in 10 NCAA sports, including men's football, basketball, cross-country/track, and golf, and women's basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country/track, tennis, and bowling.

Like many HBCU institutions, FSU is alive with rich traditions that add energy and excitement to student life.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement

Fayetteville State University is a major economic driver in the region, ranking among the top three employers in the area. FSU is also a major resource for cultural enrichment through our distinguished speaker program, our comprehensive performing and fine arts series as well as the new Seabrook Series. The university's students and faculty actively engage with the military, local businesses, non-profits, and institutions, contributing thousands of hours per semester through service learning initiatives.

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