Fayetteville State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Fayetteville State University (FSU), a public historically black university in Fayetteville, North Carolina, boasts a rich history and a legacy of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1867, FSU has evolved from a teacher-training institution to a comprehensive university offering a wide range of baccalaureate and master's degree programs. This article highlights some of the university's most prominent graduates and their achievements.
Historical Overview of Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University has deep roots in the African American community of Fayetteville. In 1865, following the Civil War, the Phillips and Sumner Schools were established to provide primary and intermediate education to African Americans. These schools consolidated in 1867 to form the Howard School, named after General Oliver O. Howard of the Freedmen's Bureau. The land for the school was generously donated by seven prominent African American men: Matthew N. Leary, Andrew Jackson Chesnutt, Robert Simmons, George Grainger, Thomas Lomax, Nelson Carter, and David A. Bryant.
In 1877, the North Carolina legislature recognized the need for teacher training for African Americans and established the State Colored Normal School. Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith, a graduate of Shaw Collegiate Institute (later Shaw University), was appointed Principal and Chief Administrative Officer in 1883 and served for fifty years, interrupted only by his service as Resident Minister and Consul General of the United States to Liberia and as Regimental Adjutant of the Third North Carolina Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War. Under his leadership, the school moved to a permanent site on Murchison Road.
The institution underwent several name changes, becoming Fayetteville State Teachers College in 1939 and Fayetteville State College in 1963. In 1969, it was formally renamed Fayetteville State University. Since 1972, FSU has been a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.
Notable Alumni in Athletics
Fayetteville State University has a strong athletic tradition, with many alumni achieving success in professional sports.
Read also: Your off-campus housing solution in Fayetteville
Darrell Armstrong: Armstrong attended Fayetteville State University from 1988 to 1991, excelling in both basketball and football in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). He went on to play 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is currently an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks. Armstrong helped lead the Mavericks to an NBA championship in the 2010-11 season. In 1999, while playing with the Orlando Magic, he received the "Sixth Man" award.
Junkyard Dog (Sylvester Ritter): While information provided does not explicitly state Junkyard Dog as an alumnus, his prominence as a professional wrestler warrants inclusion. Sylvester Ritter, known as the Junkyard Dog, was a celebrated figure in Mid-South Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He was known for his charisma and electrifying performances, often entering the ring with a chain attached to a dog collar. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Brasheedah Elohim: Elohim is an American-Israeli basketball and tennis player. During her professional women's basketball career in Israel, she played for Ramat HaSharon, Ashdod, Ramla, and Jerusalem. She was a member of the 2016 Israel women's national basketball team.
Marquie Smith: After graduating from FSU, Marquie Smith got the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas. Before attending FSU, he graduated from Overhills High School in Harnett County. In addition to his sports career, he also started a clothing line called Splashy the Wave.
Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
Fayetteville State University has also produced talented individuals who have made their mark in the arts and entertainment industry.
Read also: FSU Football History
Affion Crockett: Crockett is an actor, comedian, musician, and producer from Fayetteville, North Carolina. A year after graduating from FSU, he appeared on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." He has also appeared in movies such as "Fifty Shades of Black" and on MTV's "Wild 'n Out." Crockett was the producer and star of the short-lived Fox series "In the Flow with Affion Crockett."
Blueface (Johnathan Jamall Porter): Porter, known professionally as Blueface, is an American rapper. He gained viral fame in 2018 with his song "Respect My Cryppin'" and was subsequently signed to Cash Money West.
Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Fayetteville State University has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service.
Mitch Colvin: Colvin is an American businessman, mortician, and politician who currently serves as the Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, starting December 2017.
Marvin W. Lucas Jr.: Lucas is a Democratic former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 17th and later 42nd districts from 2001 until 2025. His district includes constituents in Cumberland County. He served as the House Democratic Conference Co-Chair. Lucas is a retired school principal from Spring Lake, North Carolina.
Read also: Test Score Information for FSU Admissions
Gladys Lee Commons: Commons has served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), after being nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009. Other notable career achievements include being named in February 1994 as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management), a post she held for eight years, until September 2002. She served as acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management) from March 20, 1998 to October 15, 1998. In October 2002, she became Comptroller of the Military Sealift Command.
Roderick Allison: Allison is the former Acting Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service. He joined the Federal Air Marshal Service in 1998 and later worked as a Criminal Investigator with the Office of the Inspector General, United States Postal Service. Following the September 11 attacks (2001), he rejoined the Federal Air Marshal Service in 2002 and served as an Assistant of the Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C.
Michele S. Jones: Jones is currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. She was the first Special Assistant and Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense and the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. She alo was the first woman in the United States Army Reserve to reach the position of Command Sergeant Major. Army, active or reserve, and was at one time the highest-ranking African-American female enlisted person in any branch of the United States military, as well as the highest-ranking enlisted African American in the Army Reserve.
Christopher Williamson: Col. Christopher Williamson is a 29-year Patrol veteran, made history as the first African American commander to lead the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Major Freddie Johnson: Johnson was appointed commander of the North Carolina Highway Patrol in April of 2021.
Other Notable Alumni
Nicholas Perkins: Perkins is the president and CEO of Perkins Management, Black Titan Franchise Systems and is a Fuddruckers restaurant franchise owner.
Ed Mitchell: Mitchell was selected for induction into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2022.
Eugene Weston Hobbs II: Hobbs is an American technical diver and founding board member of the non-profit Rubicon Foundation.
Richard J. Crosby: Crosby is the recipient of numerous state department awards to include the 2002 Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National Heroism Award for Bravery (Highest Law Enforcement Award).
Alvin (Al): Alvin (Al) is a 1974 graduate of Fayetteville State University (FSU) and an inductee into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame for track.
Jennifer Price: Earlier this year, Jennifer Price launched the streaming app DiME to increase the visibility of people with disabilities.
D'Shawn Faison Russell: D'Shawn Russell is the owner and CEO of Southern Elegance Candle Company in Raeford.
Kalecia Simmons: In 2020, Kalecia Simmons was the winner in her appearance on the Food Network's "Guy's Grocery Games."
Collyn Strother: Collyn Strother is an artist whose artwork can be seen in downtown Fayetteville.
Jim Bibby: Bibby was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 12-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972 to 1984 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he was a member of its 1979 World Series champions.
Jeff Capel Jr.: Capel's final professional position was as an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team from 2011-13.
tags: #fayetteville #state #university #notable #alumni
