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Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a four-year public comprehensive regional university located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The HBCU now enrolls over 6,000 students, offering Bachelor’s degrees in 43 areas, Master’s degrees in 22 areas, and 1 doctoral degree in educational leadership. FSU is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. The primary mission of Fayetteville State University is to provide quality education to its students through a basic liberal-arts foundation, specialized professional training, and specific graduate programs. The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. WFSS-FM is an NPR News and jazz radio station owned by the university.

History

In 1867, seven black men - Matthew N. Leary, Andrew J. Chesnutt, Robert Simmons, George Grainger, Thomas Lomax, Nelson Carter, and David A. Bryant - paid $136 for two lots on Gillespie Street and converted themselves into a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees to maintain this property permanently as a site for the education of black children in Fayetteville.

General O. Howard of the Freedman’s Bureau, one of the best-known friends of black education, erected a building on this site, and the institution became known as the Howard School. By a legislative act of 1877, the North Carolina General Assembly provided for the establishment of a Normal School for the education of black teachers. The Howard School was chosen as the most promising because of its successful record during the previous ten years. It was designated a teacher training institution, and its name was changed to the State Colored Normal School.

In 1939, under Dr. J. Ward Seabrook the school became Fayetteville State Teachers College, thereafter being authorized to grant the Bachelor of Science degree in Education. The college received both state and regional accreditation in 1947. Dr. Seabrook retired in 1956 and was succeeded by Dr. Rudolph Jones. During Dr. Jones’ administration, the curriculum was expanded to include majors in secondary education and programs leading to degrees outside the teaching field. The name of the school was changed to Fayetteville State College in 1963. Also, under Dr. Jones’ leadership, six additions were made to the physical plant to accommodate a rapidly expanding enrollment.

In 1969, the institution acquired its present name, Fayetteville State University, and Dr. Charles A. Lyons, graduate of Shaw University, Jr. was elected president. By a legislative act in 1972, Fayetteville State University became a constituent institution of University of North Carolina system. The Chief Executive Officer's position was re-titled to Chancellor, with Dr. Lyons becoming the first Chancellor of the University. During his tenure, the curriculum was expanded to include a variety of both baccalaureate and master’s level programs. In addition, the Fort Bragg-Pope AFB Extension Center, in conjunction with the Week-End and Evening College, was established in order to provide military personnel and other persons employed full-time with the opportunity to further their education.

The general academic structure took its present configuration in 1985 when the University became a Comprehensive Level 1 Institution. In addition to expanding program offerings and services, eight buildings were added to the physical plant during this period to include the state-of-the-art Charles Chesnutt Library.

Dr. Thelma Jean Bryan made history in July 2003, accepting the job as Chancellor of Fayetteville State University as the first female leader of the institution, moreover the first African-American female chancellor of the University of North Carolina System. In June 2007, she resigned as Chancellor.

Student life

Student organizations

Sororities, fraternities, and over 78 registered student organizations create small communities where students can make friends and create an important sense of belonging. An active intramural program offers students the opportunity to participate in flag football, basketball, jujitsu, track and field, soccer, swimming, and more.

Athletics

Fayetteville State University is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The university won back-to-back CIAA football championships in 2002 and 2003, and was the Western Division Champion in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Recent years have seen men's and women's Bronco teams lay claim to 22 championships in football, basketball, golf, volleyball, tennis, bowling, and softball. The University currently participates in 10 NCAA sports, including men's football, basketball, cross-country/track, and golf. The women's programs include basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country/track, tennis, and bowling.