Institutional History
1865
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. John Sinclair Leary made a request to the American Missionary Association (AMA) for a teacher; Reverend Dickson was sent to fulfill the request, but his tenure was cut short by illness.
1866
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. However, financial stability and space were continuing problems due to the large number of schools the AMA was trying to support as well as the number of children and adults who wanted to be educated in Fayetteville.
1867
Black citizens of Fayetteville decided to establish their own school for the education of their children. They held a meeting at Evans Chapel in November of 1867 and agreed to establish the Howard School, named after General Oliver Otis Howard, Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau. They designated David A. Bryant, Nelson Carter, Andrew Jackson Chesnutt, George W. Grange, Sr., Matthew N. Leary, Jr., Thomas Lomax, and Robert H. Simmons, and their successors as Trustees. On November 29, 1867, these seven men signed the deed and paid $136 to Robert Simmons and Henry McNeill for two lots on Gillespie Street so that the Freedmen’s Bureau could build a school for the education of black children. Robert Harris became the first Chief Executive Officer of the school when he was designated as Principal of the Howard School. In addition to reading, writing, and math, he expanded the curriculum to include science and geography, trained students to serve as teachers in small rural schools in Cumberland and surrounding counties, and also taught evening and summer school classes, thus greatly increasing the number of blacks receiving an education in the county. The Howard School became the model for graded schools in North Carolina.
1877
Senate Bill Number 472, known as the “Act to establish normal schools,” which was ratified on March 8, 1877 by the State Senate, provided for the establishment of a teacher training institution for whites and one for blacks in North Carolina. At UNC Chapel Hill, the Howard School was selected over fourteen other schools in North Carolina as the first State Colored Normal School and also became one of the first public normal schools for blacks in the South. Robert Harris was named Principal of the State Colored Normal School in 1877; he 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. Harris also placed emphasis on character building and communication skills. 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. Vance stated that “it was as much a success as any man could expect.” Robert Harris died three years later in 1880.
1880
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. In 1928 he was awarded the coveted Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for distinguished achievements.
1883
Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith, a graduate of Shaw Collegiate Institute in Raleigh, became the third Chief Executive Officer when he was appointed Principal in 1883. Smith was one of the first six graduates to earn an A.B. degree from Shaw University and had been the principal of the Graded School in Goldsboro for four years. 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. Smith as Minister Resident and Consul General of the United States to Liberia.
1888
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 by instituting a guest lecture series with experts in the field. He resigned in 1895.
1895
Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith returned to Fayetteville as Principal of the State Colored Normal School. Dr. Smith obtained a leave of absence in 1898 to serve as Regimental Adjutant of the Third North Carolina Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War.
1898
The Reverend Leonard E. Fairley served as Interim Principal for one year. When Dr. Smith returned in 1899, Fairley had 12 students ready for graduation.
1899
Dr. Smith returned in 1899 and conducted the First Summer Institute for public school teachers in July of that year. The new curriculum developed by the state required more classrooms for training than those available in the Howard School building. Dr. Smith moved the State Colored Normal School to a building in Ashley Heights in 1902, and then back to the city in a rented space in 1906.
1908
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. All high school work was discontinued in 1929 and the title of Principal was changed to President. 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. Dr. Smith was successful in getting the city to build Newbold Elementary School on the campus in 1930, which distinguished his signature principle of teacher training: 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 Smith retired on June 30, 1933 and was elected President Emeritus.
1933
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. Dr. Seabrook retired in 1956 and was elected President Emeritus.
1956
Dr. Rudolph Jones succeeded Dr. Seabrook as President and became 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. Additionally, in 1963, the name of the institution changed to Fayetteville State College. 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. Dr. Jones retired and was elected President Emeritus in 1969.
1969
Dr. Charles A. Lyons, Jr. became the seventh Chief Executive Officer of what was now Fayetteville State University, 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. Lyons retired in 1987.
1988
Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley was named the eighth Chief Executive Officer of Fayetteville State University. He greatly increased the diversity of the student population, established the University College to assure success for freshmen, expanded baccalaureate programs to 36 and master’s level programs to 15, and led FSU to become the first HBCU to offer the new doctoral program in Educational Leadership. 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. He established the Chancellor’s Scholars Program and conducted FSU’s first major public Capital Campaign. The ultra-modern School of Business and Economics Building and the new Health and Physical Education Building were completed. On December 31, 1994, Dr. Hackley left his post at FSU to become President of the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges, the first African American to lead the state’s system of 59 community colleges.
1995
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. Benson completed the air-conditioning of all campus buildings and opened the Distance Learning Center.
1995
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. Activities included the Lunch Buddies program with local schools and College Day on campus. Other outreach efforts included community round table discussions and the development of initiatives funded by the U.S. 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. Dr. McLeod retired on June 30, 2003 and was elected President Emeritus.
2003
Dr. T. J. Bryan was named the tenth chief executive officer of Fayetteville State University and was the first female head of FSU. She was also the first African American woman appointed as head of a University of North Carolina institution. Bryan introduced 10 new academic programs, established 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. FSU received accreditation by CCNE, AACSB, and CSWE. She resigned in 2007.
2007
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. The construction of the Lyons Science Annex was completed.
2008
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 ensured FSU was reaffirmed by SACSCOC, NCATE, DPI, and AACSB. Dr. Anderson broadened community collaborations with the expansion of Bronco Square, the Farmer’s Market, and sponsored entrepreneurial activities in schools and with community youth groups. Under Dr. Anderson’s leadership, FSU established the Center for Defense and Homeland Security, started 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 and 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 all received top national rankings. Three FSU professors received patents for the products or devices that they developed. Three new buildings with LEEDs certification; highly technical, scientific equipment, laboratories, and model classrooms were constructed; and the Student Center was modernized and expanded. The 150th Anniversary Celebration included the largest Capital Campaign ever ($25 million), campus beautification, a new campus entrance with a water fountain, and the sesquicentennial monument to leadership.
2019
Dr. Peggy Valentine was appointed Acting Chancellor of Fayetteville State University on July 15, 2019. She assumed her duties on August 7 and served until March 2021..
2021
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison, the 12th Chief Executive Officer of Fayetteville State, was appointed on February 18, 2021. Chancellor Darrell Allison is a longtime education advocate and champion of North Carolina’s historically minority-serving institutions. A former member of the Board of Governors and former trustee at North Carolina Central University, Chancellor Allison’s career and public service have been focused on education. His career in education spans decades of service advocating on behalf of students and expanding educational opportunities for underserved families in North Carolina and across the nation. Serving on the Board of Governors from 2017 to late 2020, he was a vocal supporter of the system’s historically minority-serving institutions.
FSU Mission Statement
Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a public comprehensive regional university that promotes the educational, social, cultural, and economic transformation of southeastern North Carolina and beyond. The primary mission of FSU is to provide students with the highest quality learning experiences that will produce global citizens and leaders as change agents for shaping the future of the state. Awarding degrees at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and the doctorate in educational leadership, FSU offers programs in teacher education, the arts and sciences, health professions, business and economics, and unique and emerging fields.
FSU is an institution of opportunity and diversity. Committed to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and service, the university extends its services and programs to the community, including the military, and other educational institutions throughout North Carolina, the nation, and the world (Approved FSU Board of Trustees, Oct. 31, 2008).
FSU Vision Statement
Fayetteville State University is a leading institution of opportunity and diversity committed to developing learned and responsible global citizens.
Core Identity Statement
Fayetteville State University is a Historically Black University founded in 1867 as the Howard School by seven black men for the purpose of educating black children. FSU has a tradition of excellence in teacher education and is the second oldest state supported school in North Carolina. The student body, faculty, and staff today rank among the nation’s most diverse campus communities. With program expansion, the university has strong undergraduate and graduate programs in teacher education, the arts and sciences, health professions, business and economics, and is developing programs in unique and emerging fields. FSU has a tradition of collaboration with the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg-Pope Air Force Base community and renders services throughout southeastern North Carolina. FSU has a tradition of an affordable education and of preparing students to be life-long learners, to be responsible citizens, and to render selfless service to mankind.
FSU Core Values
Student Success and the Pursuit of Excellence
We believe in student success and the obligation of the university to provide the highest quality learning experiences and academic programs to facilitate student success, intellectual and cultural growth, excellence in scholarship, leadership, and ethical standards.
Shared Governance
We believe in shared governance, fiscal responsibility, a commitment to life-long learning, and professional development for faculty, staff, and students.
Global Responsibility
We believe in respect for diversity, global responsibility, conservation of natural resources, and a commitment to sustainability.
Collaboration
We believe in outreach, partnerships with educational institutions, engagement with the military and the community, economic transformation of the state, and service to others.
Print this Page