Marcus S. Cox, Ph.D., has been named dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Fayetteville State University. Cox officially assumed the role as of Aug. 1. Prior to his role at FSU, Cox was a fellow at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Additionally, he has served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. While there, he was also the founding director of the African American and Diaspora Studies program.
Provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs Monica T. Leach, Ed.D. commented on behalf of the campus staff’s enthusiasm to welcome Cox aboard: “His wealth of military expertise coupled with his vast knowledge in American history, African American history and military service make him an exceptional addition to our faculty and our leadership team. I am delighted as well that our students will have such an outstanding scholar and educator to further enrich their academic experience here.”
Cox’s specializations include African American civil-military history, the Modern Civil Rights Movement, African American history, and U.S. history post-1945. He is the author of over 24 articles, reviews, and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and academic publications on the history of African American military history, black higher education and military training programs at black colleges and universities. He also wrote “Segregated Soldiers: Military Training at Historically Black Colleges in the Jim Crow South” (Louisiana State University Press).
Cox is currently working on a book project that details the life and contributions of several unknown local civil rights activists who were also military veterans in Louisiana and Alabama in the post-World War II era. His vision is to inspire modern young Americans with this story of sacrifice, courage, and servant-leadership in communities throughout the Deep South and showcase how the fight for racial justice and equality historically connects to military service and training.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
