As I mark my 5th year as Chancellor at Fayetteville State University, I can only promise that we will continue to develop opportunities and strengthen partnerships that drive success. It was well documented prior to my arrival that FSU, the state’s second oldest public university, was also one of the most under-resourced in the state as well. Today, thanks to the state's capital investment of $200 million that we received a year after my tenure, FSU has leveraged that investment and has received $500+ million in total support, including funding from research, grants and private donations.

Undoubtedly, growth and expansion are very visible across FSU’s campus. Our new residential hall, housing over 300 of our students, and a brand-new Health and Wellness Center, College of Education building, and parking deck are all scheduled attractions coming later this year.

Yet, what I am most proud of as the 12th Chancellor of Fayetteville State University, is how we are leading the future of this University through strategic and influential partnerships that not only benefit our students, but also the greater Sandhills region.

In 2022, FSU launched the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneurial Business HUB in hopes of helping fuel local economic growth by supporting entrepreneurs at every level, from nationally recognized MBA graduates to small-business owners building from the ground up. With the HUB’s assistance, over 230 new businesses have been launched, close to 1,000 jobs have been created or retained, and businesses have won $150 million in new contracts, all primarily in our 10-county region.

With the investment of $2 million from Cape Fear Valley Health System, FSU’s leading pre-licensure nursing program is positioned to double in size from 150 to 300 student nurses over the next year in partnership with our regional health system in answering our state’s call for the Southeastern region to increase the pipeline of more capable and well-prepared nurses to meet health demands.

FSU is proud of its renewed partnership with our local community college, FTCC. Enrollment transfers from FTCC have grown by 12%, and 1100 FTCC students now grace our campus. In addition, FSU has created a robust community college transfer program, called Bronco Benefit, that engages 15 additional community colleges, and I am delighted to report that an additional four will be added by fall 2026.

Our commitment to military-affiliated students runs deep. FSU has increased its military-affiliated student enrollment to 34%, the largest within the UNC System. We were intentional in announcing our four-year tuition-free scholarship for military families, which serves veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents. Today, our campus boasts over 2,300 military-affiliated students, and we’re well on our way to 3,000 by 2028. Beyond student enrollment, we are excited about our collaboration with the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg and becoming the first university to sign an education partnership agreement which lays the groundwork for education training and research.

When I assumed the role in 2021, FSU’s annual grant awards for sponsored research and programs peaked at $15 million. Yet I still believed that much more was possible at FSU in regard to research, and thanks to U.S. Representative David Rouzer and staff, FSU recently announced its first-ever federal appropriation for PFAS investment, which will allow our researchers the ability to monitor contaminants and safeguard public health in the southeastern North Carolina region. I am proud to report that at the mid-point of this academic year, FSU has exceeded $46 million in sponsored research and programs.

Serving at the helm of this institution is an honor of a lifetime. Because at FSU, the return on investment isn't built on theory. It’s built on our commitment to the university’s motto: Res non verba. Deeds not words.