With the goal of deepening and enriching Fayetteville State University’s (FSU’s) connections to the Greater Fayetteville community, the University recently announced the formation of its Board of Visitors. Comprised of distinguished FSU alumni and supporters, the 53 inaugural Board members represent a diverse range of business, community, and faith leaders who are accomplished in their respective fields and exhibit a commitment to civic and community service.

The Board of Visitors will serve in an advisory capacity to the Chancellor and senior leadership of FSU, which is North Carolina’s oldest public HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and the second oldest public institution in the state. The Board members also will serve as ambassadors for the University throughout the Sandhills region and participate in a variety of community engagement initiatives focused on advancing the University's mission and vision.

"FSU boasts an unparalleled roster of graduates who have gone on to make national and global impact, while also influencing the most powerful of leaders of our time who, in turn, became strong champions in helping to advance FSU’s mission,” said FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison in a release. “We have a distinguished list of leaders who bring significant ability to strengthen our University. All Board members - both FSU alum and non-FSU alum - come with one goal in mind: expanding FSU’s impact in the greater Fayetteville area, the Sandhills region, our state, and nation."

The inaugural Board of Visitors is co-chaired by Dr. Donald Moore, FSU Class of ’93 and a Chancellor’s Medallion Recipient, and Dr. Roxie Wells, FSU Class of ’92 and President of Cape Fear Valley Hoke Healthcare. Its distinguished members include alumni who have a decades-long history with the University, including Dr. Jeannette Council, FSU Class of ’63 and a Cumberland County Commissioner, and Elmer Floyd, FSU Class of ‘69 and a former N.C. State House Representative.

More recent graduates serving on the Board include Dr. DeSandra Washington, FSU Class of ’09 and Associate Vice President of Fayetteville Technical Community College, and Rodney Anderson, FSU Class of ’12 and a retired Major General in the U.S. Army.

Membership on the Board is determined by the FSU Chancellor based on nominations put forward by members of the Board of Trustees, University leadership and Deans of major academic units, and current members of the Board of Visitors. Those selected for Board membership offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in specific academic fields and in other areas of value to the University. Board members also have demonstrated a commitment to serving FSU and a passion for helping the University to grow and fulfill its educational mission.

Members of the Board of Visitors will serve one-year terms, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. Members have the potential to serve two consecutive terms, after which they can take a year or longer break before potentially returning to the Board of Visitors for another term. The Board is scheduled to meet three times per year in September, February, and June.

Board members will contribute to the work of a standing committee, which include Academics and Workforce Development, External Partnerships and Governmental Affairs, Marketing and Communications, and the Executive Committee. Wesley Fountain, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Relations and Economic Partnership, is the University leader who helps to administer the Board.

For a complete list of the FSU Board of Visitors and their bios, please visit https://www.uncfsu.edu/about-us/fsu-leadership/board-of-visitors.