Fayetteville State University and Fort Bragg’s XVIII Airborne Corps signed an historic Education Partnership Agreement within the UNC System highlighting their strong relationship and a commitment to advancing education, research and innovation in critical areas related to national security and technological development on Feb. 12.

Following a campus tour that began at FSU’s Center for Defense and Homeland Security academic space, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Lieutenant General Gregory K. Anderson, commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, made the partnership official in the Military Affiliated and Veteran Student Resource Center located within the Broadwell College of Business and Economics building. The landmark moment was witnessed by Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, Cumberland County Commissioner Chairman Kirk de Viere, UNC Board of Governors representatives, and officials from the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, which emphasizes the larger community impact of this partnership.

“When we began in 2021, we set out to be more than the closest 4-year public university to XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. We wanted a relationship that had less to do with proximity and more to do with intentionality. Today, Fayetteville State University boasts one of the largest percentages of military-affiliated student populations in the state and nation at 33% while also one of the few non-military institutions in the nation to offer 4-year tuition-free scholarships to military-affiliated students,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison during the ceremony. “The signing of an agreement of this magnitude with the XVIII Airborne Corps truly signifies that our previous efforts have not only been purposeful and impactful, but FSU now has the potential to be even more so regionally and nationally through the power of partnership.”

The partnership formalizes a collaborative effort to expand opportunities for FSU students and faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), leadership, cybersecurity, and national security innovation. The agreement will provide FSU students with access to hands-on military research projects, mentorship from defense professionals, and enhanced academic and career pathways.

The Education Partnership Agreement enables a wide range of opportunities, including:

· Expanded Education & Research Collaborations

· Hands-On Military Research & Innovation

· Internships & Workforce Development

· Technology Commercialization & Innovation

“This partnership fosters collaboration and innovation across multiple disciplines,” said Lieutenant General Anderson during the ceremony. “This will have a lasting impact on the installation and our community.” 

FSU was recently designated as a new hub for NCInnovation, a publicly funded initiative to increase research commercialization in the region. Even more, the agreement underscores FSU’s capabilities in defense-related education and research, further positioning the university as a catalyst for greater community collaboration.

More on this event will be featured in the GFBJ's upcoming Feb. 28 issue.