Fayetteville State University (FSU) has named Sonja M. Brown, Ph.D., as the interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2026, while the university prepares to launch its national search for the permanent role in the new year.

In this role, Brown will oversee the university’s four colleges, faculty affairs, the Charles W. Chestnutt Library, the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and the Office of Sponsored Research. 

Her appointment comes as the university prepares for a leadership transition following the retirement of Monica Terrell Leach, Ed.D., who concludes her service Dec. 31, 2025, after more than four years of academic leadership at FSU.

Chancellor Darrell T. Allison described Brown as an accomplished leader with a proven dedication to academic excellence.

“Dr. Brown brings a wealth of experience in higher education and is ready to continue advancing the university's strategic priorities,” Allison said in a press release. "Her deep expertise in academic affairs has helped this institution navigate policy changes and policy implementation. I am confident that she will move us toward a stronger commitment to student achievement and faculty excellence during this time.”

Brown currently serves as associate vice chancellor for Academic and Faculty Affairs, where she leads professional development programs, directs online learning initiatives, shapes academic policy and resolves student and employee grievances. She also oversees personnel matters and champions academic integrity and institutional effectiveness. 

“I am honored to step into the role and continue the great work that exemplifies access, excellence, and innovation. I look forward to working with our administrators, faculty, staff, and students to advance the FSU mission during this period of transition,” said Brown in a press release. She added, “As we continue moving forward, my focus will be on strengthening academic quality, supporting faculty excellence, expanding student success initiatives and ensuring that our programs remain responsive to the needs of our region and state. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to build on our momentum and foster an environment where every Bronco can thrive.”

Her career includes serving as dean and associate professor at the University of the Emirates’ College of Media and Mass Communication, vice president for academic affairs at Great Basin College, dean of instruction and student services, and dean of career and technical education at Palo Verde College and associate vice president for academic affairs and chief retention officer at Medaille University. She was also the department chair and tenured associate professor of communication at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

She has completed several national leadership programs, including the UNC System Executive Leadership Institute, the Higher Education Resource Services Administrative Leadership Institute, the American Council on Education Department Leadership Academy and the Research and Planning Group’s Leading from the Middle Academy.

A communication scholar, she has published extensively on media representation, race, gender, mentorship and the experiences of women of color in academic and professional contexts. Her work appears in "Media Psychology," "Communication Research Reports," "Quarterly Journal of Speech" and several edited collections.

Brown holds a doctorate in interpersonal communication and media studies from the University of Georgia and master's and bachelor's degrees in speech communication from California State University, Fresno.