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The future of education: Fayetteville State University unveils new College of Education building with official ribbon cutting

By Staff Report, posted Aug 20, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Squeeze in! FSU gathers supporters of the project to share in the ribbon cutting. 

A new facility, over a year and $69.3 million dollars in the making, has officially opened its doors to future educators getting their degrees at Fayetteville State University.

Leadership, faculty, students and supporters of Fayetteville State University gathered on Thursday, Aug. 20 for the grand opening of its newly constructed College of Education building.

The opening marks a full-circle milestone for the institution, which originally began in 1867 as the Howard School to educate Black children and was designated in 1877 as North Carolina's first state-supported school for training Black teachers. 

Leadership, faculty, students and supporters of Fayetteville State University gathered on Thursday, Aug. 20 for the grand opening of its newly constructed College of Education building.

“Today is especially meaningful. Teacher education is not simply one of FSU's academic programs. Teacher education was our founding purpose. We began as a teacher college. That's why today's official opening of our new College of Education is most divine in my sense. Think about it, our state and nation is facing [a] major crisis in the need of producing more future teachers and educators,” shared FSU Chancellor Darrel T. Allison. “Fayetteville State University, we answered the call in yesteryear, and this state investment of nearly $70 million at Fayetteville State University will answer the call once again for producing our teachers and educators in the greater Fayetteville, greater Cumberland, greater Sandhills region and our state beyond.”

The newly completed 72,027-square-foot facility is four stories and features a blend of classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices resulting in over 30 dedicated learning and collaboration spaces including a mock court room, study areas and a fourth floor balcony. The new facility also includes more than 60 private office spaces for faculty and staff. 

The newly completed 72,027-square-foot facility is four stories and features a blend of classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices resulting in over 30 dedicated learning and collaboration spaces including a mock court room (pictured), study areas and a fourth floor balcony.

“This facility gives our faculty new opportunities to innovate in teaching, scholarship and educator preparation. It gives our students a modern environment in which to learn their profession. It strengthens our partnerships with schools and communities throughout the region and reaffirms Fayetteville State's enduring commitment to the future of education in North Carolina, to our faculty, staff and students, this is your new home,” shared Dr. Scott Krawczyk, provost at Fayetteville State University.  

FSU partnered with Metcon Construction Inc. to build the new facility. Along with being the major construction partner with FSU, and playing a main role in the construction of projects such as the Rudolph Jones Student Center, Renaissance Hall and Bronco Pride Hall, Metcon is also partnering to educate the area’s future construction workforce. 

Powerful partnership: Metcon Construction Inc. President & CEO (left) pictured with FSU Chancellor Darrel T. Allison (right). 

“Today I'm proud to announce that Metcon is beginning another important partnership with Fayetteville State University through the naming of the Construction Management Program here at Fayetteville State,” announced Metcon President & CEO Aaron Thomas. “This is much more than just putting our name on a program.Itt's about investment in students, it's about investment in this university and it's about investment in the future of our industry. Construction management provides high-demand, high-paying careers with tremendous opportunities for graduates. We want to help Fayetteville State develop the next generation of leaders who will build our industry, our economy and our community. We're not just putting our name and our money behind it; we're also putting our people behind it. We intend to continue to bring our people, our experience and our industry into the classroom.” 

FSU announced it was adding the Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management in the spring of 2025. The program is the result of collaboration between higher education institutions Fayetteville Technical Community College and FSU, Metcon Construction Inc. and other community nonprofits and local governments. 

It was also announced that Metcon is making a contribution of $250,000 towards the program. 

“For us, partnership is about more than just buildings. What'll make us more valuable is community. Leaving communities where we live and work better than we found them, and there may be no better way to do that than through education, opportunities and through creating great jobs,” shared Thomas.

The new building is ready to welcome students into the new building for the fall 2026 semester.

A full live stream of the ceremony can be found on the Fayetteville State University’s Facebook page here. 

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