The founding of Fayetteville State University (FSU) in North Carolina in 1867 is celebrated on this date. It is one of over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in America.
FSU is a component institution of the University of North Carolina and the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state. Founded as the Howard School for the education of African Americans, today FSU serves a growing student body of over 5,300 and ranks among the nation’s most diverse campus communities. Its enrollment has increased rapidly in the past few years, even as average SAT scores for entering students have also improved.
Enrollment is projected to grow to 6,000 by 2008 and a $45.5 million campus construction and renovation campaign is underway to accommodate additional students. New degree programs have also been established, including FSU's first doctoral program in Educational Leadership. The university offers 39 undergraduate and 20 master’s degree programs in the arts and sciences, business and economics, and education. It boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1-to-20 and the FSU faculty puts teaching first. Students are guaranteed personal attention from their professors and benefit from innovative programs like the national award-winning Freshman Year Initiative, which helps freshmen make the transition from high school to university life.
One measure of Fayetteville State’s student-centered focus is the university’s high scores on the National Survey of Student Engagement. Tuition and fees for a full-time, in-state student for the entire academic year in 2002-2003 total $2,343. In 2001, FSU was reaffirmed for full certification by SACS with praise for 1) outstanding interaction with the university and the communities it serves, 2) for cultural outreach in the fine arts, and 3) for creating a positive environment for teaching and learning.
FSU is accredited by or holds membership in over 20 higher education agencies. FSU consistently ranks high in North Carolina and the country in producing African American and other minority graduates in mathematics, psychology, computer science, education, social sciences, and history.
It is also a growing presence in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference. Bronco teams have recently won eleven CIAA championships, most recently the 2002 CIAA Football Championship. Men’s and women’s athletic teams continue to uphold the FSU tradition of excellence in NCAA Division II sports.
FSU scholar-athletes proudly excel in the classroom and on the playing field, and they regularly advance their careers into the ranks of professional sports. Fayetteville State University offers all of the advantages of a large university while maintaining the atmosphere of a closely-knit liberal arts campus.
