FSU's chancellor focused on student success and access for all students
Darrell Allison has been chancellor at Fayetteville State University for just about a year and a half. But the coronavirus pandemic stopped the university from officially installing him as the new head administrator at the school.
There have been 12 chancellors at Fayetteville State University since it was chartered in 1867 — two years after the Civil War. The university is the second oldest public university in North Carolina with only the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill being older.
Allison said although the school is 155 years old, his mission is the same as his predecessors.
"Student success, student access when they get here. We want to get them here, so we think we're checking the box in that regard," said Allison.
Allison said his team has hit the ground running.
His focus has been in improving academic for not only the 51% of traditional high school graduates at FSU, but also the growing number of older individuals seeking a college education.
"Forty-seven percent of our students are 25 years and older, so we're not only talking about youngsters. We're looking at aunties. We're looking at uncles, grandma — you're welcome here," he said.
This year, FSU set a 20-year enrollment record.
With Fort Bragg just down the road, Allison said he's made it his mission to make FSU an affordable choice, not only for soldiers, but their family members as well.
"I'm excited by the fact that now that we have free tuition for all military spouse, veterans, active duty, dependent, reservist, Five categories there," said Allison.
