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FSU VISION

Fayetteville State University is a leading institution of opportunity and diversity committed to developing learned and responsible global citizens.

Priority 2:  Economic Transformation - Initiatives

Economic Transformation image FSU will be a leader in the economic transformation of the southeastern region of North Carolina by conducting needs assessments, researching trends, establishing community partnerships, serving as an information resource, and evaluating the needs for new academic programs. 

Initiative 1 – Conduct Economic Transformation Needs Assessments: FSU will conduct economic transformation needs assessments for the Southeastern region of North Carolina.

FSU will create mechanisms designed for forecasting, and for applying research and scholarship to address significant regional and statewide issues in enhancing the economic transformation and community development of the southeastern region of North Carolina.

Principal Accountability Indicators By 2014:

  1. Identify population trends by various demographic indicators to serve as an information resource for the university and for external agencies
  2. Evaluate the increase (or decrease) in workforce and any deficiency in specific skill sets, and identify educational needs to fill those deficits
  3. Estimate the net cost or benefit to the region resulting from implementation of economic transformation activities and/or programs
  4. Collaborate with external agencies, BRAC RFT, and other educational institutions in assessing the needs for expanded entrepreneurship

Initiative 2 – Distribute Trend Data:  FSU will research, develop and distribute county-level and economic development regional-level unemployment and opportunity trend data for the southeastern region of North Carolina.

Consistent with UNC Tomorrow 4.7, FSU will become more engaged with, and connected to, the people of the southeastern region of North Carolina, by applying, translating, and communicating research and scholarship to a broader audience.

Principal Accountability Indicators By 2014:

  1. Analyze and respond to data on the types of industries (and related jobs) that will result from BRAC initiatives
  2. Assess the skill sets required for the rapidly growing southeast region
  3. Assess the need for additional programs and courses to bridge the gap between the current workforce and future needs of the region

Initiative 3 – Establish Community Partnerships:  FSU will establish economic transformation community partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations.

The Southeastern North Carolina Regional Microanalytical and Imaging Center (SENCR-MIC), a joint venture between faculty of FSU and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC-P)will be completed and operational by 2010;  the Community Justice Institute (CJI) and the Health Disparities Institute (HDI) will increase their collaboration with the FSU community through research, training, outreach, and dissemination of information.

Principal Accountability Indicators By 2014:

  1. Establish policies and procedures for use of the SENCR-MIC 
  2. Enhance research opportunities and publications by faculty, staff, students at FSU and by other underrepresented populations in agencies in southeastern North Carolina
  3. Collaborate with the military and intelligence communities, technical companies, state agencies, and private institutions to encourage the development and commercialization of technology
  4. Develop collaborative grant proposals and research activity for SENCR-MIC, CJI and HDI with UNC institutions and other community agencies

Initiative 4 – Pursue a Leadership Role in the BRAC Initiative:  FSU will promote economic development in the Sandhills region of the state by serving as an information, coordination, and integration resource for UNC University System institutions in implementing BRAC.

FSU will collaborate with other UNC institutions to attain the economic transformation goals for BRAC and UNC Tomorrow by creating partnerships and alliances between industry, universities, and Department of Defense (DOD) programs aimed at attracting military related industries to Southeastern North Carolina with high technology and high paying jobs.

Principal Accountability Indicators By 2014:

  1. FSU will collaborate with BRAC RTF, the community colleges, and the DOD in the establishment of  a central clearing house for military contracts, research and educational program needs
  2. Assess, monitor, and modify the number of degree programs offered  to the military
  3. Increase FSU faculty, staff, and administrators’ leadership roles in the BRAC RTF and Greater Fayetteville Futures II efforts

Initiative 5 – Share Innovation and Entrepreneurship Best Practices:  FSU will lead in economic transformation by sharing new innovations and best practices in entrepreneurship.

Through existing programs and services, such as the Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Fayetteville Business Center, the Entrepreneurship Institute, and the Bronco Square Retail Plaza, FSU will provide extension services, start-up assistance, incubators, management expertise, and office and retail space to small businesses.  In addition, entrepreneurial education will be provided to FSU students and to the community at large.

Principal Accountability Indicators By 2014:

  1. Increase the number, size, and diversity of businesses produced in the Fayetteville Business Center
  2. Assess the operational proficiency of the SBTDC, and its capacity to provide extension services to small businesses in a shrinking economy
  3. Develop strategies to increase external funding
  4. Increase the number of students enrolled in entrepreneurship courses and integrate experiential learning modules in other courses.
  5. Increase the number of entrepreneurial workshops and other activities hosted by the Entrepreneurial Institute