SeQuenna Townsend Pennix Receives Exclusive UNC System Professional Development Grant

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University director of New Student Orientation SeQuenna Townsend Pennix is proving why she is a leader within the Division of Student Affairs. She recently secured the Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship Professional Development Grant, which is a system-wide honor reserved for the most dedicated staff members in the state. 

The scholarship supports professional development opportunities for permanent, full-time, non-faculty staff across the University of North Carolina System. Established in 2011, the scholarship program honors the legacy of Janet B. Royster, a UNC-TV employee and the UNC System Staff Assembly’s first parliamentarian. The award recognizes staff members who demonstrate a strong commitment to growth, leadership, and service. 

For Pennix, the scholarship represents more than financial support. It affirms the importance of continued learning for staff who actively shape the student experience, a value that has defined her journey at Fayetteville State. 

A proud alumna, Pennix earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Fayetteville State University and is currently pursuing her doctorate here. She plans to use a portion of the scholarship to support her doctoral studies, further strengthening the foundation she has built at FSU.  

“The Janet B. Royster Scholarship is definitely an opportunity for growth and development in a field that we’re passionate and purposeful about,” Pennix said. “There aren’t a lot of scholarships available for staff who want to strengthen their skills while they’re still serving.” 

As higher education continues to evolve, Pennix views professional development as essential to remaining effective in student-centered roles. She noted that ongoing learning allows staff to adapt to regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and the shifting needs of today’s students. “So much is changing in the work that we do,” she said. “It’s important to stay proficient in the roles we currently serve in and the ones we’re growing into.” 

In addition to supporting her academic progress, Pennix plans to use the scholarship to attend the National Orientation Directors Association Conference (NODAC) in Atlanta later this year. The conference brings together professionals from across the country who specialize in orientation, transition, and retention to share best practices and innovative approaches to supporting new students. 

Pennix credits her professional growth to the mentorship and collaboration she has experienced across campus, noting that her success is deeply rooted in the Fayetteville State community.  

“It has been Fayetteville State — mentors, staff, and colleagues — who have helped lift me up professionally and academically,” she said. “I would not be sitting in this chair doing this role if it weren’t for the support that I have around me.” 

“Her genuine care for students, warm spirit, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences for new students are evident in all that she does,” said Naadiya Hopkins, Ed.D., assistant vice chancellor of student engagement and student leadership. “This recognition reflects her passion, dedication, and the impact she is already making and will continue to make at the University.” 

She described the University’s collaborative culture as a defining strength, particularly within a historically Black university environment where shared knowledge and collective care guide the work. “There’s so much knowledge, wealth, and true love for our HBCU all around this campus,” Pennix said. “When you tap into that and pour it back into students, it makes a difference. It shows the richness and depth of our culture.” 

When asked what advice she would offer other staff members considering professional development opportunities, Pennix emphasized the importance of investing in oneself. “We pour so much into everybody else,” she said. “You have to make sure you pour into yourself so you can give from your overflow instead of an empty cup.” 

She added that growth requires intention. “When you stop learning, you become stagnant. Look for scholarships. Apply. Don’t make excuses. This is a way to continue building yourself up.”