Setting the Pace: Nigel Gonzalez’s Accelerated Path to Success

Completing his college degree at just 19 years old, Nigel Gonzalez has already set a remarkable standard for academic excellence, community leadership, and professional ambition at Fayetteville State University (FSU). A proud native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nigel’s journey began at Ponderosa Elementary and Westover Middle School before he advanced to Cross Creek Early College High School located on the campus of FSU. Cross Creek Early College High School is a rigorous program designed to accelerate academic success by allowing students to graduate high school with up to two years’ worth of college credits. His desire for a challenging educational environment inspired his decision to pursue this path, allowing him to graduate high school in 2023 and earn his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in May 2025. Unlike a typical 19-year-old student, who would typically be in their first or second year of college, Nigel has navigated a condensed and highly rigorous academic trajectory. While many of his peers are still exploring majors or adjusting to university life, he has not only completed his undergraduate degree but has also actively engaged in leadership roles, professional internships, and substantial community service, positioning himself well ahead in both academic and career readiness.

Nigel grew up in a supportive two-parent household, with his mother from Fayetteville and his father from Puerto Rico. This diverse background has enriched his perspective through varied cultural experiences. As the oldest child, he serves as a role model for his younger brother, who is a junior at Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville. 

Upon entering FSU with clear goals, Nigel quickly distinguished himself academically by maintaining an impressive 3.712 GPA, consistently earning recognition on both the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists. His outstanding performance earned him the 2024 Inaugural Men of Excellence Award and induction into Alpha Phi Sigma, the prestigious Criminal Justice Honor Society, which requires rigorous qualifications, including ranking in the top 35% of his class and completing substantial coursework in criminal justice. His academic and leadership excellence culminated in his 2025 induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and he was named the 2025 Student of the Year by FSU’s Department of Criminal Justice.

Nigel credits much of his success to the supportive network at FSU, notably highlighting Nicole Collins, a career counselor in FSU’s Career Services office, who was deeply impressed by Nigel's maturity and proactive nature. “Throughout his time with our office, Nigel consistently demonstrated maturity, dependability, and professionalism,” Collins remarked. She particularly admired Nigel’s proactive approach, noting, “One aspect I greatly appreciated was his proactive involvement in our conversations, seeking to learn more about adulthood and work-life. He embraced direct advice and flourished from it.” Collins further observed Nigel’s personal growth, saying, “Nigel’s growth was evident as he began dressing more professionally, even on casual dress days, catching the attention of others.” His involvement extended beyond personal development; he made significant contributions to the opening of the Career Closet by assisting with design and layout, organizing alumni donations, and providing fellow students with professional attire and valuable advice. Collins encapsulated Nigel’s exemplary actions with one meaningful quote: “He used the motto, ‘Res Non-Verba’—actions, not words.”

Beyond academics, Nigel’s determination led him to new experiences, such as his transformative internship with the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon during the summer of 2024. After his first-ever plane journey at age 18, Nigel arrived in Oregon and completed a rigorous “pack test”—a three-mile walk with a 45-pound vest in under 45 minutes—to qualify as a Wildland Firefighter. Immediately after, he transitioned into firefighting, rapidly adapting to demanding conditions. Participating in ten firefighting operations, Nigel camped out for days, worked intense shifts of up to 24 hours, and developed a profound respect for the critical impact of the role on public safety and forest management.

His diverse interests inspired Nigel to major in Criminal Justice, a field that encompasses law, policy, investigations, and debate. He finds the discipline exciting and multifaceted, aligning perfectly with his passion for learning various skills. Additionally, his enthusiasm for finance led him to secure a subsequent internship as a Financial Crimes Intern with U.S. Bank in Charlotte, NC, where he focuses on fraud prevention and financial security.

Nigel acknowledges that he has faced significant challenges along his journey, particularly his upbringing in a low-income household. He learned to be meticulous with financial management, utilizing financial literacy skills to navigate economic barriers as a commuting student. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and bad debt, building credit, and maintaining healthy financial habits. Additionally, Nigel has overcome mental and emotional hurdles through dedicated stress management techniques and fitness routines, ensuring consistent academic and personal growth. 

With graduation behind him, Nigel plans to return to Fayetteville following his summer internship in Charlotte, having already applied for positions at FSU. Reflecting on his accelerated college path, Nigel advises prospective early college students to remain focused, committed, and resilient, continuously setting and achieving ambitious goals. Nigel Gonzalez’s remarkable journey highlights the extraordinary outcomes achievable through determination, community support, and resilience, making him an inspirational role model for current and future Broncos.