Name: Zeb Eshleman
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Linden, PA

To say relocating to Fayetteville from Linden, Pennsylvania required some adjusting, would be an understatement for FSU senior, Zeb Eshleman.  Zeb, who moved to Fayetteville with his father in 2004, revealed, “It’s been interesting coming from such a rural setting, where my graduating class was made up of only about 234-260 students and ninety-nine percent white.”

When his father encouraged him to seek information about “the local college”, Zeb kept an open mind and not only enrolled at Fayetteville State University, but grew to appreciate it and all the benefits it has to offer.  He expressed, “I liked the atmosphere, and the teacher to student ratio is what really drew me in. It was so much easier to be a name instead of a number.”

But one thing that didn’t happen so easily was his transformation from a “shy” guy to an outgoing and sociable Bronco.  He says the two organizations which played an instrumental role in recreating his life on campus were A.U.T.O.S., a student organization for commuters, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a historically Black Greek-lettered organization.

“The first two years it was challenging being a minority at a HBCU, but at the end of the second year, it was a piece of cake. Joining the fraternity and A.U.T.O.S. helped me a lot in gaining the confidence I needed. Also, being involved with campus activities really helped with networking and making connections.”

This year, Zeb took it a step further and ran for Mr. Homecoming. He explained, “I wanted to get even more involved, and I had great support from my fraternity and
members of the A.U.T.O.S organization when I decided to run. They have really made me feel accepted.” 

The first generation college student was also inducted into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and the Criminal Justice Honor Society.  A member of the Criminal Justice Club, Zeb says he has a genuine passion for the field in which he wishes to launch a career.

“I’ve always taken an interest in criminal justice, and I know there is a large demand and great opportunities for graduates in this field. When I graduate, I want to serve as a U.S. Marshall because it fits what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Zeb is fully aware that working for the U.S. government may land him a position anywhere in the nation, yet he feels his time at FSU has sufficiently prepared him for the future. 

“FSU has a great setting where teachers are really involved when the students need them. I attribute much of my success to my professors and advisors. Going to a school that is small yet diverse is a preview of what the real world is like. To experience another culture completely different from your past experiences is absolutely educating in itself.”

Zeb knows his parents will be pleased with his determination, and he admits that lately they think he may be overworked. But he is confident that he is driven purely by the fact that he wants to receive an exceptional higher education, and FSU has certainly afforded him the chance. 

“I faced a lot of criticism when I was in high school because I didn’t do that well.  Now they say I’m working too hard to get what I want.  But college is different—not only do you have to pay for your education, but you also have to apply yourself. When I walk across that stage during graduation, I want to feel that I did the best I could. I don’t want to leave Fayetteville State, feeling that I could have done better.”