Fayetteville State University Celebrates $1.45M Investment in Student Mental Health and Accessibility
The grand opening marks the largest investment in student mental health and accessibility support to date
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville State University hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony April 28 for the newly renovated Spaulding Building, home to the Center for Counseling and Accessibility Services.
The milestone event, hosted by the Office of the Chancellor, marks a significant step in the University’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, accessibility, and comprehensive care.
The Spaulding Building represents the University’s largest investment to date in student mental health and accessibility services and reflects a five-year strategic transformation that began in 2021 to strengthen and expand its system of care.
“The Spaulding Building renovation is a reflection of a deliberate, long-term strategy to strengthen how we support our students,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “The Spaulding Building is not just a new space; it represents a more coordinated, comprehensive approach to ensuring all students have what they need to persist, graduate, and succeed beyond the University.”
“This investment reflects Fayetteville State University’s unwavering commitment to putting students first, removing barriers, expanding access, and creating a campus where every student has the support, care, and resources needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” said Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs.
The $1.45 million renovation expanded the facility from 2,616 to more than 6,500 square feet, significantly increasing capacity and enhancing service delivery. The building now provides a centralized location for counseling, accessibility services, and wellness programming, making it easier for students to access coordinated support.
New and expanded features include private counseling suites, dedicated Student Accessibility Services offices, testing and accommodation spaces, and specialized environments, such as a relaxation room and a sensory room, designed to support a range of student needs.
The project is part of a broader institutional effort to build a comprehensive, student-centered system of care. Since 2021, the University has expanded counseling staff, increased service availability, and implemented new technology to improve access and coordination. As a result, demand for services has grown, with counseling appointments and accessibility support reaching more students each year.
These efforts also align with the University of North Carolina System strategic plan, Higher Expectations (2022–27), which identifies improving student mental health as a systemwide priority. Through expanded services, training, and awareness initiatives, the UNC System is working to equip students with the skills to navigate mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and empower campus communities to recognize and respond to early signs of crisis. By advancing these priorities at the campus level, FSU is helping to strengthen a coordinated, statewide approach to student well-being, academic success, and persistence to graduation.
The Spaulding Building is now open and serving Broncos as a central hub for care and support on campus.