Fayetteville State University Celebrates Winter Commencement Honoring More Than 665 Graduates at Felton J. Capel Arena
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University celebrated its 30th Winter Commencement on Friday, Dec. 12, at Felton J. Capel Arena, conferring degrees on 665 graduates representing undergraduate and graduate programs across the university.
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison presided over the ceremony, which opened with the presentation of colors by the university’s Air Force ROTC Color Guard and the national anthem performed by the Concert Choir under the direction of Dietra Davis, Ph.D., director of choir voice.
Addressing the graduates, Allison acknowledged both the challenges and perseverance that shaped their academic journeys, noting that each graduate now becomes part of Fayetteville State’s legacy as the second-oldest public university in North Carolina, founded in 1867. He encouraged graduates to pursue their ambitions with confidence and purpose, reminding them that their communities, the state, and the world need their leadership and service.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone for Monica Terrell Leach, Ed.D., provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, who delivered the commencement address during one of her final official duties before retiring after 34 years of service in higher education. Leach used her address to emphasize authenticity, resilience, and the value of remaining true to one’s purpose.
“There is nothing more powerful than being the real thing,” Leach told graduates. “When you walk authentically in rooms, you can change things. When your values match your actions, you elevate others”.
Under Leach’s leadership, the university experienced enrollment growth, strengthened academic initiatives, and launched seven new degree programs aligned with institutional priorities. Her career includes service at Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In recognition of her distinguished service, Leach was awarded the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor, presented during the ceremony by university leadership. The honor recognizes exceptional contributions to North Carolina's people and institutions and acknowledges Leach’s lasting impact on student success and academic excellence at Fayetteville State University.
The university conferred degrees across four academic colleges, including 35 graduates from the College of Education, 210 from the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, 279 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and 135 from the Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology. Among the graduating class, 242 students earned bachelor’s degrees with summa cum laude honors.
Greetings were also delivered by Glenn Adams, chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees, and Latoya Harper, president of the Student Government Association, who highlighted the collective effort of faculty, staff, families, and supporters in helping students reach commencement day.
Throughout the ceremony, Fayetteville State recognized military-affiliated students, first-generation graduates, and adult learners, reflecting the university’s longstanding commitment to access, opportunity, and service.
As graduates crossed the stage and joined the university’s more than 30,000 alumni nationwide, Fayetteville State University reaffirmed its mission of preparing students to lead with integrity, serve their communities, and advance meaningful change. To experience more memorable moments from the Winter Commencement, click here.