Fayetteville State University Leaders Selected for UNC System Executive Leadership Institute
Dean of the College of Health, Science and Technology
Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Military Relations and Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Two senior administrators from Fayetteville State University have been selected for the seventh cohort of the University of North Carolina System Executive Leadership Institute.
Following the official systemwide announcement on June 24, Erin White, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health, Science and Technology, and Wesley Fountain, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Military Relations and Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, will participate in the advanced development program. They are among 35 professionals selected from North Carolina's public universities.
The institute, established in 2020, selects participants through a competitive nomination process at each campus to retain North Carolina's top talent while preparing experienced administrators for senior leadership roles within the UNC System. Their participation demonstrates the university's commitment to cultivating executive leadership throughout the state.
“Our institutional momentum is driven by the caliber of our leadership team,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “These two leaders bring a wealth of knowledge to their respective roles, and I know they will use this opportunity to strengthen their leadership acumen and add value to their contributions to this university. I am incredibly proud to have them represent FSU in this systemwide leadership program.”
In their respective leadership roles, both administrators oversee critical components of FSU’s strategic vision. Fountain directs external partnerships and the advancement area, while White manages academic strategy in health and science disciplines to address workforce needs. Their efforts support the university's long-term institutional objectives and enhance its capacity for innovation.
The eight-month curriculum is delivered through collaboration between the UNC System Office and partnering organizations. Participants engage in interactive modules on team leadership and navigating crises, while developing self-awareness of their leadership styles. The hybrid instructional model provides a rigorous learning environment, with individualized coaching offered by the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Swain Center.
Upon completing their individualized development plans in early 2027, the graduates will join a network of alumni who help shape public policy and advance institutional strategy throughout North Carolina.
Former FSU Executive Leadership Institute Participants include:
2022
- Samantha Holmes, Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff
- Hector Molina, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for the Division of Enterprise Operations
2023
- Beth Hunt, J.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Risk and Compliance at the Division of Legal, Audit, Risk, and Compliance
- Danielle Nesbitt, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean for the College of Education
2024
- Sonja Brown, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Division of Academic and Faculty Affairs
- Charlie Mewshaw, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer for the Division of Information Technology Services
2025
- Cierra Griffin, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at the Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Success
- Rodney McCrowre, D.B.A., Assistant Chair of the Department of Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship at the Broadwell College of Business and Economics