Twelve FSU Alumni and Faculty Make Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40 List for 2024

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University (FSU) alumni and faculty comprise 30% of The Fayetteville Observer’s 2024 class of 40 Under 40. Of hundreds of nominations, eleven FSU alumni and an associate professor of social work were among the 40 honorees.

The Fayetteville Observer has celebrated the community’s best and brightest young professionals through the 40 Under 40 award for 14 years. The list spotlights those who excel professionally and serve their communities. Nominees must live or work in Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Robeson, Sampson or Scotland counties and be younger than 40 at the submission deadline.

“The Class of 2024 is made up of 40 community-minded, hardworking young professionals, and I think we can all be proud that they choose to call Fayetteville or surrounding cities and towns their home,” said Fayetteville Observer Editor Beth Hudson in the announcement made on July 17.

“For this year’s 40 Under 40 reception, we’re partnering with the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission, a board established by the Fayetteville City Council, to help retain and attract young professionals to the area. 

The Fayetteville Observer is partnering with Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission, a board established by the Fayetteville City Council to help retain and attract young professionals to the area, to hosted the 40 Under 40 Reception on Aug. 29 at 1601 Raeford Road. The event's keynote speaker was Sen. Val Applewhite.

They varied in their professions, which include education, marketing, politics and real estate. FSU alumni/leaders included in the 2024 list are:

Erica Campbell, associate professor of social work at Fayetteville State University and the owner and director of Black Feminist Scholars.

Carla Clark, senior social worker for the Tribal Housing Urban Development Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. 

Krystal Eason, market area manager at Credit Acceptance Corporation.

Lisa Gillespie, principal of Mary McArthur Elementary School.

Alishia Graham, real property agent for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Haley Nichole Greene, emergency assistance coordinator at Fayetteville Urban Ministry.

Dominic J'Rael Hunter, director of bands at Douglas Byrd High School and signed to IGBB Records and SLRMedia.

Bishop McNeill, political organizer.

Ryan Shanell Mitchell, assistant principal at Terry Sanford High School.

Brittany Roberts, assistant principal at Asheboro City Schools.

Kristle Anderson Rouse, assistant principal and athletic director at Westover High School.

Keyona Smith, marketing coordinator for DistiNCtly Fayetteville.