Driven by technology and the changing expectations of modern learners, the education industry has undergone significant modifications over the past few decades. “Today’s student wants to learn in a place and time that are convenient to them; they want to be able to access information instantaneously and they want to use that knowledge in a way that makes the world a better place,” says Peggy Valentine (Interim Chancellor at Fayetteville State University). Being the second-oldest state-assisted institution in North Carolina, Fayetteville State University has been responding quite nimbly to these changes and providing students with an appropriate and affordable education. Since joining the university as the Interim Chancellor, Valentine has initiated contemporary changes that have proven beneficial to students and faculty as well.
A Remarkable Career
Peggy Valentine is the first member of her family to graduate from college. She completed a nursing program and shortly afterward she acquired training as a physician assistant at Howard University. Within one month of her graduation, she became a faculty member at Howard and ultimately the departmental chair. Valentine gained experience in writing domestic and international grants which contributed to her expertise in HIV/AIDS and minority health issues.
Leveraging these experiences, Peggy served as the Dean at Howard –where she managed 7 academic allied health departments. Culminating her professional training, Valentine acquired a master’s degree from Howard University and the Doctorate in Higher Education and Administration degree from Virginia Tech. Subsequently, she answered the call to become Dean of Health Sciences at Winston-Salem State University. After serving in that role for over a decade, Peggy joined the Fayetteville State University (FSU) as the Interim Chancellor.
Meeting the Community Needs
FSU’s roots date back to November 1867 when the local African American community met at a prayer meeting to discuss the need for educating African American children beyond high school. Seven people were designated as trustees and founded the Howard School, which would later become Fayetteville State University.
Ten years later the university became a public institution—supported by the University of North Carolina—the second oldest public university in the state. As one of the most diverse institutions of higher education that serves many rural students from across the state, FSU continues to meet its mission as a historically black college and university. Today over 28,000 students have graduated from FSU representing various fields of study that meet the needs of the region.
Commitment to Transformation of Students
FSU is committed to promoting an educational, social, cultural, and economic transformation for all degree seeking students. Over half of the enrollees continue to be first-generation college students and many are from rural communities as well. The university college and student support services provide tutorial services, advising, and coaching in order to promote student success.
In addition, FSU values diversity in support of a rich campus experience and offers a welcoming environment for all. There are numerous clubs and organizations that support the university’s respect for diversity including: religion, gender, sexual orientation, military affairs, commuter students, and more. Chancellor Valentine adds, “…office space is provided for diverse groups to meet and plan events, and financial assistance is provided. The Office of International Education offers educational opportunities for studying abroad and to increase awareness of different cultures.
Dr. Valentine explains how the Division of Student Affairs provides an exceptional co-curricular experience and how there is a strong emphasis on total student development. “Each student engages in discussions with staff members about their preparation for a productive, ethical, and meaningful life after college,” she adds.
Bouquet of Opportunities for Students
Peggy also mentions that FSU offers students numerous extra-curricular resources including: The Office of Student Engagement, Office of Career Services, Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, AUTOS Commuter Student Association, Weekend Activities Committee, Office of Student Leadership, Safe Zone, Campus Photographer, Fayettevillian Yearbook, and the VOICE Student Newspaper.
The university hosts several employment fairs including internships with local, regional, and national companies. Some of these activities are held virtually during the pandemic. “Through our partnership with Dell Technologies, students receive training on how to service computers for the local government,” says Peggy. “This company has also provided an opportunity for students to gain experience in esports,” she adds.
Stressing the importance of being flexible during the pandemic, Valentine asserts, “Since COVID-19, online learning has increased and has become the learning mode of choice for many students. Flexibility has also been demonstrated for students who enroll online while living in residence halls on campus.” This has also contributed in an increase of simulated practices and the use of augmented and virtual reality to supplement learning.
Flexible Path to a Degree
FSU partners with 16 community colleges –through which students can complete their degree at a reduced cost of $10,000. Two early colleges on campus provide high school students with an opportunity to complete 60 college credit hours and enroll at FSU as juniors, thus reducing the years to a degree from 4 to 2.
Valentine believes that partnerships with other institutions have been helpful. FSU aims to offer a 3+3+3-year curriculum through its partnership with Meharry Medical College. In this curriculum, students will complete a 3-year pre-mid degree at FSU, three years in medical school at Meharry, and 3 years of residency back in the southeast region of the state. Peggy contends that this model will reduce the time for becoming a physician by three years and save time and financial resources.
A Relevant Experience
FSU is a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. Ongoing meetings are held at the state level on a variety of topics, including technological trends in higher education. The university also holds memberships with professional organizations that are useful in updating state-of-the-art knowledge and skills of the faculty. “Through UNC appropriations and state appropriations, we recently updated research facilities to include a level 2 research lab, purchased upgraded equipment, and supercomputers for data analytics in partnership with a research firm,” states Peggy. She is certain that this initiative and FSU’s partnership with Ft. Bragg will provide relevant experiences for students and faculty.
Social Equity and Justice
In the upcoming years, Peggy expects FSU to become a more fertile ground for critical conversations on social equity and justice for marginalized groups with students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community. She adds that a variety of topics have begun on health equity, social mobility, entrepreneurship topics, and more. Having first-hand experience and professional involvement with the educational industry, Peggy Valentine believes that quality educational programs, a sense of belonging and caring, along with a supportive environment are the three aspects of education a student should consider before choosing a college.
Note for the Students:
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