When academic leaders across the nation talk informally about institutions noted for innovative academic programs and securing choice internships and jobs for students and faculty, Fayetteville State University (FSU) in North Carolina isn’t on the radar.
With a new, evolving focus on cybersecurity and disaster management, FSU, a historically Black university with an enrollment of just over 5,000 students, is hoping to change those conversations, boost its standing in the academic community and secure itself for this century by helping develop a relevant workforce for the state, says Dr. James A. Anderson, FSU’s chancellor.
For sure, the strategy is running against strong headwinds.
Like most institutions across the country, FSU has endured several years of painful budget and spending cuts ($9 million in the most recent 12 months), largely attributed to falling state financial support and declining enrollment.
FSU is dealing with the reality that all faculty are not on the same page regarding the new strategy. Externally, it is facing the fact that it is a late arrival on a stage long occupied by some of the biggest names in higher education defense contracting starting with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
To address those realities and champion its new thrust, FSU has created a Center for Defense and Homeland Security (CDHS). The center, started on a seed money budget of $250,000 and run by Dr. Curtis Charles, senior associate vice chancellor, draws on a core group of 20 faculty engaged in teaching and research. They have become the initial vehicles for change at the university.
Anderson said he hopes to supplement that cadre of academicians with military veterans returning from service. Many will be looking for work and already have the skills FSU needs for its new thrust.
