Fayetteville State receives $6.5 million Anonymous Trust, will use for Free Summer School program

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville State University (FSU) is celebrating a $6.5 million commitment in the form of an Anonymous Trust.

According to FSU, it is the largest gift in the University's history. The windfall comes just weeks after the school received nearly $17 million from the state's $34.4 billion budget.

The money will be used to cover tuition, housing, and meals for students enrolled in the University's 30-60-90 Free Summer School Program. It is the trust's second multi-million-dollar investment in the university in three years, surpassing the more than $5.8 million it committed in 2022 that funded student success initiatives.

"Today's announcement represents what can happen when students are given the resources and opportunity to keep moving forward," Chancellor Darrell T. Allison said. "We are grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly, led by House Speaker Destin Hall in the House and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger of the Senate, and Gov. Josh Stein for investing in a program that is strengthening degree completion at Fayetteville State. We also thank UNC System President Peter Hans for his continued advocacy on behalf of our University and our students."

The announcement comes as FSU continues to improve its four-year graduation rate. The University reported a 25% four-year graduation rate for the 2021 entering cohort, up from a 19% baseline, and has set a goal of reaching 50% by 2031.

"Our students are showing us that summer is an essential part of their academic journey," Dr. Pamela Baldwin, vice chancellor for strategic enrollment, said. "The record enrollment announced today reflects their determination towards degree completion and their future."

FSU estimates that students have avoided more than $4 million in summer loan borrowing since the initiative began, and average summer loan originations per full-time equivalent student have declined approximately 75% since 2020.

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