Fayetteville State University officially opened its new College of Education building Thursday, Aug. 20, marking a major investment in the university’s teacher preparation programs and its long-standing role in educating educators.
University leaders, faculty, students and community supporters gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the $69.3 million facility, which was more than a year in the making.
The project represents a return to the institution’s roots: Fayetteville State began in 1867 as the Howard School and became North Carolina’s first state-supported school for training Black teachers in 1877.
The four-story, 72,027-square-foot building includes classrooms, conference rooms and more than 60 private offices for faculty and staff. It also features more than 30 learning and collaboration spaces, including a mock courtroom, study areas and a fourth-floor balcony.
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison said the new facility comes at a critical time as North Carolina and the nation face a continuing need for teachers and other education professionals.
He described the project as a renewed commitment to preparing educators for Fayetteville, Cumberland County, the Sandhills region and communities across the state.
Provost Scott Krawczyk said the building will give faculty greater opportunities to innovate in teaching, scholarship and educator preparation while providing students with a modern environment to learn their profession.
The facility also is expected to strengthen partnerships between the university, schools and communities throughout the region.
Fayetteville State partnered with Metcon Construction Inc. on the project. During the opening, Metcon President and CEO Aaron Thomas also announced a new partnership with the university’s Construction Management Program and a $250,000 contribution to the program.
The new College of Education building is ready to welcome students for the fall 2026 semester, giving future teachers a modern home as they prepare to enter classrooms across North Carolina.
