Dr. Seabrook retired in 1956 and was succeeded by Dr. Rudolph Jones. During Dr. Jones’ administration, the
   curriculum was expanded to include majors in secondary education and programs leading to degrees outside
   the teaching field. The name of the school was changed to Fayetteville State College in 1963. Also, under
   Dr. Jones’ leadership, six additions were made to the physical plant to accommodate a rapidly expanding
   enrollment.

   In 1969, the institution acquired its present name, "Fayetteville State University," and Dr. Charles
   "A" Lyons, Jr. was elected president. By a legislative act in 1972, Fayetteville State University became
   a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina System.  The Chief Executive Officer's position
   was re-titled to Chancellor, with Dr. Lyons becoming the first Chancellor of the University. During his tenure,
   the curriculum was expanded to include a variety of both baccalaureate and master’s level programs. In
   addition, the Fort Bragg-Pope AFB Extension Center, in conjunction with the Week-End and Evening College,
   was established in order to provide military personnel and other persons employed full-time with the opportunity
   to further their education.

   The general academic structure took its present configuration in 1985 when the University became a
   Comprehensive Level I Institution. In addition to expanding program offerings and services, eight buildings
   were added to the physical plant during this period to include the state-of-the-art Charles Chesnutt Library.

   On January 1, 1988, Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley became the eighth Chief Executive Officer of the University.  During
   his tenure, FSU’s first doctoral program in Educational Leadership was established; and baccalaureate program
   offerings were also increased to include 36 disciplines in the arts and sciences, business and economics, and
   education. The addition for the ultra-modern Business and Economics building and the new Health, Physical
   Education and Recreation Complex under-scored Dr. Hackley’s commitment to FSU’s continued expansion
   and growth. Chancellor Hackley strengthened FSU’s community outreach to at-risk children in the public
   schools, establishing numerous scholarship and tutoring/mentoring programs. FSU’s first major capital
   campaign was also completed during Dr. Hackley’s tenure, and enabled FSU to increase the number of
   privately funded student scholarships to over 200.  On December 31, 1994, Dr. Hackley left his post at FSU to
   become President of the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges, the first African-American to lead
   the state’s system of 59 community colleges.

   Dr. Donna J. Benson, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs of The University of North Carolina
   served as FSU’s interim Chancellor from January 1, 1995 to November 14, 1995.