CHAPEL HILL, NC – Darrell Allison, an education advocate and champion of North Carolina’s historically minority-serving institutions, was named the 12th chancellor of Fayetteville State University on Thursday, Feb. 18.
He was elected by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, following his nomination by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans.
Allison will begin the role in mid-March. He succeeds interim chancellor Peggy Valentine, who was appointed in July 2019 and previously served as dean of the School of Health Sciences at Winston-Salem State University.
A former member of the UNC Board of Governors and former trustee at North Carolina Central University, Allison’s career and public service have been focused on education.
He is currently vice president of governmental affairs and state teams at the American Federation for Children. In this capacity, he has developed successful partnerships, led advocacy programs and generated philanthropic support for the organization.
“Darrell Allison is a creative leader who understands the value of Fayetteville State University to the community, the region, and the state,” Hans said.
“Darrell’s expansive career in education and service to the UNC System has been important to this state, and especially our HBCUs,” Hans added. “He brings with him a proven track record for student advocacy and a reputation for fostering partnerships that can further this university’s strategic goals.”
Board of Governors chairman Randy Ramsey shared his enthusiasm for Allison’s new role.
“I have worked alongside Darrell for many years now and he is not only a person of great ability but one of true character,” Ramsey said. “He is deeply committed to higher education and to the citizens of North Carolina. He brings to this position a broad understanding of Fayetteville State University’s strategic role and impact in the region.”
He was the founding president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (2005-2018), working to reform K-12 education and promoting school choice across NC.
“Chancellor-Elect Darrell T. Allison serves as a pioneering North Carolina Central University graduate who paves the way for aspiring scholars. On behalf of NCCU’s Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff and alumni, I offer congratulations to our esteemed alumnus and former member of our Board of Trustees,” said Johnson Akinleye, the chancellor at N.C. Central University. “The Eagle community is excited about this milestone achievement for Chancellor-Elect Allison, who is also a generous supporter of our institution. I know that he believes in the transformative power of higher education and continuously demonstrates his commitment and passion as an advocate for those seeking higher education.”
“This will be an extraordinary opportunity for Fayetteville and our region. I’m confident that with Chancellor Allison at the helm, FSU is on the threshold of major growth and advancement,” said state Sen. Ben Clark, who represents Fayetteville and Cumberland County in the General Assembly.
Allison holds a Juris Doctor degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree from N.C. Central University.
