Our Story

In 1972, FSU Chancellor Dr. Charles Lyons pursued and gained the installation of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at Fayetteville State, opening the door to Air Force Officer Training and the opportunity to earn commissions as U.S. Military Officers. This was a momentous step in that less than 5% of all U.S. Military officers were African American. A handful of FSU students decided to step up to this opportunity and in 1974 FSU Detachment 607 commissioned its first U.S. Military Officers. All six initial officers went on to serve 20 years or more, each retiring after illustrious careers and re-entering the civilian world to become successful business and community leaders.

Over the next 50 years FSU, in partnership with Methodist University, UNC at Pembroke, Campbell University and Fayetteville Tech Community College, have gone on to help produce hundreds of military officers. These officers have served as pilots, navigators, weapons controllers, logisticians, intelligence officers, engineers, personnel officers, medical professionals and in just about every profession that make up the military.

This story would not be possible without the vision of university leadership and without the persistence and fortitude of the officers commissioned through the ROTC programs. Several retired officers have shared stories about their struggle upon receiving their commissions. And though most struggled to compete in a world largely foreign to their background, they persevered due largely to a common ethic “I will not fail, given an opportunity.”

FSU ROTC Programs can boast commissionees achieving rank from Brigadier General, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and below. More importantly, upon completing sterling military careers, most have gone on to lead businesses, serve in the political arena and hold various leadership positions in civilian life.

“ I was woefully underprepared and learned quickly that I had to get up earlier, stay later, study harder, compete more fiercely; but in the end I knew it was up to me to succeed.”

Det 607 Retiree