About

About Us

Kicking off the Spring 2024 Semester

The Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association (the Association) exists to advance Fayetteville State University, to and among the general alumni population, and serve as an advocate for the University.

MS. Alumni winner is Dr Cathy Waddell 2025-2026

Current Residence : Fayetteville, North Carolina

Favorite Quote : “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

Local Alumni Chapter Affiliation : Cumberland County Alumni Chapter (Benevolence Chairman)

Academic Preparation : Fayetteville State University- Bachelor of Science English Literature (1976) ; Masters School Administration ( 2003); North Carolina Central University – Master of Library Science (1998) ; Nova Southeastern University – Doctorate -Educational Leadership- (2015)

Current Employer/Position : Retired (High School Principal)

Professional , Civic, Community Affiliations : Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Fayetteville State University Foundation Board; Friendship Missionary Baptist Church- Choir, Auxiliary Chairman; Escobar Travel Group

Awards & Recognitions : Lorine McLeod Service Award 2025; FSUNAA Meritorious Service Award 2024; FSUNAA Ms. Alumni Contestant- 1 st Runner-up 2021, FSUNAA Chancellor’s Club -Life Membership 2021; Fayetteville- Cumberland County Human Relations Commission-Burton Pate Service Awards 2013, 2014, 2016; Zeta Phi Beta Service Awards 2020, 2021 2023; Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter -Zeta of the Year Area IV 2023-24 ; Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter- Finer Womanhood Award 2019-2020; Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society; FMBC Servant Leader Award 2014;

Hobbies or Interests : Community Service, Shopping and Traveling

Contestant Statement : As a cancer survivor, I am thankful for the opportunity of life. I am running for Ms. Fayetteville State University Alumni, for it is an opportunity to actively support and promote the university mission and values. As an ambassador, I will contribute to these objectives by engaging fellow alumni, supporting current students, and enhancing the university’s reputation. Such positions often involve representing the university at various events, promoting school spirit, and encouraging alumni involvement, all of which are vital for the institution’s continued success. I will continue to excel in professionalism, academics, school involvement, and public service.

Ms. Cathy Waddell graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration in 1990. Cathy is a Life Member of the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association & currently is the treasure and serves on the scholarship committee of the Military Chapter of the FSUNAA.

“As your Ms. FSU Alumni Queen 2024-2025, I am a proud Bronco! I would like to extend sincere gratitude to my family and friends near and far, who supported me and my campaign with your words of encouragement, financial support, words of wisdom and unwavering prayers. I am forever grateful. My love for the FSUNAA and my FSU Military Alumni Chapter is immeasurable. I consider it an honor and privilege to embark upon the path of former FSU Alumni Kings and Queens who continue to make contributions, unselfishly, to ensure the perpetuity of our beloved alma mater through Deeds Not Words.

Cathy Waddell is the proud daughter of Mr. Cleveland Pressley and Mrs. Deloris Pressley and the mother of Cherish, Christian and Chase. Donna is a member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Nesmith, SC. Dawn enjoys music, mystery movies & baking.

Congratulations to the National Alumni Association’s 2024-2025 Alumni Queen, Donna Pressley. Our runner-up is Kristian Braswell and the second runner-up is Helen Amechia Wiggins.

The 2024-2025 Miss./Mr. FSU Alumni Contest raised $146,000.00 towards the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment.