UNC Bond Package Could Have Major Impact On Fayetteville State University

The university needs a new residence hall, its science building needs repairs, and the gym is too small to house students. All those changes will not happen unless the university gets support to gain its $45 million share of the $3 billion state bond referendum for the UNC system.

Tara Ellis and her sister, Theressa, are seniors at FSU. They say the university needs the money to attract more students. They also want to be proud to call FSU their alma mater.

"We like Fayetteville State, so we want to show support for the school," Theressa says.

"I just want it to be the best because I will be an alumni here," Tara says. "I want to come here and tell people this is the school I graduated from."

Chancellor Willis McLeod says students will not be the only ones to benefit. The money will open more doors for people in counties across the state through additional educational and outreach programs.

"Increase our efficiency, as far as being able to improve our capability, to offer educational opportunities to a wider array of North Carolinians in this region," he says.

Last year, FSU experienced a 10 percent surge in enrollment, putting pressure on the college to expand. The university's expansions and improvements could also mean more opportunities for job seekers.

On Wednesday, university presidents and chancellors will continue their tour across the state to spread the word about the bond. The next stop: Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.