The Military Order of the Purple Heart has designated Fayetteville State University a Purple Heart University, making FSU the first university in the University of North Carolina System to receive the honor.

"FSU has a long legacy of educating those who serve in the Armed Forces. At FSU, we lead HBCU's in military-connected student enrollment, and this honor demonstrates our deep appreciation to our military students. Our university sits right in the same city with the largest U.S. Army base in the country, and it makes us proud that our students reflect that and support that as well." Siobhan Norris, Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs, said.