HBCU athletic department breaks academic record
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Fayetteville State University, an HBCU with a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, has announced a historic achievement by its student-athletes during the Spring 2025 semester. Broncos student-athletes posted a record-breaking 3.42 overall grade point average (GPA), the highest in the department's history over the past decade.
This milestone marks a continuation of Fayetteville State's growing reputation among HBCUs for academic performance in athletics. A total of 151 student-athletes earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with 91 reaching 3.5 or above, and 32 recording a perfect 4.0. The accomplishment surpasses the previous department record of 3.33 set in Fall 2024.
"This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, academic support staff, and faculty," said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. "We are proud of the culture of excellence that continues to grow at Fayetteville State."
Team GPAs for Spring 2025:
Women's Bowling – 3.60Men's Cross Country – 3.58Softball – 3.53Women's Cross Country – 3.48Men's Basketball – 3.37Women's Volleyball – 3.31Men's Golf – 3.30Cheerleading – 3.21Football – 3.10Women's Track & Field – 3.10Women's Basketball – 3.04 (CIAA champs)
As an HBCU in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Fayetteville State University continues to set the bar for academic excellence, reinforcing the critical role HBCUs play in developing well-rounded student-athletes. This achievement underscores the university's commitment to preparing student-athletes for success on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
Fayetteville State remains a shining example of what is possible at an HBCU, where academic and athletic success go hand in hand.
The post HBCU athletic department breaks academic record appeared first on HBCU Gameday.
Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
HBCU Adds First Female Position Coach in Program History
The culture shift at Ohio-based HBCU Central State University is real-and it's happening fast. New head coach Tony Carter, a former NFL cornerback and Florida State standout, continues to stack a coaching staff that's as diverse as it is talented. His latest move? Making history by hiring Ashley Cornwell as the first female position coach in Central State football history. A Trailblazer With Serious Credentials Cornwell isn't here to check a box-she's here to coach. Her résumé is as legit as anyone on the field. She started her career at the University of Wisconsin, working across offense, defense, and special teams. While there, she helped recruit talent that produced six NFL draft picks and six more free-agent signees. Nearly all of them are still playing in the league. From there, Cornwell broke barriers at Bucknell. In 2024, she became the first female coach in Bucknell football history. She started as an Assistant Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Analyst. By August, she was promoted to Interim Tight Ends Coach and In-Game Management Coordinator. Before her most recent stop at Bucknell, she was the Offensive Line Coach at Oberlin College. But her impact stretches far beyond the college game. For two years, Cornwell coached in the NFL International Player Pathway Program, helping produce one draft pick (Travis Clayton) and five more players who made NFL rosters as undrafted free agents. NFL Ties and a Coaching Mindset Cornwell has also completed Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowships with the Titans, Buccaneers, and Commanders. She's been selected for elite coaching programs, including the NFL/NCAA Coaching Academy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Academy. When she's not coaching, she's teaching-literally. Cornwell has presented at national coaching conventions like the AFCA and the NCMFC, sharing her expertise in pass protection and run game philosophy. Carter's Vision for HBCU Central State Her hire fits perfectly with Tony Carter's bold vision for Central State's HBCU football program. His staff already features Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes as wide receivers coach and former Michigan linebacker Mike McCray coaching the linebackers. With a new staff, new energy, and a new standard, Central State University's HBCU football program isn't just looking to compete. It's looking to make history. The post HBCU Adds First Female Position Coach in Program History appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025


Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
HBCU Football Player Turned Army General Enters HoF
Major General Mitchell Kilgo has spent more than three decades serving his country with distinction in the US Army. The HBCU alumnus is now being recognized for his accomplishments on and off the field as he prepares to be inducted into the Virginia Union "Tricky Tom" Harris Athletic Hall of Fame. A native of Newport News, Virginia, Kilgo played football for the VUU Panthers from 1985 to 1988. His time on the field reflected the same discipline and leadership that would define his military career. Kilgo's military journey, however, wasn't part of his original plan. As a freshman, he accepted an ROTC scholarship as a practical backup. "It was my Plan B," he recalled. "I played football and knew if I couldn't play for some reason, I needed an alternative plan to help me stay in school… it was not a lifelong ambition." But what started as a fallback quickly became a calling. "I felt great about serving and fell in love with the people and the Army's way of life," Kilgo said. "I guess Plan B was in line with God's plan for my life and not the alternative I was seeking." In 1988, Kilgo commissioned into the U.S. Army. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Army Inspector General Agency, retiring in 2022. The role placed him at the heart of military accountability and oversight. Kilgo's military résumé is as decorated as it is diverse. Over the span of his career, he has commanded at every level, held key operational roles, and earned multiple advanced degrees in pursuit of professional excellence. His leadership has impacted global operations, from cybersecurity initiatives to logistical command support across the Department of Defense. The induction into the Hall of Fame at his HBCU is more than a personal achievement. It is a recognition of the enduring impact of his time at an HBCU on his life and career. For Kilgo, the lessons learned on the football field in the shadow of Richmond's Lombardy Street were foundational. "Congratulations to all on your induction into the Virginia Union 'Tricky Tom' Harris Athletic Hall of Fame," said Joe Taylor, VUU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness. "You are joining an elite, distinguished group of extraordinary individuals. Your induction is a result of strong character, commitment, and dedication to personal growth and unselfish support of Virginia Union University. All of you embody the championship spirit of Tricky Tom Harris in strengthening the brand of our beloved university." Kilgo's story is emblematic of the pathways that HBCU institutions continue to provide for Black leaders. His journey from student-athlete to Major General underscores the role that VUU-and the broader HBCU community-play in producing leaders of consequence. As Major General Mitchell Kilgo takes his place in the Hall of Fame. His career stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of service, scholarship, and sport that defines the HBCU experience. The post HBCU Football Player Turned Army General Enters HoF appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025

Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
North Carolina has two HBCUs on 2025-2026 schedule
North Carolina has officially announced its 2025–2026 non-conference men's basketball schedule, which includes two matchups against in-state HBCUs - Winston-Salem State and North Carolina Central. The Tar Heels will host Winston-Salem State on October 29 in an exhibition game, followed by a regular season contest against North Carolina Central on November 14. The games continue a meaningful tradition of North Carolina engaging with HBCUs, highlighting the state's rich basketball history and cultural connections. The Tar Heels last played Winston-Salem State to open the 2019–2020 season, earning a 96–61 win. That WSSU team would go on to win the CIAA championship under head coach Cleo Hill Jr., proving itself as one of the top programs in Division II HBCU basketball. North Carolina's last contest against North Carolina Central came during the pandemic-impacted 2020–2021 season. Despite being heavily favored, UNC had to battle for a 73–69 win over the Eagles, showcasing the competitive edge of HBCU programs even against traditional basketball powerhouses. This year's matchups hold special resonance for UNC head coach Hubert Davis. A native of Winston-Salem, Davis has personal ties to HBCUs - his father played at Johnson C. Smith University, a fellow CIAA member alongside WSSU. In 2022, Davis received the Clarence "Big House" Gaines Coach of the Year award, named in honor of the legendary WSSU head coach and Naismith Hall of Famer. These games provide valuable exposure and experience for HBCUs while giving North Carolina a chance to honor its connections to Black college basketball culture. For WSSU and NCCU, the opportunity to compete in Chapel Hill adds another layer of visibility and challenge for their respective programs. As UNC prepares for another season with national expectations, these early-season contests against HBCUs will serve as both a competitive tune-up and a celebration of North Carolina's deep basketball roots across all divisions. The post North Carolina has two HBCUs on 2025-2026 schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025