CIAA Hall of Fame Members
Dr. Charles A. Lyons, Jr., a 1949 graduate of Shaw University, became president of Fayetteville State College in 1969 and the first Chancellor after it became a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system. During his tenure, the curriculum was expanded to include a variety of both baccalaureate and master’s level programs. In addition to expanding program offerings and services, eight buildings were added to the physical plant during this period to include the Charles Chesnutt Library. Dr. Lyons, Jr., has held many prestigious positions, including president of the CIAA Council of Presidents, president of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and president of the North Carolina Association of Colleges and Universities. Dr. Lyons played a critical role in initiating measures to refocus the conference following the departure of several conference members for the MEAC. He took the lead in bringing Presidents and Chancellors together to help unify the conference going forward.