Sonja M. Brown has been appointed interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. In her new role, Dr. Brown will oversee the university’s four academic colleges, faculty affairs, the Charles W. Chestnutt Library, the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and the Office of Sponsored Research.
Currently, Dr. Brown serves as associate vice chancellor for academic and faculty affairs at Fayetteville State University. She has extensive academic and administrative experience in higher education, including leadership roles with the College of Media and Mass Communication at the University of the Emirates, Great Basin College in Nevada, Palo Verde College in California, Medaille University in New York, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. As a communications scholar, Dr. Brown has published extensively on media representation, race, gender, mentorship, and the experiences of women of color in academic and professional contexts.
“As we continue moving forward, my focus will be on strengthening academic quality, supporting faculty excellence, expanding student success initiatives, and ensuring that our programs remain responsive to the needs of our region and state,” said Dr. Brown. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to build on our momentum and foster an environment where every Bronco can thrive.”
Dr. Brown received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in speech communication from California State University, Fresno. She holds a doctorate in interpersonal communication and media studies from the University of Georgia.