Methodist University has a new president in Suzanne Blum Malley, who will succeed the retiring Stanley Wearden on July 1, 2027. “I am deeply honored and genuinely energized,” Blum Malley, 60, the university provost and executive vice president, said in a news release. “Methodist University has given so much to its students, its community and to higher education in this region for nearly 70 years. I came to MU over six years ago because I believed in this institution’s mission and in the people doing the work every day. Earning the trust of the board and this community to serve as the sixth president is something I carry with genuine humility and real determination.”
Blum Malley will become the sixth president and first woman to oversee the university since it was founded in 1956 in north Fayetteville. Other presidents are the late Stacy Weaver (1957-1973), the late Richard W. Pearce (1973–1983), M. Elton Hendricks (1983–2010), Ben E. Hancock Jr. (2011–2018), and Wearden, who has served since 2019. “Her ability to understand the landscape and anticipate needs is making an indelible difference for MU students and will do the same for countless students to come,” Wearden said in the release. “Her instincts, integrity and love for the university will position the entire community to capitalize on our great strides.”
Something else you should know from Jennifer Elam, the candidacy committee chair. “She has done it all while building trust and welcoming voices throughout MU in essential discussions,” Elam said. “Provost Blum Malley is a thoughtful, purpose-driven leader with a holistic approach that keeps student success at the forefront. Her results speak for themselves.” And something Blue Malley wants school leaders to know. “I am ready,” she said. No doubt there. Suzanne Blum Malley is a sound choice.
Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers said there appears to be no way around a property tax hike when the town’s board of commissioners adopt the 2026-2027 fiscal budget. “I’m gonna have to rip the Band-Aid off, because folks, it’s going to be a property tax increase,” Bellflowers said at Monday’s budget work session.” But just how much of an increase? “The answer is going to be what’s the cent. Is it going to be three, four, five, six? … So, it’s time to be honest. It’s time to play the cards. It’s time to put them face up and it’s time to make some decisions. … I know that what I’m saying is maybe it’s somewhat unpopular” but you can only “kick the can down the road until there’s no more road. Bellflowers said he anticipates a 4-cent tax increase, but the board will have the final say.
The town’s finances have been under scrutiny since a critical state audit was released in April. In May, Commissioner Bryan Marley hinted that a tax increase might be needed.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber has new digs. “The Chamber relocated basically for more space,” Nat Robertson, the president and chief executive officer, told CityView on Tuesday about the move from Murchison Road to 1636 Skibo Road. “We’ve gone from 1,800 square feet to almost 8,000. This allows the Chamber to expand our training facility from around 18 seats to 100. The outcome will be a more robust training program, focusing on business development and training for our members.”
If you are an early-riser and give a listen to “Good Morning Fayetteville” host Gilbert Baez, you’ll know they’ve got a raccoon issue at the Cumulus Media studios at 1009 Drayton Road, just off of Bragg Boulevard. Raccoons may be cute, but raccoons are destructive and nasty little critters once they find their way into your home or business, and you can take it from me.
Mama used to complain about those painful calluses on her pinky toe, and now it’s time for me. “This corn is aggravating,” she would say. Now, I’m doing the complaining about the corn on my right pinky toe.
Sad to learn that Ed Miller, the retired and longtime State Farm Insurance agent along Raeford Road, passed away Wednesday at his Talleywood neighborhood home. He was a Massey Hill fellow, who was an honest insurance agent and treated clients fairly. Ed Miller was 85, and Ed Miller stood tall in this community.
Renee Grayson with the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County has completed a statewide leadership development program with the N.C. Center for Nonprofit Management Institute. “As the Arts Council continues to grow its impact across Cumberland County, investing in staff development remains a core priority,” Kennon Jackson, incoming president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Renee’s accomplishment reflects her personal commitment to leadership and the Arts Council’s broader dedication to building a strong, sustainable nonprofit sector.” The Arts Council now celebrates 100% staff participation in the Nonprofit Management Institute.
“Our goal is to make high-quality dermatology care more accessible to the communities we serve,” said Jalesty Washington, the clinic manager at Cape Fear Valley Dermatology. The facility at 3526 Village Drive opened on Monday. “This new clinic represents another step forward in providing specialized healthcare services close to home.” The clinic offers a wide range of services, which will include routine skin examinations, diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, skin cancer screenings, and advanced dermatologic care.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden received a $9.000 Summertime Kids grant from the Cumberland Community Foundation. “Summertime Kids camp at the Garden includes hands-on environmental science activities, art projects, nature play and opportunities for children to get outside, become excited about nature, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging,” Meg Suraci, the garden’s development manager, said in a news release. “Summer camp is filled with adventure and is an experience every child deserves, but not every family can accommodate. Scholarship funds from the Cumberland Community Foundation are vital in bridging the gap and providing the opportunity for a camp experience.” Multi-day summer camps or single-day sessions serve youngsters ages 4-12.
Some welcome news this week from Gov. Josh Stein for our military friends. The governor helped celebrate the opening of a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver license office at the Fort Bragg Soldier Support Center. “Being military-friendly means making it easy to call North Carolina home,” Stein said in a news release. “As we remain focused on improving the DMV, this new location will provide servicemembers, veterans and their families a convenient, on-base location to take care of their DMV business.” Stein was joined by Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, secretary of the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “This new driver license office at Fort Bragg delivers fast, convenient service right on base—exactly where our servicemembers and families need it,” Tine said. “We’re proud to bring DMV services directly to those who serve and sacrifice for our country.”
Coming Sunday: They hoist sons on their shoulders and walk daughters down the wedding aisle.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
