Pre-Leadership Years 

Prior to the mid-70s, Black North Carolina State University students, who were concerned about spiritual enrichment, attended church off-campus. During this time, almost every other major Christian denomination had a ministry representation on the campus yet there was nothing inclusive or comfortable for black students. They were going to several churches in the Raleigh area. Many students who didn’t have transportation to those churches decided to start gathering on campus in early 1976 at the cultural center on Dan Allen Drive. This was the center that housed the key activities that black students participated in such as fraternity and sorority meetings and gatherings, as well as black student board meetings and bible studies. The students went to the discos that were held in the cultural center on Saturday nights and then reset the center up for church on Sunday mornings. Out of several students’ desire for their own ministry, the Black Student Fellowship was formed in 1975 as a student organization with Larry Campbell as the Faculty Advisor. Some of the original students that came together to start the Black Student Fellowship were Sheila Thigpen, Princess Thompson Hall, James Stowe, Lillian Horne, Gentry Smith, Paula Smith and Mickey Cotton. Rev. Henry Pickett was one of the community ministers that agreed to assist the BSF and he made himself available for Sunday services. Rev. Delmar Harris followed Rev. Pickett in leading the worship services held on campus. A group of students, who liked to sing gospel music, got together and formed a choir to enhance the services. This choir eventually became the New Horizons Choir and a portion of New Horizons members would provide the music for the Black Student Fellowship Sunday services. A short time later the name was changed to United Students Fellowship (USF) to make it inclusive for people of all races.

Post-Leadership Years 

 In the summer of 2001 after it was determined that a church was to be birthed, the Lord lead Pastor Stepney and the current USF leader to hold a special Transitions Service and to anoint those who would form the new USF executive team. Among those who volunteered to take the reins of leadership were Toby Crandall (who served as president), Tasha Filinger (vice president), Tiffany Cogdell (secretary), Capers Johnson (treasurer), and Margaret Hargrett (historian). 

 With much prayer and courage, the new team quickly moved out on building a calendar of activities for the NC State community and focused on developing strategies for growth. In keeping with the USF tradition, the organization maintained the yearly Back to School Bash, Fall Talent Show, Beach Retreats and the Spring Banquet. 

 The ministry was continuously supported spiritually and financially during those days by the Fulfilled Promise Tabernacle family. Tom Adkins, Todd Waldo, and Vigil Moore were appointed as spiritual leaders in succession. Along with these, many other ministers delivered powerful messages that turned lives around and challenged students to commit to a true walk with God. Only heaven can tell of the true impact that was made through the tireless efforts of Dr. Pam Banks-Lee who remained on as the University Faculty Advisor; Christopher Butler who developed the Choir and Praise Team; and Dempsey and Roselle Bond, spiritual god-parents to the newly reformed fellowship. In subsequent years, the organization was well served to have the following individuals as presidents Lorenzo A. Watson, Anesha Felton, and Rhonda Stalling. 

Under new leadership the Sunday Morning service time changed to an evening event called Sunday Night Live! The change drew in a different student demographic and nontraditional Sunday worshipers, however the organization’s goal remained clear: Be a spiritual beacon on campus, while reaching souls for Jesus Christ. The final gathering of the United Student Fellowship occurred in the Spring of 2005 at the conclusion of Sunday fellowship dinner.