Dr. LaTanya Afolayan named vice chancellor for advancement at WSSU

After a national search, Dr. LaTanya Afolayan, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in university advancement, has been named vice chancellor for University Advancement at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Her appointment is effective July 10. 

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Afolayan join our team,” said WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson. “The university is gaining a dynamic leader who has a deep appreciation for the role fundraising plays in achieving the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan for 2016-2021. I am confident she will provide the vision and leadership needed to take our fundraising efforts to the next level.”

As vice chancellor for University Advancement, she will be responsible for enhancing donor discovery efforts; growing the Annual Fund; expanding the principal and major gifts pipeline; leveraging corporate and foundation relationships; engaging and mobilizing alumni, friends, and volunteers; and expanding and strengthening a sustainable infrastructure to support future fundraising efforts and campaigns.

Most of Afolayan’s career has been within the University of North Carolina System. She has served as the vice chancellor for advancement for both Elizabeth City State University and North Carolina Central University. Additionally, she served as a member of the major gifts leadership team at Appalachian State University during a $200 million capital campaign.

Currently, she is the senior director of planning and major giving at Norfolk State University, where she has secured more than $800,000 in deferred commitments and $300,000 in cash commitments in the past 12 months. 

Afolayan earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, her master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and her education doctorate from East Carolina University.  

“The need for private funding in higher education will continue to escalate,” Afolayan said. “As university advancement professionals, we are compelled to adapt and constantly embrace change in order to build and sustain long-term relationships with our internal and external constituents. Therefore, I am honored to join the Ram family, and I look forward to developing mutually beneficial partnerships on behalf of Winston-Salem State University – reaching across the university community, the city of Winston-Salem, the state, and throughout the country.”

Afolayan replaces Michelle Cook, who departed WSSU in March. 

About Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.