Skip to main content

Happy 127th birthday, WSSU!

On Sept. 28, 1892, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) was founded as Slater Industrial Academy. What began was as one-room frame structure with 25 students and one teacher today is now WSSU, with more than 5,100 students enrolled in baccalaureate and graduate programs.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of another milestone. In 1969, the General Assembly paved the way for sustained growth at what was then Winston-Salem State College by granting the institution regional university status.

MORE: WSSU launches Million Dollar Match fundraiser

The golden anniversary of becoming a university comes at a time of tremendous growth, with the completion later this year of a $53 million sciences building, record grant funding for STEM research, and the university’s growing national recognition for its programs and value. Earlier this month, Money magazine ranked WSSU the no. 1 public HBCU in the nation for value.

Million Dollar Match: $18.92 Celebrate

To celebrate WSSU’s birthday this week, University Advancement is challenging WSSU alumni, faculty, staff and friends to make an online gift of $18.92 or more to the Million Dollar Match Endowed Scholarship Fund and double their gift and help even more WSSU students and their families achieve their dreams.

Give now to the Million Dollar Match

Through a unique challenge fund-raiser, between now and Dec. 31, all gifts for need-based endowed scholarships will be matched dollar for dollar. 

More News

Winston-Salem State receives a grant from the Thurgood Marshall Foundation

Winston-Salem State University has been awarded a $30,000.00 grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund led by Dr. Karen T. Williams, Director of the A. H. Ray Student Health Center, to conduct rapid COVID testing of students who present with symptoms of COVID and testing of students who are exposed to COVID.

Read Moreabout Winston-Salem State receives a grant from the Thurgood Marshall Foundation

Homecoming 2022 Cancellations

With great disappointment, we announce that due to the anticipated severe weather for this coming weekend and out of an abundance of caution for our students, staff, alumni, and fans, all university-sanctioned homecoming activities will be canceled after noon on Friday, September 30.

Read Moreabout Homecoming 2022 Cancellations

WSSU Homecoming 2022 safety message from Chief Henry

Chancellor Robinson, Campus Police and Public Safety, and partners across campus are taking a proactive approach to ensure that Homecoming 2022 is a safe experience for everyone.

Read Moreabout WSSU Homecoming 2022 safety message from Chief Henry