WSSU and Davidson-Davie Community College celebrate MOU rooted in legacy of a kindergarten teacher

Winston-Salem State University and Davidson-Davie Community College (Davidson-Davie) formalized a partnership on May 12 – but what made the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony unforgettable was the personal connection that tied both institutions’ leaders to one woman.

WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown’s mother, Freda Hairston, was the kindergarten teacher of Jenny Varner, the president of Davidson-Davie, at Pickett Primary School in Lexington. Under the theme, “The impact of one woman on two college presidents,” the signing paid homage to Hairston’s relationship with both her daughter and Varner.

“Who knew that 52 years ago, I would begin to build a future with my very own little girl, Bonita Hairston Brown; and who knew that 10 years later, I would have laid a foundation for another little girl, Jenny Michael Varner, as her kindergarten teacher in the Lexington City School System.”

Hairston connected the parallels of Brown and Varner as each were avid readers and high achievers. But what no one could have predicted is that Varner would grow up to become president of Davidson-Davie around the same time Brown would be called to serve as chancellor of WSSU.

“And that on this very day,” Brown said, “President Varner and I would find ourselves sitting side by side, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will create life-changing opportunities for students across our institutions. Some might call this coincidence. I call it providence.”

The MOU establishes a Direct Admissions Program (DAP) between WSSU and Davidson-Davie, creating a seamless transfer pathway for Davidson-Davie graduates in the following programs: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation, Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science in Aquarium Science Technology, Associate in Applied Science in Zoo Science Technology, Associate Degree Nursing and Associate in Applied Science.

Davidson-Davie students will receive, among other benefits, guaranteed admission to WSSU; waived WSSU application fees; joint financial aid counseling; and scholarship opportunities.

Davidson-Davie is the only institution of higher learning in Davidson and Davie counties. “We don’t just see it as our job at Davidson-Davie to get our students to cross our stage. We want to know that after they cross our stage, they are setting out on a path that will take them where they want to go,” Varner said.

She added that WSSU’s proximity and familiarity with regional needs make the university an ideal partner for students who prefer to stay close to home while continuing their education.

“What you offer – and what we value – is that next step beyond our graduation stage at a top rank four-year university with any number of bachelor’s degree options available and for some even a future graduate or professional degree,” Varner said.

Hairston’s heartfelt remarks closed the event on an inspiring note, earning a standing ovation. “Bonita and Jenny have risen through the ranks of their chosen professions, and I’m pleased to know that I had a small part to play in that foundational year as Jenny’s kindergarten teacher and as Bonita’s mom and teacher. Do your part to help build the future for the young people under your charge. Do it – one teacher at a time.”

When asked about the personal connection to WSSU, Varner, reflecting on the full-circle moment, said, “Chancellor Brown and I have an important connection through her mother, who was my kindergarten teacher. It just proves how small our world is, how interconnected our educational partners can be and how important that is for the future success of all of our students.”

To watch an abbreviated version of the MOU signing, click here: https://youtu.be/gslIX5Eyin0

The watch the full-length press conference, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslIX5Eyin0