WSSU makes history with installation of 14th Chancellor Bonita J. Brown
Bonita J. Brown was formally installed Sept. 19, 2025, as Winston-Salem State University’s 14th chancellor, becoming the first permanent female top administrator in the school’s 132-year history.
Before a crowd of more than 1,000 attendees at the Benton Convention Center, retired Forsyth District Court Judge Denise Hartsfield administered the oath of office to Brown. Standing by her side for the historic occasion were her parents, WSSU alumni Bern and Freda Hairston; her husband, Wesley Brown; and UNC System President Peter Hans.
The ceremony opened with a stirring performance by the WSSU Choir singing, “What happens when a woman?” Brown took the theme to heart as she addressed the audience:
“What happens when a woman takes power? A new chapter begins. What happens when she won’t back down? Barriers fall. What happens when she wears the crown? Generations rise. And what happens when she sets the beat and stands on her own two feet? The world shifts and history is made,” Brown said.
Brown told the audience this chapter in her life is a divine assignment. Born to WSSU alumni parents, spending her early childhood days on the campus and matriculating at nearby Wake Forest University all led to this day.
“What may look like chance … was in fact preparation for a greater calling,” she said.
Video greetings were brought by Congresswoman Alma Adams of the 12th Congressional District and founder of the HBCU Caucus and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.
“WSSU you could not have picked a more talented leader. And Chancellor Brown, you could not have picked a better place to call home,” Adams said. “Winston-Salem State is a special place, and it takes a special leader to build upon its success, and I’m confident that, that’s the leader we have in Chancellor Bonita Brown.”
Stein reiterated the accomplishments of WSSU, noting its designation as an “Opportunity College” by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education, its top nursing program and its unique motorsports and astrobotany programs.
“Chancellor Brown, you are building on a proud legacy, and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Winston-Salem State University,” he said.
“This is more than an installation ceremony,” said student Maliyah Winters, the 76th SGA president, in her remarks. “It is a celebration of progress, representation and possibility. After 132 years of building a legacy, Winston-Salem State University has reached a powerful achievement, welcoming its first female chancellor. Your appointment tells us that no dream is too bold, no ceiling is too high, and no tradition is too unbreakable to make room for change.”
Brown’s father, Bern Hariston, said he believes God has brought his daughter to serve as chancellor of WSSU for “such a time as this.” There are many challenges today in higher education: declining enrollment, rising costs in student debt and political and policy changes. “I believe with Bonita’s leadership that she is well qualified and her work experience has prepared her to lead Winston-Salem State University into a bright future.”
“Bonita has made us very proud,” said her mother, Fern Hairston. “She took the long way around to come right back to the place where it all began. Who would have thought it possible that a little girl from Welcome, North Carolina, would be named the chancellor of Winston-Salem State University.”
Other remarks were given by Rep. Donny Lambeth of the 75th District; Kellie Hunt Blue, vice chair of the UNC Board of Governors; Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines; Dr. Susan Wente, Wake Forest University president; Brent Moore, chairman of the WSSU Board of Trustees; Reginald McCaskill, president of the WSSU National Alumni Association; Dr. Keisha Rogers, WSSU Faculty Senate chair; and Shagail Reed, WSSU Staff Senate chair.
Before beginning the official installation, UNC System President Peter Hans acknowledged WSSU as being on the rise in the era of Bonita Brown, highlighting its recent enrollment growth and its strong record of social mobility for its graduates.
In his five years as president, Hans said nothing as brought him greater joy than to see the state’s HBCUs grow and thrive as national magnets for talent. Students don’t come to public HBCUs just for a degree, “you come for the experience, for your connection to community, culture, history, for the pride of friends and family, all of those who will follow in your footsteps.”
Brown said WSSU contributes $616 million into the local economy, supporting more than 7,000 jobs. Its faculty is leading cutting-edge research, and its alumni are represented in high-profile companies and organizations. “Chances are, wherever progress is being made, there’s a Ram in the room,” she said.
But there is more work to be done, she said, appealing to state lawmakers, city officials, the community and alumni for their continued support.
“There is nothing permanent but change. Change can be uncomfortable, but stagnation leads to decline. I am asking and relying on each of you to do your part to help uphold the legacy and future of Winston-Salem State University.”
The installation ended with a spirited musical tribute of “Get Up” by the Red Sea of Sound Marching Band, directed by Dr. Michael Magruder, and the Powerhouse of Red and White Cheerleaders.
The weekend festivities continued Sept. 20 with a Community Day of Service beautification project on campus and a gala featuring Grammy-award winning artist Lalah Hathaway at the Benton Convention Center.
Watch the full installation ceremony: Watch here
View photos from all the installation events here: Photo galleries
Watch a video recap of installation here: Video recap
