WSSU leverages CIAA Tournament for student recruitment and professional development
While the Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams were taking care of business off the court, school officials were busy getting it done off the hardwood in ways that could have a lasting impact on the institution.
Through a concentrated effort involving different departments, Winston-Salem State University employees conducted high school visits, interacted with students at three HBCUs in Baltimore and the District of Columbia and exposed WSSU undergraduates to networking opportunities during the CIAA Tournament.
Bradley Merritt, director of Career Development Services, said WSSU took 23 students to the CIAA Tournament for a professional development excursion and has taken students to the event for three consecutive years. In Baltimore, the students participated in a career expo, attended two networking receptions and toured AON, a major provider of risk management, insurance brokerage and human capital consulting services.
“Taking students to the CIAA Tournament represents a great opportunity for them to get out of their comfort zones, to develop skills and to learn about careers,” Merritt said. “What’s unique about this is not only do students network and build career readiness skills in a professional setting, but they get to do it in a social setting as well.”
Kendal McDougald, a senior business administration major, with a concentration in management information systems, described the CIAA as an unforgettable experience.
“I was able to form valuable connections with recruiters and build meaningful relationships with alumni,” said McDougald, who’s from Charlotte and is minoring in urban studies and sustainability. “Beyond these connections, the bonds formed with my peers will be most memorable for me. I’m greatly appreciative of Career Development Services for sponsoring this trip and providing us with such an amazing experience.”
McDougald said it meant a lot that WSSU provided the professional development opportunity away from the games.
“I’m not a party-type person, but at the career fair I made some meaningful connections, including with people in the City of Roanoke,” he said. “Going to AON and speaking to their employees, we had some great conversations there. It meant a lot to form real relationships. The people told us about what they do, and we were able to have personal one-on-one conversations with them. They were an open book to us.”
Amiaya Hall, a junior business administration major with a concentration in personal finance, said she thoroughly enjoyed the professional development excursion.
“My favorite part was connecting with the alumni,” said Hall from Charlotte. “I’ve remained in contact with a few of them, and they’ve helped me towards some great opportunities. I’m truly grateful to Career Development Services for providing such a valuable experience.”
Cheryl Pollard, associate vice chancellor of enrollment management, said the CIAA provided an exceptional platform to expand WSSU’s recruitment footprint while strengthening strategic partnerships across the region. “By leveraging the energy and visibility of the tournament, we executed a highly coordinated outreach effort that significantly increased our presence in key markets,” Pollard said.
Throughout the week, WSSU officials conducted more than 30 high school visits in Baltimore and the District of Columbia in hopes of convincing prospective students to eventually enroll.
Additionally, WSSU graduate admissions counselors interacted with students at Coppin State and Morgan State universities in Baltimore, and Howard University in Washington, to laud Winston-Salem’s graduate programs to undergraduates who are considering obtaining additional degrees.
“These visits to Coppin, Morgan and Howard created opportunities to connect with prospective graduate students, to promote advanced degree offerings and to strengthen relationships with peer institutions within the HBCU community,” Pollard said.
A highlight of WSSU’s recruitment efforts, Pollard said, was participating in the annual CIAA Education Day, a signature event with about 5,000 local students.
“CIAA Education Day provided an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our institution alongside other CIAA member schools,” Pollard said. “Through direct interaction, informational materials and on-site engagement, we were able to introduce thousands of students to our academic programs, campus culture and pathways to enrollment.
“Overall, the CIAA Basketball Tournament served as a high-impact recruitment initiative,” Pollard continued. “It expanded Winston-Salem State University’s visibility, deepening partnerships and positioning our institution prominently among prospective undergraduate and graduate students throughout the Washington-Maryland region.”
Click to see photos of CIAA career expo and CIAA career services huddle and hustle mixer.
Watch video recap of career expo.
