A Message to Our Ramily from Chancellor Bonita J. Brown

Dear Ramily,

Homecoming is a time we come together to celebrate connections and shared experiences. Today, however, we find ourselves coming together under heartbreaking circumstances.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, two separate shootings occurred on our campus, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to three others. This senseless violence has shaken our university community, and our hearts are heavy.

First and foremost, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.

I recognize that members of our university community may have witnessed or experienced things that no one should have to endure. I understand the fear, grief and uncertainty that many of you may be feeling. Please know you are not alone. Students can access counseling services at (336) 750-3270 or through Togetherall. In-person counseling will also be available Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in DJR100 and DJR205. Faculty and staff can access free, confidential support 24/7 through the ComPsych Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 866-922-5712 or visiting guidanceresources.com.

I want to reassure our students, parents, alumni and the entire university community that our campus is secure, with no active threat at this time, as confirmed by the Winston-Salem Police Department. Additional law enforcement personnel remain on campus as the investigations continue.

We are grateful to WSSU Police and Public Safety, the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for their response and continued efforts to protect our campus community. We remain committed to working closely with authorities as they investigate both incidents.

We also recognize the concern and anxiety these events have created among our students, parents, families and broader community. We take our responsibility for campus safety seriously and remain committed to the well-being of everyone who is part of our university community.

In light of these tragic incidents, we have canceled today's remaining Homecoming activities, including the Fourth Quarter event and WSSU's participation in WSSU Day at Emmanuel Baptist Church. We are grateful that the church will instead lead a Call to Prayer in support of our university community.

Please continue to follow law enforcement instructions and avoid any areas that remain restricted. As a reminder, we encourage all members of the campus community to continue practicing everyday safety measures, including being aware of their surroundings, using well-lit routes, keeping residence halls secure by using your own authorized access and not allowing unauthorized individuals to enter behind you, and reporting suspicious activity or safety concerns to WSSU Police and Public Safety by calling (336) 750-2911 or through the Rave Guardian app.

Throughout our history, Winston-Salem State University has faced challenges, but we have always found strength in one another. That is what it means to be part of the Ramily and to be Ram strong.

As we move forward, I ask that you continue to keep the families and all those affected in the broader Winston-Salem community in your thoughts and prayers. Let us remain united in our commitment to the university we love.

Sincerely,

Bonita J. Brown, J.D.
Chancellor
Winston-Salem State University