Alumni
WSSU honors distinguished young alumni at the Forty Under 40 Class of 2023 awards ceremony
May 16, 2023
Winston-Salem State University recently honored the Forty Under 40 Class of 2023. These accomplished young alumni personify the WSSU mission of “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.”WSSU to celebrate the Class of 2023 at Commencement on Friday, May 12
May 11, 2023
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 at a Commencement Ceremony at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial (LJVM) Coliseum on Friday, May 12.
Class of Spring 2023 Where Are They Headed? Part Two
May 04, 2023
Another Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Commencement is upon us, as graduates depart to serve. Here's a glimpse of where a few students from the Class of Spring 2023 are headed.
Class of Spring 2023 Where Are They Headed?
April 19, 2023
Another Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Commencement is upon us, as graduates depart to serve. Here's a glimpse of where a few students from the Class of Spring 2023 are headed.
WSSU Foundation appoints new officers, members to its board of directors
January 17, 2023
The board’s mission is to foster and promote the growth, progress, and general well-being of the university and to support the financial needs of WSSU students.A Message from Chancellor Robinson
January 09, 2023
After a 39-year career in higher education, Chancellor Elwood Robinson announced today he will retire from Winston-Salem State University on June 30, 2023.Class of Fall 2022 Where Are They Headed
December 07, 2022
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Fall Commencement is upon us. Here's a glimpse of where a few students from the Class of Fall 2022 are headed.WSSU ranks high on national lists in 2022-23
November 30, 2022
Winston-Salem State University ranks high on a diverse group of national lists, especially in the areas of value, affordability, and student success.
Here is a list of some of WSSU’s notable rankings for 2022-2023.
A Winston-Salem State University alum is making his mark in Hollywood on and off-screen
October 26, 2022
Winston-Salem State University alum actor Chris Greene portrays an assistant chaplain in the Netflix hit true crime drama “DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” In the limited series, viewers are walked through the upbringing of one of the most notorious serial killers in history, the warnings neighbors made concerning his behavior, how he lured his victims, his capture, and ultimately, his trial.
Homecoming 2022 Cancellations
September 28, 2022
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.WSSU Homecoming 2022 safety message from Chief Henry
September 23, 2022
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.WSSU Homecoming 2022 celebrates the university’s 130th anniversary
September 21, 2022
Here’s what you need to know.
Remarkable Class of 2022 graduate Deborah Phillips founded Block Love Charlotte to feed the homeless
June 21, 2022
That ‘Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve’ resonated with Phillps even before receiving her degree.WSSU Class of 2022: Where are they headed?
May 11, 2022
As Winston-Salem State University prepares for another commencement, here’s a glimpse of where a few of the 2022 graduates are headed post-graduation.WSSU’s Rajah Caruth to Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 27
May 11, 2022
Sophomore Rajah Caruth will be the first professional driver in a NASCAR series to represent an HBCU. Caruth will be racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27 as part of the Coca-Cola 600 weekend in Concord, N.C.WSSU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program exceeds diversity goals
May 09, 2022
A unique approach to recruiting students has helped Winston-Salem State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program become one of the most diverse in the nation.Introducing Brilliance Lab
March 17, 2022
Winston-Salem State University is engaging in an exciting new venture that will provide the opportunity for every student to graduate with both a degree and a business plan.With star’s encouragement, a WSSU “Ruby in the Rough” makes her dreams come true and pays it forward
March 01, 2022
Inspiration and encouragement often come from the unlikeliest of places. Take the case of Sharandica Midcalf. She had chance meeting with entertainer Nick Cannon three years ago. His words of encouragement that day emboldened Midcalf to attack her dream of going to Winston-Salem State University.
Role as Adobe Ambassador on WSSU campus gave Thompson an advantage when she began career search
February 22, 2022
When Martasia Thompson walked across the stage at Winston-Salem State University’s graduation last May, she was prepared to walk into a career. And she did.Alumnus and entrepreneur David Butler found inspiration at WSSU
February 14, 2022
Winston groomed me professionally, it groomed me personally. It was super formative and transformative. I had a lot of real-world experiences there. It wasn’t only what I was doing in the classroom, it was a well-rounded experience that helped me.WSSU to host NC Governor’s School
February 07, 2022
The western campus of the North Carolina Governor’s school will have a new home beginning this summer, moving from High Point University, where it was located for the last three years, to Winston-Salem State University.WSSU announces MLK Building the Dream award winners
February 06, 2022
Awardees are recognized during the annual MLK celebration event that is co-sponsored by WSSU and Wake Forest University. The awards are presented to a professor or administrator and a student from each institution who exemplify Dr. King’s spirit of justice and equality for the betterment of the community as well as the institutions.
Wall named chief of staff
October 03, 2021
Letitia C. Wall has been named chief of staff and operations officer for Winston-Salem State University’s Office of the Chancellor.Isom named chief audit risk and compliance officer
October 03, 2021
Rod Isom has been elevated to chief audit risk and compliance officer at Winston-Salem State University, effective immediately.
Gingles named chief marketing officer
October 03, 2021
Haley Gingles has been appointed chief marketing officer (CMO) at Winston-Salem State University.
Woodley Named Director of Alumni Engagement
September 21, 2021
Thesha Woodley has been appointed director of alumni engagement for Winston-Salem State University, where she will lead the creation of programs and services to effectively manage and sustain relationships with the over 30,000 alumni.
Football & Homecoming Protocol Update
September 20, 2021
Winston-Salem State University is excited to welcome supporters back to campus for sports and other community events. To keep all our patrons safe, we will implement additional Covid-19 safety protocols. These protocols will be effective immediately for all WSSU events.WSSU offers free textbooks to all undergraduate students
July 12, 2021
Winston-Salem State University has partnered with Barnes & Noble College to implement BNC First Day® Complete, a course material delivery model that will drive student success by ensuring all students are prepared to begin learning on the first day of class.
First Day® Complete, an innovative course material delivery model, addresses equitable access, convenience, and affordability across all courses at an institution by bundling the cost of course materials into tuition and ensuring students have all their materials for the semester available on or before the first day of class. WSSU will cover all associated expenses so that no additional costs will be passed on to students.
WSSU Receives Job Corps Scholars Program Grant
July 07, 2021
Back in the fall of 2019, LaMonica Sloan Wilhelmi and senior staff members at Winston-Salem State University were brainstorming, searching for ideas to help provide more career development options for students.
The innovative ideas from that session laid the groundwork for what turned into a $1.2 million Job Corps Scholars Program on the WSSU campus that will provide intensive two-year career preparation for 40 community members a year.
WSSU Study Shows Minorities, Disabled Face Even Greater Health Care Barriers During COVID-19 Pandemic
June 30, 2021
It is no secret that underserved segments of the population … minorities and the disabled … face serious barriers when it comes to health care in this country.
A team of Winston-Salem State University faculty members – Dr. Tammara Thomas, Dr. Keisha Rogers, and Dr. Felicia Simpson – recently concluded research that showed those barriers were even more pervasive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young alumna, 25, establishes scholarship
June 23, 2021
When it comes to skin-care products, Ajane Pridgen has always been a bit of a hobbyist, experimenting and making creams and lotions and hair-care products that worked well for her. Even during her four years at Winston-Salem State University, she found time to dabble in this diversion.WSSU aquatics director creates new water ballet class
May 26, 2021
Sometimes to move forward, you need to look back, or at least that’s according to the old adage.
It certainly rings true for Laura Garner, aquatics director at Winston-Salem State University.
Coming 2 America offers rare opportunity for WSSU student
May 26, 2021
Taylor Adams is a big fan of Coming To America, the 1988 comedy blockbuster starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.
The Winston-Salem State University senior may be an even bigger fan of Coming 2 America after getting to interview the stars of the recently released sequel.
Red Sea of Sound ready to parade their new uniforms
April 14, 2021
They’ve been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band just unveiled their new uniforms.WSSU grad Johnson lands role with new United States Space Force
March 29, 2021
WSSU alum Tristen Johnson'16 becomes first lieutenant in the newly minted United States Space Force.
SBA grant to establish women’s business center at WSSU
March 29, 2021
The S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation has been awarded a grant by the Small Business Administration to establish the 6th Women’s Business Center in North Carolina and the second at a North Carolina historically black university.
WSSU begins work on Strategic Plan
March 17, 2021
Winston-Salem State University’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) kicked off their planning process on Feb. 26.First HBCU-based physical therapy residency program receives accreditation
March 08, 2021
WSSU-Novant Health Physical Therapy Neurologic Clinical Residency Program receives full accreditation from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. WSSU is the first HBCU in the nation to offer a fully accredited PT residency program.
WSSU launches new virtual campus experience
February 11, 2021
WSSU’s newly launched Virtual Experience offers an innovative way to explore the campus without leaving home.WSSU alumna: Makeup artist behind VP Harris’ Vogue cover look
February 10, 2021
Marquia James became a part of history when she added her makeup artistry to Vice President Kamala Harris’ Vogue cover look last month. Read more as James gives an inside look at her evolution as a makeup artist, her memories of WSSU and what’s in store for 2021.
WSSU kicks off February with national appearances
January 29, 2021
WSSU kicks off its spring semester with the return of Future Focus Now and two appearances on national television.WSSU Chancellor receives coronavirus vaccine, encourages community to do the same
January 27, 2021
WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on camera during Novant Health visit.WSSU remembers alumnus and former trustee Victor Johnson
January 27, 2021
Former teacher, mentor, school administrator, school board member and Winston-Salem State University alumnus Victor “Vic” Johnson Jr.’61 dies of COVID-19 at age 85.
Letter from Chancellor Robinson – MLK Day 2021
January 15, 2021
On Monday, January 18, Winston-Salem State University, along with others across the nation, will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – as we have done for over thirty years.WSSU, UNCSA and Wake Forest to celebrate MLK Day with joint read-in day
January 14, 2021
WSSU, UNCSA and Wake Forest University to celebrate MLK Day with joint virtual read-in day on Saturday, Jan. 23.Former WSSU SGA president awarded the Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
December 19, 2020
Mona Zahir, WSSU’s 2016-17 student body president, was recently awarded the U.S. Department of State Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship.
2020: A year of perseverance at WSSU
December 16, 2020
As the first year of this new decade comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the year’s most memorable WSSU news stories.
WSSU receives $30 million gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
December 15, 2020
WSSU receives $30 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
WSSU raises $3.3 million for student financial aid
December 11, 2020
WSSU’s Million Dollar Match campaign exceeded its $2 million goal by more than 60 percent - providing almost $3.4 million for student scholarships.Department of Rehabilitation Counseling receives Department of Education grant
December 07, 2020
WSSU Department of Rehabilitation Counseling receives a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Service Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative ServicesWSSU celebrates new Heritage Society inductees with virtual ceremony
December 07, 2020
WSSU welcomed over 60 new Heritage Society members during a virtual induction ceremony on Dec. 3.
WSSU alumnus Miles Timmons lands dream opportunity as Global Graduate at Reynolds American
November 24, 2020
WSSU graduate and former Rams quarterback Miles Timmons joins Reynolds American's Global Graduate Program, a year-long training program designed to give recent graduates international exposure and fast-track their global careers.Ranking: WSSU has #1 no GRE master’s in healthcare administration online program
November 19, 2020
WSSU has the no. 1 most affordable no GRE master’s in healthcare administration online programWSSU to celebrate International Education Week virtually
November 12, 2020
WSSU’s Office of International Programs to celebrate International Education Week virtually, Nov. 16 - 20, to bring awareness to the art, culture, and perspectives of its international students and partners.WSSU, N.C. A&T discuss the implications of racial trauma on educator preparation during joint town hall
November 02, 2020
WSSU and North Carolina A&T education departments held a joint virtual town hall meeting to discuss the implication of racial trauma on educator preparation on Oct. 27.
NBA star Chris Paul teams up with fellow Rams to encourage early voting
October 30, 2020
NBA star and WSSU student Chris Paul teamed up with WSSU Student Government Association to organize “March to the Polls Pt. 2,” on Oct. 27.
WSSU to celebrate Founder’s Day with virtual celebration
September 23, 2020
Winston-Salem State University will honor its 128th year and founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins with a virtual celebration on Sept. 28.Eight questions with… Dr. Ereka Williams, associate dean of education
September 02, 2020
Dr. Ereka Williams had several goals when she stepped into her new leadership role as the associate dean of education. WSSU News caught up with her to discuss her mission, goals and personal experiences. Here are eight questions with... Dr. Ereka Williams.
WSSU remembers Elizabeth Barker Johnson
August 25, 2020
Elizabeth Barker Johnson’49, World War II Army Veteran and the first woman to enroll in the university on a GI Bill, passed away on Aug. 23 at the age of 100.
WSSU cancels Homecoming 2020
June 18, 2020
Based on guidance from public health officials, feedback from our alumni, and our overriding concern for the health and well-being of the Ram Family, WSSU has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Homecoming event.
WSSU names new chief of police
May 27, 2020
WSSU has named Amir Henry to be the next Director of Police and Public Safety, succeeding Chief Patricia Norris, who retired in December 2019. His appointment will be effective on July 1, 2020.WSSU remembers alumnus and former N.C. state Rep. Larry Womble
May 19, 2020
Former lawmaker, educator, activist, and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) alumnus Larry Womble dies after a period of declining health.WSSU remembers alumnus and former N.C. state Rep. Larry Womble
May 19, 2020
Former lawmaker, educator, activist, and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) alumnus Larry Womble dies after a period of declining health.WSSU Class of 2020: Where are they headed?
May 08, 2020
Check out WSSU's newest class of graduates. Here's a look at where a few students from the class of 2020 are headed.WSSU: An economic engine in the Triad
May 08, 2020
In a report recently released by Professor of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Dr. Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, and his students, WSSU proves to be a vital pipeline of economic opportunity.WSSU Launches New Webcast: Future Focus Now
May 04, 2020
Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson's radio show, Future Focus, is back on a new platform with a new name: Future Focus Now.World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday
April 28, 2020
World War II veteran and WSSU alumna, Elizabeth Barker Johnson, will turn 100 on May 2. Johnson received local and national attention for walking in WSSU's 2019 commencement ceremony, 50 years after graduating from the institution.WSSU alumna helps fight COVID-19 in New York City hospital
April 22, 2020
WSSU alumna Kayla Cummins’16 packed her bags and headed to New York City to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic during a time when the city was a hotspot for the virus. Check out eight questions with Kayla Cummins.Betz wins 2020 governors teaching award
April 08, 2020
WSSU Professor Scott J. Betz, chair of the Arts and Visual Studies Department, is the winner of the 2020 Board of Governors Teaching Award.WSSU offers Ram Relief funds to students affected by COVID-19
April 08, 2020
WSSU offers Ram Relief funds to students affected by COVID-19Vote to #RetoolYourSchool 2020
March 11, 2020
WSSU is competing for up to $50,000 in grants as part of Home Depot’s 2020 Home Depot Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program.
Future soldiers sworn-in from space at WSSU
February 26, 2020
Twelve future soldiers took the oath of enlistment on Winston-Salem State University’s campus during a mass Future Soldier Swearing-in Ceremony administered from space by Army astronaut Col. Andrew Morgan on Feb. 26.
Haley Gingles joins WSSU as Director of Communications and Media Relations
February 25, 2020
Haley Gingles will be joining WSSU’s Office of Integrated Marketing Communications as the Director of Communications and Media Relations effective March 2, 2020.
WSSU, WFU mark 60th anniversary of Winston-Salem sit-ins with community event
February 14, 2020
A community commemoration vigil will be held in downtown Winston-Salem to mark the 60th anniversary of the event. The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate Black History Month with WSSU
February 06, 2020
Check out how you can celebrate Black History Month with WSSU the month of FebruaryBusiness 40 reopens after a nearly two year closure
February 05, 2020
Business 40 reopens as Salem Parkway after being unavailable to motorists for nearly two years.
WSSU’s Office of Integrated Marketing Communications wins four CASE awards
January 22, 2020
WSSU wins four awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in this year’s regional competition recognizing the best communications and engagement from educational institutions.WSSU, Wake Forest celebrates 20th anniversary of MLK Day partnership
January 21, 2020
Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University collaborate to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 20 year anniversary of their partnership.Chancellor Elwood Robinson named one of 10 most dominant HBCU leaders
January 13, 2020
WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson has been named one of the ten most dominant leaders of 2020 by HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF).
Scholarship donation creates lasting legacy for Durham couple
December 18, 2019
A conference room in Hill Hall is now named in honor of alumni donors Chris and Gwen Wilson in September. Here are eight questions with Chris Wilson '83.WSSU Police and Public Safety building to be renamed in honor of Police Chief Pat Norris
December 12, 2019
WSSU's Police and Public Safety building to be renamed in honor of first female chief of police.24-year-old will become WSSU’s first early assurance DPT graduate
December 03, 2019
Alexis McCrea ‘17 will make history as the first WSSU student to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through the Early Assurance Program.
Alumna helping WSSU students see the world
November 27, 2019
WSSU Alumna Sloane Holmes inspires international travel with passport sponsorships.Two alumni named to WSSU Foundation board
November 21, 2019
Two university alumni have been named to the Winston-Salem State University Foundation Board of Directors.In Brief: New leadership for WSSU's Board of Trustees announced
November 21, 2019
Leaders were elected during the regular Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 20.WSSU Giving Tuesday: 5 Things You Should Know
November 20, 2019
WSSU is again joining thousands of organizations across the globe in participating in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. Here are five things you should know.
Department of Rehabilitation Counseling receives $1.75 million in DOE grants
November 19, 2019
The grants will pay for tuition, stipends and professional development activities for students in WSSU's master's in rehabilitation counseling program.Miss and Mr. WSSU competing for spot in Ebony magazine
November 18, 2019
Taylor Walker, the 80th Miss WSSU, and Kambre Stephens, the 46th Mr. WSSU, need your votes as they compete for a feature in Ebony magazine.WSSU alumnus to become first African American mayor of Ahoskie
November 18, 2019
Here are 8 questions with ... Weyling White. White will be sworn in next month as the first African American mayor of his hometown of Ahoskie, a northeastern North Carolina town with a population of about 5,000.
School of Health Sciences honors eight 2019 Healthcare Legends of East Winston
November 14, 2019
The event, held during Homecoming, honors those who have made a positive impact on the health and wellness of the residents of East Winston.WSSU featured on UNC-TV program
November 08, 2019
The segment featured a roundtable discussion with UNC Board of Governors members Harry Smith and Darrell Allison; Bill Roper, UNC System interim president; and six UNC System chancellors, including WSSU's Elwood L. Robinson.Etienne Thomas named athletic director at WSSU
November 07, 2019
Etienne Thomas, director of athletics at Kentucky State University, has been named the next director of athletics at WSSU. She will be officially introduced at a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 7.Alumni honored at WSSU’s 2019 Founder’s Day Convocation
November 05, 2019
WSSU commemorated its founding 127 years ago and founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins during the 2019 Founder’s Day Convocation.10 Unforgettable Moments from WSSU Homecoming 2019
November 05, 2019
Between the parties, the reunions and the game, Forever Red: Homecoming 2019 at WSSU had its share of unforgettable moments. As we close the book on this year’s event, WSSU News presents 10 must-see moments.
WSSU Homecoming 2019 is under way: Here’s what you need to know
October 29, 2019
From a new clear-bag policy to painting the town red, here's what you need to know about Forever Red: WSSU Homecoming 2019.Statement from WSSU Police: Homecoming 2019 Safety
October 25, 2019
Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson and WSSU Police and Public Safety want to ensure that Homecoming is a safe experience for everyone. Here are some things to consider during your time at Homecoming events.WSSU becoming a first choice university
October 04, 2019
As the university welcomes its largest freshman class since 2008, data also show that more students are seeing WSSU as a first choice institution.Homecoming 2019 celebrates what it means to be a Ram
October 04, 2019
Forever Red: Homecoming 2019 will feature a new Halloween-themed community event, the Ram-O-Lantern.Help send the Red Sea of Sound to the 2020 Honda Battle of the Bands
October 01, 2019
Fans can vote online through midnight on Saturday, Oct. 12, to send WSSU's Red Sea of Sound to the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta.High Point, WSSU announce Furniture City Gridiron Classic
September 27, 2019
The Rams will take on Saint Augustine’s Falcons at High Point's A.J. Simeon Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19.