Highlights 2019-2020
STRENGTHEN LIBERAL EDUCATION
WSSU received nearly $2 million in new NSF grants
WSSU received nearly $2 million in new grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that expanded research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the university. The grants provide stipends for about 22 WSSU undergraduate students each year to conduct paid research. The grants align with WSSU’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding high-impact opportunities – such as research, internships, and study abroad – to help students hone essential skills.
ENHANCE QUALITY OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Department of Rehabilitation Counseling received $1.75 million in DOE grants
WSSU’s Department of Rehabilitation Counseling received two five-year U.S. Department of Education (DOE) grants, totaling $1.75 million, to help address a nationwide shortage of rehabilitation counseling professionals. The grants pay for tuition, stipends, and professional development activities for students in the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling (MSRC) program, which is offered fully online.
The first grant, for $749,000, addresses a shortage of rehabilitation counselors providing services for the deaf and hard of hearing. The second, for nearly $1 million, addresses shortages in rural areas.
COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH ENHANCED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
WSSU received national diversity award for second year in a row
For the second consecutive year, WSSU received the INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award in recognition of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. WSSU is the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) to receive the award this year.
WSSU was selected for its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives and for embracing a broad concept of diversity on campus, including gender, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.
ENHANCE REVENUE AND STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES
WSSU raises $3. 3 million for student financial aid
WSSU’s Million Dollar Match campaign exceeded its $2 million goal by more than 60 percent--providing almost $3. 4 million for student scholarships. The campaign was possible thanks to Winston-Salem couple Anna Reilly and Matt Cullinan, who agreed to match any donations for need-based student scholarships between Feb. 2019 and April 2020. Their nearly $1. 7 million matching gift is the largest single gift from a couple in WSSU’s 128-year history. More than 500 alumni and friends of the university contributed during the campaign, creating 31 new alumni endowments.
ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
New science building construction completed
Construction of the $53 million sciences building is complete. The five-story research building anchors WSSU’s sciences district and includes lab space to increase faculty and student collaboration. The building, first envisioned in 2006, was funded through the Connect NC Bond.
