Online healthcare programs highlighted during U.S. Senate committee meeting
Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) online healthcare programs were highlighted during a recent U.S. Senate committee hearing.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Geoffrey Starks spoke about how WSSU has used the power of broadband to create healthcare and educational opportunities during his remarks before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on June 12.
During the remarks, Starks, who began serving as FCC commissioner in January, spoke about his recent visit to WSSU.
“For educational opportunities, I recently saw the power of high-quality online education in action when I visited Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina,” Starks said. “WSSU’s program allows students who may not be able to attend traditional in-person classes due to work or family demands, to study at their own pace to acquire skills needed for high-demand jobs. These same students apply what they’ve learned back home in their communities.”
Starks also highlighted Gabriel Bottazzi '19, who earned a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from WSSU in May. Bottazzi had a 16-year career as an executive with Sara Lee Apparel. He now runs LliBott Consultorios Médicos, a group of four primary care clinics that focus on serving the Latino community in North Carolina through in-person and telemedicine visits.
“WSSU’s program allows students who may not be able to attend traditional in-person classes due to work or family demands, to study at their own pace to acquire skills needed for high-demand jobs,” Starks said.
Starks visited WSSU’s School of Health Sciences on May 24 as part of a North Carolina tour. During the visit, he met with SOHS faculty and also heard a presentation from Bottazzi.
WSSU offers a number of online undergraduate and graduate health programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (T-DPT), and Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling.
You can view the full remarks on the Senate website (WSSU is mentioned about 55 minutes into the hearing).
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
Isaiah Green, a senior sport management major from Spring Lake, is an intern for Integrated Marketing Communications.
