Skip to main content
Category: Academics
Date: August 19, 2019

Chancellor Robinson: Welcome Back!

Dear Ram Family,

Happy first day of the semester! The beginning of a new academic year brings renewed energy and opportunities for us all. Last week we welcomed more than 1,000 new students to our campus. Among the new students on campus this year is our largest freshmen class in more than a decade.  I am inspired and encouraged by the enthusiasm they have for our university already, and I am thrilled to see how our campus community has embraced them and welcomed them into the Ram Family.

There is much for the Ram Family to be proud of this year. Over the summer, some remarkable statistics about our work have come to light. Our students are graduating at record rates – our five-year graduation rate topped 53% this year—the highest at any minority serving school in the UNC System and among the highest at an historically Black college or university nationwide. This is a testament to the drive of our students and the dedication of our faculty and staff.

Meanwhile, we now have data to support what this campus community has always known: WSSU is a first-choice institution. In 2014, 43% of more than 800 of our incoming freshmen surveyed said this university was their first choice. By 2018, that number rose to 62%! That increase is unprecedented and reflects the hard work our faculty and staff do every day to ensure our students are successful both inside the classroom and out. It also highlights the value of the work we have done to tell this university’s story and to share the benefits of the HBCU experience. Our students are among the best and brightest and our faculty and staff are committed to student success. Our prospective students understand better than ever what an amazing place this is.

I am grateful for all that you do to make Winston-Salem State University the outstanding institution that it is. It is an honor to be part of such a remarkable and talented community. I look forward to welcoming newcomers and reconnecting with old friends in the coming year.

Sincerely,
Elwood L. Robinson

Tags: Statements, Chancellor

More News

WSSU student awarded NC Space Grant to fuel her research in growing crops in space

Winston-Salem State University student A’nya Buckner of Morrisville is unleashing her genius out of this world. The junior biology major with a chemistry minor has been selected by the N.C. Space Grant as one of the 2023-2024 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) STEM Bridge Scholars.

Read Moreabout WSSU student awarded NC Space Grant to fuel her research in growing crops in space

Two WSSU students conduct research as American Heart Association HBCU Scholars

Winston-Salem State University students Chloe Bryant and Ashley Mack have completed the first part of their academic year research experience in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Scholars Program.

Read Moreabout Two WSSU students conduct research as American Heart Association HBCU Scholars

WSSU: The Year in Review

There is a quote that goes, “the only time you should look back is to see how far you’ve come.” As 2023 ends, Winston-Salem State University looks back at the 15 most impactful news stories of the year that highlight progress, changes, trailblazers, national recognitions, innovation and engagement.

Read Moreabout WSSU: The Year in Review