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Happy 127th birthday, WSSU!

On Sept. 28, 1892, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) was founded as Slater Industrial Academy. What began was as one-room frame structure with 25 students and one teacher today is now WSSU, with more than 5,100 students enrolled in baccalaureate and graduate programs.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of another milestone. In 1969, the General Assembly paved the way for sustained growth at what was then Winston-Salem State College by granting the institution regional university status.

MORE: WSSU launches Million Dollar Match fundraiser

The golden anniversary of becoming a university comes at a time of tremendous growth, with the completion later this year of a $53 million sciences building, record grant funding for STEM research, and the university’s growing national recognition for its programs and value. Earlier this month, Money magazine ranked WSSU the no. 1 public HBCU in the nation for value.

Million Dollar Match: $18.92 Celebrate

To celebrate WSSU’s birthday this week, University Advancement is challenging WSSU alumni, faculty, staff and friends to make an online gift of $18.92 or more to the Million Dollar Match Endowed Scholarship Fund and double their gift and help even more WSSU students and their families achieve their dreams.

Give now to the Million Dollar Match

Through a unique challenge fund-raiser, between now and Dec. 31, all gifts for need-based endowed scholarships will be matched dollar for dollar. 

More News

WSSU to host hip-hop legend Pete Rock for Black History Month event

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will host legendary hip-hop artist and producer Pete Rock as the featured guest speaker for its annual Black History Month celebration. The event, titled “The Miseducation of…”, will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, in Dillard Auditorium on the WSSU campus.

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WSSU researchers use mobile app technology to improve healthcare efficiency and worker safety

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Muztaba Fuad, professor and interim chair of computer science at Winston-Salem State University, are pioneering the use of mobile apps to make healthcare work more efficient. WSSU students are helping with the research by tracking their own movements and postures.

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Student, faculty member honored with King ‘Building the Dream’ Award

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., two members of the Ramily were recognized during a joint program of Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University on the official federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon. Student Nia James and faculty member Maestra D’Walla Simmons-Burke were the 2025 honorees.

 

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