Top 10 WSSU news stories of 2019
Winston-Salem State University's news stories of 2019 highlight a year of progress, trailblazers, national recognitions, community empowerment and more.
Here are WSSU's top 10 news stories of 2019.
Pfc. Elizabeth Barker Johnson, a 1949 WSSU graduate and retired teacher, was surprised with the news on her 99th birthday.
ESPN "First Take" celebrates HBCU Week with a live show featuring the Red Sea of Sound, and WSSU surprises alumnus Stephen A. Smith with a scholarship.
3. WSSU receives nearly $2 million in new NSF grants
WSSU has received nearly $2 million in new grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will expand research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the university.
4. Brown makes history as American Library Association president
Here are eight questions with Wanda Brown, a WSSU alumna and director of library services. Later this month she will become the first ALA president who is a librarian at an HBCU.
5. WSSU wins $100,000 AHA grant to address food insecurity in Winston-Salem
A proposal developed by WSSU students to address food insecurity in Winston-Salem has been awarded a $100,000 American Heart Association grant.
6. Beyonce sends Insta love to WSSU's Powerhouse cheerleaders
The Ramily is buzzing after Winston-Salem State’s Powerhouse cheerleaders were featured in a video on Queen B’s Instagram story.
7. Etienne Thomas named athletic director at WSSU
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.
8. WSSU is Money Magazine's top-ranked public HBCU for 2019-20
WSSU is the no. 1 public HBCU in the nation for value, according to Money magazine's 2019-20 rankings.
9. WSSU, Forsyth Tech sign new transfer partnership agreement
This is the second signing for WSSU academic leaders over the past month, as WSSU expands opportunities for area community college students seeking to pursue baccalaureate degrees in critical workforce areas, such as STEM, healthcare, and early childhood and K-12 education.
10. WSSU Police and Public Safety building to be renamed in honor of Police Chief Pat Norris
WSSU's Police and Public Safety building to be renamed in honor of first female chief of police.