2020: A year of perseverance at WSSU
Facing a pandemic, canceled events, and keeping things together from a distance, Winston-Salem State University prevailed and rose to the occasion. The university still had a year of great partnerships, innovation, trailblazing and social change.
As the first year of this new decade comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the year’s most memorable news stories.
WSSU celebrated two significant anniversaries with its neighboring institution, Wake Forest University, and honored passed trailblazers.
WSSU, Wake Forest celebrates 20th anniversary of MLK Day partnership
Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University collaborate to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 20-year anniversary of their partnership.
WSSU, WFU mark 60th anniversary of Winston-Salem sit-ins with community
More than 200 Winston-Salem residents gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Winston-Salem sit-in on Sunday, Feb. 23.
WSSU remembers Elizabeth Barker Johnson
Elizabeth Barker Johnson’49, World War II Army Veteran and the first woman to enroll in the university on a GI Bill, passed away on Aug. 23 at the age of 100.
WSSU remembers alumnus and former N.C. state Rep. Larry Womble
Former lawmaker, educator, activist, and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) alumnus Larry Womble dies after a period of declining health.
Through significant partnerships and its continued commitment to student success, WSSU exceeded fundraising goals, expanded its research portfolio, and received national, global and out of this world recognitions and gifts.
WSSU secures $100,000 Nationwide partnership
Nationwide partners with WSSU to provide $100,000 sponsorship over the next four years for ongoing support of Computer Science and Information Systems and Analytics programming.
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.
WSSU receives $30 million gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donates $30 million to WSSU. Scott, one of the world's richest women, has given more than $1.7 billion to diverse organizations - including several HBCUs.
WSSU ranks high on national lists in 2020
WSSU continues to rank high on national lists. Here’s a list of some of the university’s noteworthy 2020 rankings.
Future soldiers sworn in from space
Twelve future soldiers took the oath of enlistment on Winston-Salem State University’s campus during a mass Future Soldier Swearing-in Ceremony administered from space by Army astronaut Col. Andrew Morgan.
Rapid changes, due to the coronavirus pandemic, sparked innovation in WSSU’s academic departments. The physical therapy and occupational therapy departments became trailblazers for their virtual falls prevention program.
School of Health Sciences program helps community stay balanced during pandemic
Winston-Salem State University's School of Health Sciences offers its falls prevention program virtually. WSSU's occupational therapy and physical therapy departments are the only programs in the country to offer the program online.
The pursuit for social justice is a campus-wide priority at WSSU. Rams come together to advocate for social change.
NBA star Chris Paul teams up with fellow Rams to encourage early voting
NBA star and WSSU student Chris Paul teamed up with WSSU Student Government Association to organize “March to the Polls Pt. 2."
WSSU justice studies students created Ronnie Long Project, campaigned for exoneration of wrongly convicted N.C. man
WSSU justice studies faculty and students help exonerate Ronnie Long, a North Carolina man who served 44 years in prison after being wrongly convicted.
