WSSU names Eric Burns director of athletics
Winston-Salem State University has named Eric Burns – an experienced leader with a background spanning athletics, academics, student affairs and fiscal management – as its director of athletics. Following a national search, Burns emerged from a competitive pool of candidates to lead WSSU’s athletics department as its student-athletes and coaches continue to excel in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Burns brings more than two decades of higher education experience to the role. He was named WSSU’s deputy athletics director and chief financial officer in March 2025 and, seven months later, was appointed interim athletics director.
Among the first major developments under his leadership was the hiring of alumnus and former NFL player Tory Woodbury as head football coach in December 2025. In April 2026, WSSU announced Lester “Jay” Butler as its new men’s basketball coach. WSSU also achieved significant competitive success during Burns’ tenure as interim, with the Lady Rams capturing their first CIAA Tournament title in program history in February 2026 and the women’s flag football team repeating as CIAA champions in April 2026.
Prior to coming to WSSU, Burns served as associate vice provost for budget and fiscal planning at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he played a critical role in institutional strategy, student success initiatives and financial planning.
Previously, he spent nearly 15 years at UNC Greensboro, including service as senior associate athletics director for business operations, and oversaw all athletics fiscal operations and developed long-range models for sustainable growth. His leadership also included stewardship of multimillion-dollar budgets, NCAA financial reporting and capital projects oversight. Earlier in his career, Burns served at Fayetteville State University in progressively senior fiscal management roles.
Burns earned a Bachelor of Science in business management (finance) from North Carolina State University and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. He is a member of the College Athletic Business Management Association, Minority Opportunities Athletic Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown said Burns’ appointment demonstrates the university’s continued investment in athletics as a vital component of the student experience and institutional profile.
“Eric Burns has done an outstanding job as interim athletics director since his appointment, and several of our athletic teams have flourished under his leadership,” Brown said. “As the NCAA landscape continues to evolve, it is critical for Winston-Salem State University to maintain a competitive athletics department that enriches the lives of student-athletes while advancing the university’s mission and elevating its stature. I am confident Eric Burns is the right person to help us do just that.”
Burns said he is honored to be named WSSU’s director of athletics.
“Winston-Salem State has a rich tradition of academic excellence, competitive success and a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. I am proud to be part of a community that values integrity, resilience and the pursuit of greatness. I’m grateful to Chancellor Brown and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity.”
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni and supporters to elevate Rams athletics to new heights. Together, we will build on our proud legacy and create a future defined by excellence, unity and impact.”
On May 6, WSSU will hold a press conference to formally introduce Burns as athletics director and introduce Butler to the Rams community.
