Academics
The Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) motto, “Enter To Learn. Depart To Serve,” isn’t just a saying— it’s a guidepost for the students and faculty. In addition to obtaining a high-quality education, many students at WSSU are motivated by a desire to serve their community. From accounting and art to marketing and social work, programs at WSSU are intended to lead to careers that give back. Preparing teachers to enter classrooms is a foundational mission of the school, and the nursing program is currently one of the most popular programs at WSSU. An integral part of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the university offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs as well as 10 graduate programs. New online distance-learning programs have also helped a wider group of students find a path to success. As for those oncampus, WSSU features 18 teaching and research laboratories—that’s over 60,000 square feet of classroom and laboratory space for scientific studies—and 13 computer labs in the STEM departments. Outfitted for the future, WSSU is preparing students to be tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.
Career
Preparing students to work in a global community and providing a learning experience that expands their horizons is no small endeavor. A large part of that experience is about the connections that a student makes during their college years. WSSU has constructed an award-winning student activities center to help create safe spaces and activities where people can engage, knowing that living and learning alongside a diverse group of people can help to nurture lifelong friendships. To that end, more than 100 student organizations strive to keep the student body active and involved with each other and the community at large, and for many, the oncampus residence halls become a home-away-from-home. Helping to foster that spirit on the athletic side, University Recreation (UREC) provides a place for students to socialize in a positive environment while maintaining or increasing their fitness level through intramural sports and clubs. UREC also hosts activities to promote university and community involvement, and there’s a distinct Wellness Center that offers physical and mental health services so that students can remain healthy and ready to learn. WSSU also has a dedicated program for University Student Activities and Engagement (USAE), which provides the chance to participate in student leadership programs, Black History and Women’s Month programming, celebrity concerts, comedy shows, parades, coronation, and much more.
Culture
Graduates of WSSU pursue a wide variety of careers. Many educators, politicians, athletes, entertainers, and medical professionals are proud alumni. Some notable alumni include NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth; Louise Smith, an educator who established the first kindergarten program in North Carolina; and Lorraine Morton, the longest-serving and first Black mayor of Evanston, Illinois. WSSU offers students resources and services to identify and explore career options through Career Development Services. CDS also helps students strategically plan a path to their desired career goals. Payscale.com states that a student who attends WSSU and graduates as a Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $93,715.
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