Bonita Brown, Chancellor, Winston-Salem State University

Invest: spoke with Bonita Brown, chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, about the institution’s strategic priorities, student success initiatives, workforce development efforts, and its role in North Carolina’s future. “We’re people developing people — and there’s a lot built into that statement,” Brown said.

What changes over the past year have had the greatest impact on Winston-Salem State University, and how are they shaping the institution’s direction?

Last year was my second year in this role, and it was an amazing year. One of the most important things we did was launch our new strategic plan, called “We Are Rising.” It is built around four pillars: student success, academics and innovation, operational excellence, and community and economic impact.

Students are always my priority, so student success comes first. We also have to remain innovative within our academic portfolio and continue looking at how technology can improve the way we operate.

We were approved for two new degree programs, a BS in public health and an MPH program in public health. Health workforce shortages remain a challenge across North Carolina, and we want to do our part in addressing those needs.

We were also named an Opportunity College through the Carnegie classifications. We are the only institution in North Carolina, public or private, to receive that designation, which recognizes colleges that excel in student access and upward mobility.

We joined Project Kitty Hawk to expand opportunities for adult learners and help strengthen the workforce. We also relaunched our College of Business and Entrepreneurship because we want to develop future business leaders and owners.

Another important initiative is our partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College, which creates stronger pathways for students to complete their education and enter the workforce. 

This creates a more affordable, accessible route to a four-year degree and directly feeds the regional talent pipeline.

Our athletics program also had a banner year. Our women’s basketball team won the CIAA championship for the first time in program history, which energized the entire campus.

We also had outstanding academic outcomes. Eleven math students were placed into graduate programs, including at top institutions such as Brown and Duke, many with full scholarships or fellowships.

In addition, we received a $50 million gift in unrestricted funding from MacKenzie Scott in November, bringing her total philanthropic support to WSSU to $80 million. We are investing those funds into our endowment and using the earnings to support scholarships and wraparound services for students. Those resources provide important momentum as we continue advancing our mission.

What do Winston-Salem State University’s social and economic mobility outcomes say about its impact on students, families, and the greater community?

It shows that we are meeting the citizens of North Carolina where they are. Our students come to us with tremendous talent and potential, and our responsibility is to provide the support they need to succeed.

We talk a lot about the family at Winston-Salem State. Students develop strong relationships with faculty, staff, and alumni, and those connections continue long after graduation. Alumni return to campus, mentor students, and stay connected throughout their careers.

Affordability is also important. We work hard to keep costs manageable while providing resources, such as emergency assistance, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and other supports. Sometimes something as simple as a flat tire can derail a student’s progress, and we want to help prevent those obstacles from becoming barriers.

We also created a more holistic advising model. Students are not just meeting with advisors to select classes. Advisors are checking in on their well-being and helping connect them with resources when challenges arise.

Colleges were not originally designed to do this kind of work, but because we are dealing with people, we have to meet human needs so students can succeed and thrive. We’re people developing people — and there’s a lot built into that statement.

We are succeeding in delivering outcomes by being ranked No. 1 among HBCUs for social mobility nationally.  And through Carnegie’s classification, we are the only institution in North Carolina, public or private, to be designated an Opportunity College for student success outcomes.

What trends are influencing how universities prepare students for today’s careers and those of the future?

I like to start with exposure. Students are talented and technology-savvy, but many do not fully understand the breadth of opportunities available to them. We have to expose them not only to jobs, but to entire industries.

The world is changing rapidly, and careers are evolving every day. Because of that, we are incorporating AI into our curriculum. We hope every student will have exposure to AI and understand how it can be used in meaningful ways across disciplines.

Research is another important area. We have students participating in projects that allow them to engage with cutting-edge work while still undergraduates. Those experiences broaden their perspective and help them think differently about their futures.

We are also investing in innovative learning tools. In healthcare, for example, students can use virtual reality technology to practice skills and gain experience in simulated environments.

Our goal is to create an environment that encourages students to think about what is possible and prepares them to lead in the future.

How are partnerships strengthening the work Winston-Salem State University is doing?

We cannot do this work alone. Partnerships are essential. 

We have a physician assistant pathway with Wake Forest School of Medicine that allows students to continue their education after completing their undergraduate studies here. We also established an agreement with Wake Forest University School of Law that provides support and scholarship opportunities for qualified students pursuing legal education.

We work closely with Novant Health on workforce development and community outreach initiatives. We also have a $4 million HUD grant supporting applied research in housing, community development, and economic equity.

Our partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College continues to strengthen educational pathways, and we have collaborated with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts on virtual reality initiatives supporting healthcare education.

We are also the only HBCU in the nation with a NASA Space Agreement, which opens doors for our students and faculty in research areas including astrobotany and space science.

We are also exploring additional opportunities within Winston-Salem’s Innovation Sector because we see significant potential for research collaboration, innovation, and student placement.

Partnerships are the name of the game, and I am pushing that every day.

What is your vision for Winston-Salem State University over the next three to five years, and what role do you hope it will play in North Carolina’s future economy and workforce?

Winston-Salem State is not just about educating students. It plays an important role in shaping North Carolina’s workforce, health, and economic vitality.

Student success will continue to be our top priority. We want to improve retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes while continuing to expand high-demand academic programs.

We will also continue growing research activity and industry partnerships. There are many opportunities for our faculty and students to contribute through research, innovation, and workforce development.

Modernizing campus infrastructure, technology, and digital systems is another priority. We want to ensure that our students, faculty, and staff have the tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

I also want Winston-Salem State to deepen its role as an economic and cultural anchor for both the city and the state. As an HBCU, we occupy a unique place within North Carolina’s higher education landscape, and I believe our impact will continue to grow.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Winston-Salem State is proving that it is worth the investment. When people invest in us, they are investing in access, excellence, and opportunity. We produce outcomes that benefit not only our students, but also the communities and industries they go on to serve. This is a pivotal moment of growth for the institution, and we are approaching it with purpose and intentionality.

We have a deep legacy in North Carolina, and I want us to have an even deeper future impact. I want people to recognize the role Winston-Salem State plays in developing talent, creating opportunity, and helping shape the future of our state. I want us to have a deeper future and a deeper impact.