Archway Fall 2009

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FA L L 2 0 0 9 VOLUME 11 NO. 3

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

Improving the quality of life in the community

time capsule fall 2009

winston-salem state university

02

HOMECOMING OF YEARS PAST Teachers College cheerleaders brave the drizzle, left, and couples take to the floor, above, in their finest for a homecoming dance.

Photos courtesy Digital Forsyth

archway fall 2009 in this issue 06 It Takes A Village

A wealth of programs demonstrate the university’s commitment to serving its neighboring community

08 Saving Our Schools

Rodney Ellis ’99 serves North Carolina as vice president of the state’s Association of Educators

10 Believing Is Succeeding

How Principal James Winbush ’78 turned around a troubled South Carolina high school

it takes a village | pg. 6

DEPARTMENTS 02 Chancellor Reflects 03 Student Spotlight 04 On the Yard 05 Time Out 12 Alumni News 13 Class Notes 14 Donor Spotlight

believing is succeeding | pg. 10 Archway is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications within Winston-Salem State University’s Division of University Advancement.

Address: 310 Blair Hall, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 Phone: (336) 750-2150 Fax: (336) 750-3150 We welcome story ideas and class notes by e-mail to: archway@wssu.edu Chancellor: Donald Julian Reaves, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for the Division of University Advancement: Michelle Cook Interim Chief Marketing Officer: Sigrid Hall-Pittsley Editorial Team: Jackie Foutz, Rudy Anderson, Lisa Watts, Chris Zona

saving our schools | pg. 8

activity center planned | pg. 4

on the cover Biology major Jamil Hopkins ’11 helps a local elementary student with his science homework at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. WSSU students volunteer nightly as tutors at the church through its Youth Education Enrichment Program. Church member Willie Richardson founded the program eight years ago to improve students’ academic performance and test scores, pre-K through high school. Photo by Garrett Garms.

Photography: Garrett Garms ’07, University Photographer; Sharrod Patterson, Intern Photographer Design: Zero Gravity Design Associates 16,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $0.51 per copy.

fall 2009

board of trustees 2009 -2010

Mr. F. Scott Bauer, Chair Dr. Karen McNeil-Miller, Vice Chair Mr. Martin B. Davis ‘85, Secretary Mr. Marshall Bass Mr. F. Scott Bauer, Vice Chair Mrs. Lisa J. Caldwell Dr. James C. Hash, Sr. Mr. Victor Johnson, Jr. ’61 Mr. Thomas W. Lambeth Mrs. Debra B. Miller ‘78 Mr. James R. Nanton Mr. Keith W. Vaughan Ms. Whitney N. McCoy ’10

winston-salem state university foundation, board of directors 2009-2010

Dr. Lenora R. Campbell Ms. Michelle M. Cook Mr. W. Randy Eaddy Mr. Kelvin Farmer ’86, Treasurer Mr. Gerald T. Finley Ms. Jacque Gattis Mr. Timothy A. Grant ‘80 Ms. Catherine Pettie Hart ‘74, Vice Chair Ms. Sue Henderson Mr. Harold Kennedy III Ms. Martha Logemann Dr. Charles Love ‘66 Mr. Arthur E. McClearin Ms. Beverly McLendon Mr. James E. Martin Dr. Steve Martin, Chair Ms. Patricia D. Norris ‘93 Ms. Cathy Pace Ms. Stephanie L. Porter ’81, Secretary Donald J. Reaves, Ph.D. Mr. Curtis Richardson ’76 Mr. Clifton H. Sparrow ’80 Ms. Stacey Stone-Bennett ’90 Mr. Charles “Chuck” Wallington EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mr. Nigel Alston Mr. Gerald Hunter Mr. Victor L. Bruinton ’82 Mr. Gordon Slade ’93

winston-salem state university

02

chancellor reflects

by chancellor donald julian reaves Our faculty and

To that end, we enhanced our orientation

staff are focused

program under the direction of Dr. Michelle

on making a

Releford, dean of University College. All incoming

difference in

freshmen and transfer students with less than 30

the lives of the

credit hours participated in a weeklong program,

students who are

RAMDITION. Students met daily with their

on our campus

Legacy Leaders, upperclassmen who helped

for the 2009-2010

them learn their way around the campus and

school year. We

understand the resources available to them. We

know that when

also scheduled time for fun, including a student

we have a positive effect on our students’ lives,

talent show and a Mardi Gras-styled celebration.

we also impact the lives of people around them,

One of the most exciting parts of RAMDITION

beyond campus.

was what we believe will become a freshman

The Ram commitment to service is one of the university’s richest legacies. When I look at our list of distinguished alumni, there is a sense of pride in our graduates who continue to make a

tradition at WSSU. These new students proceeded past the historic archway on their way to a “Rite of Passage Ceremony” that formalized their place as a member of the Ram Family.

difference in so many arenas. While it is often

While we are expending resources to support

easy to focus on our alumni who have been

a higher standard for our students, we have

star athletes, we have Rams who are state

not abandoned our heritage of providing an

lawmakers, mayors, county officials, artists,

education to all who want a college degree. We

writers and of course, teachers, nurses, doctors,

are working with Forsyth Technical Community

lawyers and business leaders.

College on a pilot dual-enrollment program to

In this issue of Archway, we feature two alumni who are making a difference in the field of education. Rodney Ellis and James Winbush have made names for themselves and have enhanced the reputation of Winston-Salem State.

help students who need additional preparation before taking on the rigors of a full load of college courses. We also received incremental state funding for our efforts with adult and other non-traditional students.

Developing graduates of distinction known for

So we continue to take the steps necessary to

leadership and service in their professions and

make a difference in the lives of all those who

communities is the vision of WSSU. As we

come to our campus for an education. These

work to finalize our strategic plan that will guide

efforts make it an extremely exciting time to be

us for the next five years, all of our goals will be

part of the heritage and the future of Winston-

designed to support that vision.

Salem State University.

I am excited about the class of 2013. We have EMERITUS DIRECTORS Ms. Florence P. Corpening Mr. Victor Johnson, Jr. ’61

high expectations for this group of 820 young men and women — they may be the best overall class we have enjoyed for some time, with a higher average grade point, higher SAT and ACT scores and higher potential to find success.

Donald J. Reaves, Ph.D.

03

winston-salem state university

fall 2009

studentspotlight

Finding her path Belinda Reid ’10 is a semester closer to realizing her dream of becoming a college graduate, professional nurse and teacher.

An old Chinese proverb states: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Senior nursing major Belinda Reid took a few missteps before she found the path to her future.

Reid dropped out of East Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, NC, in 1995 after learning she was pregnant. She later enrolled at Independence High School, an alternative school. Reid didn’t like her experience at Independence, but she stayed long enough to finish her driver’s education course.

“My son was born a week before I got my license,” she remembers. She tried to go back to Independence after Qushawn’s birth.

He stayed in the day care center at the school, but she was still unhappy and ended up dropping out again.

Things began to turn around for Reid when she found her way to the Adult High School Program at Forsyth Technical Community College. She graduated three years later in 1998. She planned to continue her education at Forsyth Tech, but was diverted when she took a third-shift job in a local warehousing company. Going nowhere, she followed the advice of her brother and moved to Atlanta with Qushawn and now a daughter, Charnessa.

That move turned out to be a mistake. “I was headed down the wrong path. I was doing the wrong things. I needed focus,” Reid says. “One day I was looking at my children and said to myself ‘I need to get it together.’

My children were my motivation to make a change in my life.”

Reid gathered her children and her belongings and left Atlanta. She returned to Forsyth Tech and earned an associate’s degree in applied science.

In 2004, Reid was hired as a certified medical assistant in the Community Family Practice and Wellness Center at Sunrise Towers, a program for underserved clients run by Winston-Salem State University’s School of Health Sciences. The experience seemed to kindle a fire in Reid to help others. And the encouragement she received from the School of Health Sciences staff inspired her to pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing.

“Dr. John Johnson saw something in me and I appreciate the interest he showed in my development. I want to give back to my community because he encouraged me.”

Through the aid of the Kate B. Reynolds Scholarship, the Lettie Pate Whitehead

Scholarship, the Disadvantaged Student Scholarship, and the Virginia Elizabeth & Allma-Vane Taylor Nursing Scholarship, Reid was able to pay for her education and support her family. It’s something she’ll never forget.

“These scholarships have granted me the opportunity to pursue my lifelong goal of becoming a nurse. The WSSU community will never know how much they have meant to me throughout this process.

The faculty and staff are well aware of my responsibilities as a parent first and then a student, and they have done all that they could to accommodate my lifestyle.”

Reid is president of WSSU’s chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, a national professional nurses’ organization with a focus on AfricanAmerican nursing issues.

Reid’s plan after the May 2010 graduation is to become a registered nurse and later to return to serve at WSSU as a nursing educator.

“When I graduate from this great institution, I will be well prepared to serve my community. It won’t be long until I am back on campus working to assist some other well-deserving students through the process.” — Rudy Anderson

fall 2009

on theyard

winston-salem state university

04

campus news and events

Student activities and recreation center in design phase

Microbiologist takes aim at soldiers’ smaller enemies

A Student Activities Center, combining

As the United States battles

student life and recreational

global terrorism, one peculiar

activities, is on the drawing board

enemy has come forward

for completion in fall 2012. The

which body armor can’t stop.

approximately 92,000 square feet,

Leishmaniasis (LEASH-ma-

$31.5 million building is needed

NIGH-a-sis), a parasitic disease,

to keep pace with the university’s

is caused by the parasite

growth, says Theo Howard, associate

Leishmania, which lives within

vice chancellor for student affairs.

the sand fly. If transferred to

“WSSU’s enrollment has ballooned from roughly 2,500 to 5,800 since

mammalian hosts such as dogs, cats, and humans, the disease becomes a potentially fatal foe.

2003...We found it necessary to begin plans for this new facility to

Johanna Porter-Kelley, assistant professor of microbiology, is

meet the various needs of our students,” says Howard. “Studies

researching the disease to help create treatment options for infected

have shown that student involvement, collegiate experiences, and

civilians and soldiers. “Soldiers in tropical areas are at risk,” says

satisfaction with student life have a direct impact on retention.”

Kelley. She received a grant from the Department of Defense to

The center’s design includes two indoor basketball courts, fitness areas, exercise and dance studios, jogging track, student government offices,

support her research into the biology of the parasite in order to develop chemotherapeutic treatments.

fitness staff offices, social lounge, multi-purpose space with seating for

While working to save lives, Dr. Kelley also is giving her assistant,

up to 600, arcade/game room, billiards/table tennis room, barber shop

Mark Brooks ’10, a biology and pre-medicine major (in photo, above),

and beauty salon, food court, and 150-person dining area.

valuable research experience.

The center will be located on the south side of the Thompson Student

“Helping Dr. Kelley allows me to use what I have learned in the

Services Center with a terraced plaza between the two buildings.

classroom to solve a major problem,” says Brooks.

Rams featured on cover of AT&T Real Yellow Pages WSSU’s football team is featured on the cover of the 2009 AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory serving Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. More than 490,000 copies of the Winston-Salem AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory were produced for distribution in the area during August and September. The directory is also available to current and new residents and businesses Members of the student group Black Men for Change, along with Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines (fourth from left) and Ed Hanes, associate vice chancellor (sixth from left) sport neckties from Kwame Jackson’s (formerly of “The Apprentice”) new line of ties. Hanes and Jackson were college classmates.

throughout the year.

05 02

winston-salem winston-salem state state university university

fall fall 2009 2009

timeout

RAM SPORTS Hoop teams loaded and ready

The Rams and Lady Rams will play their

with a knack for scoring. Last season,

Woods return to lead the way. Last season,

2009-10 home games in the friendly confines

Fisher led the Rams’ attack, scoring 13.9

Bumpus led the Lady Rams with a 12.2

of the historic C.E. Gaines Center on

points per game. Also returning will be the

points-per-game average even as she was

campus after spending the past two seasons

team’s leader in blocked shots with junior

limited by injuries. Guard Rector also gives

playing the majority of their home games

center Paul Davis leading the defensive

some punch to the WSSU attack. Woods will

off campus at the Lawrence Joel Veterans

charge for the Rams. Last season, Davis

return as the team’s third leading scorer and

Memorial Coliseum and the LJVM Annex. The

led the Rams with 46 blocked shots.

leading rebounder for the second straight

Gaines Center seats more than 3,000 fans.

The Lady Rams benefit from a host of

Leading the charge this fall for the Rams

returnees led by a trio of juniors: Rene

is senior guard Brian Fisher, a 6’2” senior

Rector, MaLisa Bumpus, and Vontisha

season. She nearly averaged a double-double for the season as she averaged 9.9 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Rams to return to Division II University trustees voted in September to remain a Division II institution for intercollegiate athletics. The school will continue to compete in the Division I MEAC through the 2009-2010 season.

Chancellor Donald J. Reaves pointed to the increase in expenses for intercollegiate athletics over the last three years directly related to the transition to Division I — a move that requires its members to field at least 14 teams and the accompanying scholarships, coaches, and facilities to support them.

“As the athletics deficits continued to mount, there appeared to be no rational way we could continue the process,” Reaves said. “I believe that this is the right decision for WSSU at this point in time given our resources.

On October 2, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association voted to reinstate WSSU as a member beginning with the 2010-11 season.

WSSU was a member of the CIAA for more than 60 years.

For the fiscal year that ended June 30, the Rams’ athletic program generated a deficit of approximately $1.8 million.

UNC President Erskine Bowles expressed support. “I know that Chancellor Reaves explored every viable option before reaching this difficult decision, but in the end WSSU – like every other UNC campus – must operate its athletic department on a fiscally responsible basis. And it cannot put the burden of doing so all on the backs of its students.”

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

02 06 02

A wealth of programs, particularly those helping area youth, demonstrate WSSU’s commitment to serve its neighboring communities.

It Takes a

Rams reach out to community

150 WSSU student-athletes participate. In

also shadow a health care professional near

2008-09, CHAMPS/Life Skills members and

their hometown. The free program was

WSSU student-athletes, coaches and athletic

sponsored by a North Carolina Glaxo Smith

administrators volunteered more than 900

Kline Foundation grant.

hours, reaching thousands of local children.

Arthur Hardin, WSSU’s community service

a real difference in tomorrow’s numbers

coordinator, says the college students’ impact

of health care professionals from under-

goes far beyond helping children read or write.

represented groups and in the overall delivery

“A lot of those children,” Hardin says, “don’t

of health care,” says Marina A. Skinner,

have black male role models in their lives.”

director of the YEHS program at the School of

Boosting interest in health careers Twelve North Carolina ninth graders from under-represented populations got a twoDespite full schedules, WSSU student-athletes

week window into healthcare careers this past

find time to help with youth reading programs

summer, thanks to a new School of Health

and other after-school activities. Through

Sciences summer program.

CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success), an NCAA life skills program, the Rams mentor community youth.

“We believe programs like these will make

WSSU’s Youth Exploring Health Sciences (YEHS) Summer Camp is a summer enrichment program for rising ninth graders.

Involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills

Along with a two-week residency on campus

program is voluntary, yet each year more than

filled with hands-on experiences, the students

Health Sciences.

07 02

Summers are quiet on the WinstonSalem State University campus. That is, until you bump into one of the groups of youth, usually sporting matching string backpacks, making their way from one building to the next.

The campus plays host to a growing number of programs that serve to open young people’s minds, from elementary students attending enrichment camps to high school students learning the value of staying in school and college students

winston-salem state university

The university’s founder, Simon Green Atkins, would be proud: Through these and other outreach efforts, Winston-Salem State reinforces its role as a good neighbor and education innovator.

“It’s really a historic tradition of civic engagement — historically black colleges and universities have been tied to community service since they were created,” says Arthur Hardin. As WSSU’s coordinator of community service since 2004, Hardin has helped thousands of students and employees arrange mentoring, tutoring, and other efforts to give back to local schools,

fall 2009

food banks, and other efforts — including bone marrow donations and affordable healthcare projects.

One of Hardin’s favorite recent projects was building a house in neighboring Happy Hill in the fall of 2008 for Habitat for Humanity. The project was undertaken in partnership with Dell and GMAC and brought together students, faculty & staff.

“Happy Hill was the first African-American community in Winston-Salem, and we built the house for a WSSU employee’s family,” he says.

Village gaining exposure to career possibilities.

Opening teens’ eyes to entrepreneurship

“Nearly two years ago, WSSU shared this

“Having a male in the classroom who can

vision with the community,” Pagiavlas says of

provide the personal, academic, and social

creating TEAM-UP, “and it is shaping up to be

support for children in kindergarten through

WSSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship provided

as good as we dreamed it.”

12th grade is critical in their development,

career ideas, financial literacy and exposure to entrepreneurship this past summer to 45 area high school students who live in foster care.

The program was funded with grants from Piedmont Triad Partnership and its Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development

The project, Teens Engaged in Aspiring

(WIRED) program, BB&T, DataMax

Mentorships – an Uplifting Partnership (TEAM-

Foundation, the S.G. Atkins CDC, and Social

UP), immersed the teens in an environment

Services via the LINKS program.

that encouraged them to finish high school and weeklong program blended educational and

Encouraging black men to teach

social activities and an opportunity to shadow

Convincing more African-American males to

area entrepreneurs.

pursue careers in education is the aim of the

pursue productive careers and life options. The

One highlight of the week was a game show designed by Notis Pagiavlas, an associate professor of marketing in WSSU’s School of Business and Economics and director of

university’s Real Men Teach program. In its second year, the program counts 26 proteges paired with male mentors — African-American faculty, staff, and community members.

the Center for Entrepreneurship. The show,

A report from the National Education Association

“Guess What I Do For a Living,” introduced

shows the number of male teachers is at a

students to professionals from various

40-year low. For African-American males in the

knowledge-based industry clusters.

profession, the numbers are even lower.

particularly for African-American male children,” says Dr. Cynthia JacksonHammond, dean of the School of Education and Human Performance.

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

08

After graduation, Ellis worked in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System as an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Atkins Academic Academy, where he earned Teacher of the Year honors for 2000-2001. In 2002, the Winston Lake YMCA recognized Ellis with a Black Achievers Award for his commitment to education and community and Phi Beta Sigma named him Man of the Year.

In 2003, the Forsyth County Association of Educators, the local affiliate of NCAE/NEA representing 3,000 educators in Forsyth County, elected Ellis as its president. In 2005 he was elected district director for NCAE Cluster 2, and the governor’s office appointed him to serve as a member of the North Carolina Teacher Academy Board of Trustees.

Rodney Ellis ’99 leads the charge to keep North Carolina’s public education strong, even in the face of a weak economy.

By Rudy Anderson Even while earning his undergraduate degree in middle grades education, Rodney Ellis ’99 was a man on a mission.

Ellis served as president of the campus chapter of Student

In April 2008, the North Carolina Association of Educators, representing 67,000 educators in the state, elected Ellis vice president.

In this role, Ellis fills in for the president at various functions. He is also a registered lobbyist for NCAE and meets regularly with Governor Beverly Perdue, Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson, state senators and members of the state House of Representatives to communicate the interests of educators, students, and the education profession. In addition he serves on a number of state education committees and works closely with other stakeholders to advance public education.

North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE) and was elected by his peers to serve as a state delegate to the 1997 National Education Association convention. During

Ellis travels the country representing North Carolina educators at workshops, trainings, symposiums, conferences and conventions.

his tenure as president of the SNCAE, the WSSU chapter

He has traveled extensively across North

boasted the largest active membership in the state.

Carolina to meet with representatives from

09

winston-salem state university

“The focus of our efforts is to make elected officials recognize that the only sound investment during economically challenging times is an investment in public education.”

— Rodney Ellis ’99, vice president, North Carolina Association of Educators

fall 2009

me to NCAE as a student, recognizing my leadership potential and encouraging me to pursue leadership opportunities within the association”; Dr. Manuel Vargas, his advisor, instructor, friend and confidant who “offered me learning opportunities beyond the classroom, growing opportunities in the professional

the state’s 115 school districts. He conducts

“I am very disturbed by the harm that

world, and the benefit of all the wisdom

trainings on professionalism, membership

proposed budget cuts may have on the

he possesses”; and Dr. Francine Madrey

organizing and recruitment. He is often invited

students of North Carolina,” Ellis says.

to serve as a guest speaker for student and

“An increase in class size will double

for her continued support of the WSSU

educator events throughout the state.

the challenges of classroom teachers,

If re-elected as vice president, Ellis hopes to one day serve the NCAE as its president.

“That’s a day I look forward to,” he says.

Despite all of his awards and recognition, Ellis isn’t sitting on his laurels. He works at the forefront in the fight to help preserve public school education.

“As we struggle through the most difficult economic crisis since the great depression, it is NCAE’s intent and the focus of our efforts to make elected officials recognize that the only sound investment during economically challenging times is an investment in public education, and the students of North Carolina,” Ellis says.

He is concerned that budget cuts proposed by the General Assembly include class size increases that could result in the loss of more than 4,000 classroom-teaching positions in addition to more than 8,000 non-teaching positions. Legislators are considering salary cuts, mandatory furloughs, and reducing or eliminating programs, resources, supplies and other necessary education tools.

particularly in low-performing, high free- and reduced-lunch and predominately minority populated schools. “

chapter of SNCAE serving as advisor and never failing to invite him to her classroom to share his experience with future educators. He also acknowledged his instructors in English and History

Program cuts equate to fewer resources

for providing the content knowledge

for these students, he says, and position

necessary for certification in Language

cuts will send many of their parents and

Arts and Social Studies.

guardians to the unemployment line.

“Personally, I’m fearful that these cuts will have a devastating effect in the AfricanAmerican community. That fear is what drives me to intensify my efforts to organize

“I can truly say I was prepared to ‘Depart to Serve’ the students of North Carolina, and nothing I have achieved would have been possible had it not been for them.”

our members, schools, and communities to

Throughout his career, Ellis has always

fight tooth and nail to protect our students

supported the education program at WSSU.

and public education.”

He serves on the board of directors for the

Where does his passion for education

Masters in Administration program. He

come from? Ellis credits his experience

remains actively involved with the student

at WSSU and the influence of faculty for

NCAE Chapter at WSSU and frequently

his success as an educator. His list of

returns as guest speaker for professors in

those he wants to thank is long, including

the Department of Education.

Dr. Dorothy Singleton for “her encouraging words and for helping me to pass the Praxis test on my first attempt”; Dr. Wilbur Sadler “for introducing

Rodney Ellis, far right, at the Forsyth County Association of Educators Day in 2005 with Reg Weaver, center, president of the National Education Association.

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

10

Believing is

SUCCEEDING

How Principal James Winbush ’78 turned around a troubled South Carolina high school in a few short years. By Christy Heitger “SUCCESS HAPPENS BY CHOICE,

After serving the Army for 25 years, Winbush

The second phase of Winbush’s action plan

NOT BY CHANCE,” says James Winbush

taught leadership at Temple University for

involved working individually with each of his

’78, principal at Baptist Hill High School, a

four years before assuming his position at

teachers to develop mandatory goals, which

Center for Partnerships to Improve Education

Baptist Hill.

include each teacher being punctual at the

(CPIE) partnership school in Hollywood, South Carolina, outside of Charleston. “We are all responsible for our successes in life,

When Winbush first joined the faculty five years ago, Baptist Hill — located in a rural

which we achieve through hard work

working-class community 22 miles south of

and dedication.”

Charleston — was an unsatisfactory school

Established in 1947, Baptist Hill’s student population is 100 percent African-American, 91 percent of whom qualified for the free and reduced lunch rate, and 14.7 percent of

with low standards, poor discipline, and a low graduation rate. Half the students didn’t even attend class; instead, they hung out in the hallway.

whom are overage. The 454 ninth- through

“Both the students and the teachers had

twelfth-graders enrolled at Baptist Hill

been doing wrong for so long that they

haven’t always seen a direct correlation

couldn’t distinguish wrong from right,”

between concerted effort and ultimate

says Winbush.

success. However, in the last several years their perceptions, their grades, and their

Intent on correcting the problem, Winbush

start of the school day, developing a course syllabus and lesson plans, maintaining regular contact with parents, becoming involved in school activities, and attending all required meetings. Winbush also helped encourage and reward teachers by offering them several categories of incentives.

INCREASING EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SCHOOL Finally, Winbush committed to changing the culture and expectations of the school as a whole. This step involved the collaboration of faculty and students to create, sustain, and promote outstanding school programs, including:

general outlook on life have all started to

outlined a three-step action plan. The first

change, thanks to a new direction in school

order of business was getting a handle on

leadership. Winbush was hired as assistant

student discipline. Winbush observed that

principal in July 2003, appointed interim

about 35 students were extreme discipline

principal in September 2005, and named

problems. He made it clear that these

principal in July 2006.

students needed to shape up, and fast.

BECOMING A LEADER

At first Winbush’s words fell on deaf ears.

to know their students better, and students

But soon the students knew that their leader

love the mentoring aspect.

meant business. Ultimately, a handful of

Single-Gender Classrooms in the 9th Grade

students were expelled or transferred to the

Academy. This program is new this year,

district’s discipline school. The other students

and so far feedback from both teachers and

shaped up and started behaving. Over time

students has been positive. In the absence

principal supervision from Temple University,

students’ respect for authority has increased

of pressure to show off for the opposite sex,

and a doctorate in leadership and policy

— and that’s not all that has improved. In the

the students seem to feel more comfortable

from Temple University. He also has earned

past five years, the percentage of teachers

in class and less worried about how they

diplomas from the Army in Commander and

and students satisfied with learning and the

look, what they wear, and whom they’re

General Staff College and Armed Forces

school climate has jumped from 27.2 percent

dating. As a result, students are more

Staff College.

to 84 percent.

focused on their studies.

Winbush majored in physical education and biology at Winston-Salem State. He received a master’s degree in personnel administration from the University of Oklahoma, an education-specialist degree in

The Advisor/Advisee Program. A class of

students and a teacher meet once a month to discuss study skills, grades, and report cards.

Teachers also use this time to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. The program is an opportunity for teachers to get

11

winston-salem state university

Operation Success. Students receive early-

Reprinted with permission from

morning tutorial support to help them with

Partnerships in Education, Spring

general testing strategies and, specifically,

2008, published annually by

to help them prepare for the SAT and High

the Center for Partnerships

School Assessment Program (HSAP).

to Improve Education at the

Renaissance 2008. Students get pumped up

as they compete for trophies and prizes. This program involves both a talent show for the high schoolers and a spelling bee for fifththrough eighth-graders from the community.

ENJOYING SUCCESS Since Winbush joined the faculty five years ago, enrollment numbers, student performance, and graduation ratings have all improved. Enrollment was 422 in 2002–2003 and 456 in 2006–2007. In addition, the passage rate of the HSAP English Language Arts rose from 65.5 percent in 2003–2004 to 83 percent in 2006–2007, and math shot from 56.9 percent in 2003–2004 to 77.3 percent in 2006–2007.

Certainly the students, staff members, and faculty at Baptist Hill have achieved a great deal of success in recent few years, but the accomplishment in which Winbush takes the most pride is the change in student attitude.

“I’ve always believed that every child can succeed. The challenge was getting the children to believe in themselves,” says Winbush. “Now the students have seen what they can do. They know that they can achieve.

And as a result, they are tasting success.”

College of Charleston.

fall 2009

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

alumninews Greetings Alumni: Have you paid your National Alumni membership dues this year? If yes, a hearty thanks. You deserve the “Ole SU” congratulations.

For generations, education has opened doors to untold opportunities and bright futures. Through quality instruction and a personal commitment to hard work, we have gone on to achieve success. Established by men and women of great vision, leadership, and clarity of purpose, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided generations of Americans with opportunity, a solid education, and hope.

The goal of the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association is to provide the opportunity for alumni and supporters to unite as one body for the purpose of promoting the growth and development of the university and substantive actions of the association. As a membership organization, we must continue to focus on growing our financial membership base. Please renew or join your National Alumni Association today!

What obstacles are you facing today? Is there something in your health, your finances, or your relationships? Is it something that’s been in your family line for a long time? I’m challenging you today to make a difference; don’t just sit back and accept it just because it’s been in your family line. No, today is the day for you to rise up and change the course for generations to come. Shake off a defeated mindset. Shake off discouraging comments. Shake off negative thoughts. You have the seed of Almighty God on the inside of you. There is victory in your DNA. Right past that obstacle is promotion. On the other side of that difficulty is a new level of God’s victory.

You are a symbol of respected and esteemed individuals who “Departed to Serve.”

We are “Linked Together in Unity and Serving Together with Purpose.” Continue to be the difference.

Sincerely,

Victor L. Bruinton ’82 National Alumni Association President

Share your news with fellow alumni. Write to alumnirelations@wssu.edu.

We welcome photos, but photo file sizes should be at least 300 dpi or 1 MB to be suitable for printing.

12

13

winston-salem state university

fall 2009

alumninews class notes ’60s

’80s

’69 Dr. Bettie Glenn retired from the

’87 Mr. Kelvin Walton was recently promoted to Director/Chief

University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Procurement Officer for Purchasing and Contracting for DeKalb

During her tenure at UNCW, Glenn was

County, GA. Walton is the first African-American to hold this

instrumental in using the online format for

position since the county was founded in 1822.

education for the School of Nursing. Both administratively and professionally, Glenn has dedicated 40 years of service, with 33 of those years in baccalaureate and higher degree programs across the US.

’90s ’91 Ms. Trice Hickman released her second book, Keeping

Upon retirement from teaching, Glenn served as associate dean

Secrets & Telling Lies, a sequel to her debut novel, Unexpected

for academic affairs at UNCW. She will continue to serve nursing

Interruptions. That first book was featured in the Black Expressions

education in the national arena as a member of the council and

December 2008 catalog as the featured Dynamic Debut. A film

executive committee for the national Advisory Council on Nurse

producer is reviewing the book for consideration of film rights. Trice

Education and Practice through 2011.

will be on campus for Homecoming for a book signing, Friday, Oct. 30, noon - 2 p.m.

’70s

’92 Mr. Blake Dye earned certification as a “Senior Professional in Human Resources” or SPHR. Awarded by the HR Certification

’76 Dr. Peggy Baker, Interim Chief Nursing

Institute, the designation signifies that Dye

and Patient Care Services Officer at

possesses the knowledge and experience

Durham Regional Hospital, was honored

in human resource management necessary

with the Outstanding Amy V. Cockcroft

to pass a rigorous exam demonstrating

Nurse Leadership Award by the Center for Nursing Leadership at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. The award is given to graduates of the Cockcroft Nursing Leadership Development Program who exemplify outstanding leadership in keeping with the goals of the program since completing the fellowship, including leading through periods of change, building partnerships, competency in organizational communications, resolving and negotiating conflict, and developing

mastery in the field. The HR Certification Institute is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management SHRM, the world’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to the HR profession. Dye earned a bachelor of science in urban affairs from Winston-Salem State University. He also holds a master of public administration with a focus in public management and higher

alternative models of leading, managing and following in a lateral

education administration from Appalachian State University.

system. Baker completed the program in 2006.

’00s

Baker holds a bachelor’s degree from WSSU and a master’s and doctoral degrees in education from North Carolina State University.

She is enrolled in the master’s in nursing program at Duke University.

A member of the American Nurses Association, North Carolina

’07 Navy Seaman Michael W. Roseborough completed U.S. basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL.

Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, National League for

‘08 Alece Oxendine pursuing her master of arts in film studies

Nursing Accrediting Commission, and Sigma Theta Tau, she serves

at Columbia University, New York City, and plans to finish in

on the board of the Triangle Chapter, American Red Cross.

February 2011.

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

14

donorspotlight

WSSU Faculty Who Give Back Under Carole Winston’s leadership, WSSU’s

“Winston-Salem State University is a good

Maya Angelou Institute for the Improvement

school, students can get an excellent

of Child and Family Education has taken a

education here. Our students really want to

broad view of literacy in children and families.

do something with their lives. Many of them

Recent initiatives have included teaching water

come from families where going to college

safety to second graders at Petrie Elementary,

isn’t part of the tradition, and I know that can

bringing city third-graders to Winston-Salem

be a struggle,” Winston says.

Symphony performances, and a proposal to

Winston also supports students with her

pair fourth-grade girls with their mothers for a

endowment of the Cunningham & Winston

holistic program involving exercise, nutrition,

Family scholarship fund in honor of her

gardening, a book club, and support group.

parents. “I’ve been very fortunate because

“My interest is in reaching children who are underserved,” Winston says. “Literacy is often at the core, because children who don’t read well will fall behind.”

Carole Winston, Ph.D., LCSW Director, Maya Angelou Institute for the Improvement of Child and Family Education Associate Professor of Social Work; donor, Cunningham & Winston Family Endowed Scholarship

I’ve had people in my life who have been very supportive — my parents, teachers, colleagues. I’ve traveled and received a good education,” she says. “My parents were civil servants, and I learned from their example.

Winston’s job involves everything from grant

They gave to others all their lives. Part of

writing to working with WSSU students as they

what I’ve always understood is that what I

perform community service for public schools.

have, I have to give back.”

George Johnson knows that he’s not

Since his return, Johnson has served stints

teaching the flashiest subject matter:

as division and department chair and helped

accounting. But the WSSU professor prides

start the Beta Alpha Psi honors chapter,

himself on coming up with creative ways

working with students on activities such as

to explain the material, giving of his time to

volunteer income-tax preparation. Teaching,

help students, and educating young people

though, remains his true passion.

in a body of knowledge that is sure to lead to employment.

“We do a very good job with traditional

“Accounting is one of the fields where

to our students’ experience. A lot of our

students are almost guaranteed to find a job after they graduate,” Johnson says. “I take a lot of pleasure in hearing about our students’ successes in the job market.”

Johnson joined the Winston-Salem State faculty in 1992. He left in 1996 when his

education here,” he says. “We add value students have limited possibilities for success until they come here.”

Why does Johnson donate every year to the Winston-Salem State University annual fund?

Mostly, he is grateful.

wife took a job at the University of Delaware.

“This university has taught me more than

When she died of cancer a few years later,

I’ve ever taught my students,” he says. “The

Johnson quickly accepted an invitation to

students here have given me a wealth of

return to WSSU.

experience and perspective.”

George Johnson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Accounting, School of Business and Economics, 12-year Annual Fund donor

02 15

winston-salem state university

fall 2009

Homecoming Highlights 2009 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2009

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009

Recognized Student Organizations Committee

K.R. Williams Auditorium Office of Student Activities

S.G. Atkins Statue Convocations Committee

10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Community Service Day

9:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M. Homecoming Concert/Kick-Off Party Featuring The Dream, Dorrough, and The New Boyz Hosted by Kyle Santillian, B-Daht and Afrika (The 102 Jamz Morning Show) Gaines Center, doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Student Government Association Student Advance: $15 / Student Door: $20 General: $25 / Ticket Package: $10

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2009

6:00 P.M. The Sins of My Father (Gospel Play)

K.R. Williams Auditorium Alpha Nu Omega/Office of Campus Affairs Student Advance: Free / Student Door: $3 General: $5 / Ticket package: Free

8:30 P.M. Lighting of the Sign

Hosted by Ray “Mr. Breezeway” Johnson Thompson Center Hill (in front of the rotunda) Office of Campus Life

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. Homecoming Comedy Show

Hosted by Marcus Combs, featuring De Ray Davis, Roz G & Marcus Combs Music by DJ Cuttz K.R. Williams Auditorium Student Advance: $8 Student Door: $10 General: $15 Ticket package: $7 Campus Activities Board

7:00 P.M. Coronation

9:30 P.M. Royal Ball

McNeil Ballroom (Anderson Center) Office of Student Activities

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Return to Serve

Campus and Thompson Center National Alumni Association, Career Services, and Alumni Relations

3:00 P.M. Mr. & Miss Alumni Tea

Sundance Hotel & Spa, W-S (by invitation only) National Alumni Association

6:30 P.M. 50th Class Reunion Dinner

Embassy Suites, Gaines Room Alumni Relations

9:00 P.M. The Red and Black Affair

Featuring Jeremih and Gav Beats Millennium Center; downtown W-S Student Advance: $10; Student Door: $15; General: $20 / Ticket package: $8 SGA

8:45 A.M. Wreath Placing Ceremony

9:45 A.M. Founder’s Day Convocation K.R. Williams Auditorium Convocation Committee

11:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Alumni Check-in & Registration

Benton Convention Center National Alumni Association

9:15 P.M. Homecoming Gala

Benton Convention Center Tickets: $50 National Alumni Association

Thompson Center 207 National Alumni Association

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

12:30 P.M. Founder’s Day Luncheon

Downtown Winston-Salem; 4th and Poplar

Anderson Center (by invitation only) Chancellor’s Office

2:00 P.M. Mini Parade and Pep Rally

Hosted by B-Daht & DJ Von Dutch Clock Tower Ragin’ Rams, Office of Student Activities, and CLMC

3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. SOHS Open House

Pick-up between F.L. Atkins & Atkinson Buildings on Cromartie Street School of Health Sciences

7:00 P.M. Alumni Hall of Distinction

Induction& Reception Benton Convention Center National Alumni Association

Be sure to come out for the Vendor Fair: food, beverages, and merchandise. Oct. 30, 11 a.m.8 p.m and Oct. 31, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

10:00 A.M. WSSU Parade

12:30 P.M. Alumni Check-in

Bowman Gray Stadium tailgate area National Alumni Association

2:00 P.M. WSSU vs. Hampton Football Game/ Tailgate Bowman Gray Stadium

5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Mighty Rams Den Gathering Thompson Center Pitt (rain site: Whitaker Gym) University Advancement

7:30 P.M. Homecoming Step Show K.R. Williams NPHC Student Advance: $7 Door: $10 General: $15

9:30 P.M. Ram Victory Extravaganza

Benton Convention Center Alumni Assoc. Members (w/ valid card): $20 General: $25 National Alumni Association

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009

Worship Service

7:30 P.M. Casino Night

Whitaker Gym Student Advance: $1 Student Door: $2 / Ticket package: Free Campus Actvities Board CLMC & Campus Recreations

8:30 P.M. Mr. & Miss Alumni Crowning

Your Choice

Visit us on the Web: www.ramhomcoming.com Watch fun videos of students and alumni sharing what they love about Homecoming, check the complete schedule of events, and more!

7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Flapjack Breakfast

Applebees (near Hanes Mall) Office of Campus Life

fall 2009

winston-salem state university

alumninews in memoriam Ms. Cherevita Rachelle McCaskil

January 17, 2009

Mr. Anthony Tyrone Hardin

March 17, 2009

Mr. Larry B. Smith

March 17, 2009

Ms. Barbara H. Edwards ’71

March 18, 2009

Mrs. Claree Joyce Miller ’52

March 24, 2009

Mrs. Bernice Moore Parker ’44

April 3, 2009

Rev. Ozella Naylor Cato

April 4, 2009

Mr. Ronnie Wayne Hardin

April 5, 2009

Rev. Lee Money

April 9, 2009

16 02

Former Unsung Heroes Niathan Allen, left, and Theodore Blunt ’65 present a plaque of all “Big House” Gaines Unsung Hero award winners to Tonia Walker, interim director of athletics, during the sixth annual Big House Gaines Awards Gala in June.

Fond Farewell from Miss Alumni ’08 It has been an exciting year for me as Miss Alumni 2008 for my marvelous alma mater. Reaching this goal after 36 years of reciting our university’s motto, “Enter to learn. Depart to serve,” exemplified my continued support for one of the greatest historically black universities.

Mr. Willie Austin, Jr.

April 21, 2009

No one can ever take away the great pride and love that I have for Winston-Salem

Mrs. Donnie Booze Wall

April 21, 2009

State University. I will forever cherish the notes and letters of support, the kind

Mr. Garland S. Brice ’78

April 24, 2009

words of encouragement, and the good deeds given to me during my reign.

Mrs. Mamie Louise Matthews Jarrett April 28, 2009 Mr. Theodore ‘Ted’ Ivy McClennon

May 2, 2009

Mr. Clinton Leon Totten ’63

May 4, 2009

Mr. Steven A. Williams Mrs. Yolanda Umstead Tate ’74

May 22, 2009 June 3, 2009

WSSU will always need our support and involvement. The tremendous progress at this university is shown each day in its students, classrooms, campus construction, and scholarship funding. I have always felt that I can make a difference. We all can make a difference. We continue to need ambassadors to participate in activities, fund scholarships, donate time, give

Mr. Stephen Hugh Wolfe

June 11, 2009

Mrs. Adelaide Davis Earp ’50

June 16, 2009

Ms. Linda N. Bennett ’04

June 22, 2009

Our National Alumni Association motto is “Linked

Ms. Dorcas E. Carter

June 26, 2009

together in unity. Serving together with purpose.” We

Mr. Luther A. Johnson, Jr. ’93

June 26, 2009

cannot continue to succeed without alumni, friends,

Mrs. Brenda Poole Moses ’88

June 30, 2009

and family working together. Let’s serve WSSU with

financially, and encourage students to graduate from this great institution.

Mrs. Shirley Franklin Pickard

July 1, 2009

new ideas and more contributions. Even if you can

Mrs. Nina Bailey Steele ’41

July 13, 2009

only give a dollar, please give, and participate in the

Mrs. Augusta Moore Rogers ’48

July 21, 2009

university surveys, attend meetings, and athletic

Ms. Brenda A. Green ’73

July 28, 2009

Correction to Summer 2009 In Memoriam: Rev. Richard “Reb” Baxter ’78 died January 8, 2009.

games. We can only progress with the help from our friends. — Jacqueline Pittman Cureton ’73

02

winston-salem state university

fall 2009

Shaun Trotter grew up in the small eastern North Carolina town of Trenton.

He was a three-sport athlete in high school, but he knew he wanted to focus on academics once he got to college.

As an exercise science major at Winston-Salem State, he has combined his love of athletics with his interest in helping people in a clinical setting.

He plans to pursue a master’s and possibly a doctoral degree in physical therapy after he graduates from WSSU in May 2010.

“From the time I was a toddler, my mother instilled in me the importance of academics.

But I knew she wouldn’t be able to afford my tuition as a single parent. I am so appreciative of my scholarship. Otherwise I’m not sure I’d even be in college.”

SHAUN TROTTER ’10

Exercise Science major, School of Education and Human Performance Mr. Senior, Royal Court; Chancellor’s Scholar

CHANGE LIVES

ENDOW A SCHOLARSHIP

When you endow a scholarship at Winston-Salem State University, you open doors of opportunity for students like Shaun.

For more information on how you can make a difference, contact Michelle Cook, cookm@wssu.edu, 336-750-2184.

Office of Marketing and Communications

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Winston-Salem State University 310 Blair Hall Winston-Salem, NC 27110

PAID

Winston-Salem, NC Permit No. 257

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

We’d hate to

lose touch Does WSSU have your current e-mail address?

We want to keep you in the know about news and events on campus and about chances to reconnect with fellow alumni.

Take a minute – the connections could last a lifetime.

visit

www.wssu.edu/connect