For Alumni and friends summer 2012 volume 14 no. 2
Then
Now The Future Extending the Legacy
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WSSU History
Quick Quiz
How well do you know your WSSU history? This crossword puzzle will put you to the test. Look for the answers in this issue of Archway as you read about the early challenges our founders faced—and the amazing legacy they established as the school’s foundation. 1
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ACROSS 1. A famous basketball player/alumnus 3. Chancellor from 1985-1995 5. Former art professor; gallery is named for him 7. Name of the school when it was founded in 1892 11. Name of the first yearbook 12. Two of these mark the entrance to WSSU 13. Early trustee and strong supporter; administration building is named for him 14. School’s second president; library is named for him 15. “Enter to Learn, Depart to _______” 16. Middle name of the school’s founder
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DOWN 2. The new Student Activities Center is named for him 4. WSSU is a leading producer of these 6. A famous coach at WSSU 8. When SG Atkins retired, he was succeeded by his son, _______ Atkins 9. Name of the school mascot 10. Original name of the school was changed in 1925 to WinstonSalem _______ College 13. The school’s first athletic team was in this sport
(Answers located on page 27)
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Summer 2012
In this issue page 6
6 The Legacy Continues
As WSSU celebrates its 120th anniversary, Archway presents highlights from the rich heritage that has taken the school forward through dramatically changing times. This issue focuses on the years 1900 through today.
14 From Near-Failure to National Recognition
Today, the WSSU School of Health Sciences is a respected, leading provider of nurses in North Carolina. In the 1980s, however, times were difficult for the School of Nursing at WSSU. Here is the story of its impressive turnaround.
16 The History of Ram Athletics page 14
WSSU’s trophy room speaks volumes when it comes to the Rams’ winning tradition in athletics. Here’s a quick look at how the first sports team came to be – and how the name of the WSSU Ram mascot was chosen.
18 History of the Marching Band
Music has held a position of importance at WSSU. In fact, music was one of three major departments of focus in 191213. Today, the WSSU “Red Sea of Sound” receives national recognition.
Departments 4 22 24 25 26
Chancellor Reflects On the Yard Time Out Class Notes From the NAA
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ARCHWAY is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications WSSU Alumni House, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 (336)750.2150; fax (336)750.3150 We welcome story ideas and class notes. Send them to archway@wssu.edu Chancellor: Donald J. Reaves, Ph.D. Chief Marketing Officer: Sigrid Hall-Pittsley Editorial Team: Concentrics Communications; Rudy Anderson; Nancy Young; Jackie Foutz History Consultants: Simona Atkins Allen; Dr. Elinor Smith; Thomas Flynn, WSSU Archives Photographer: Garrett Garms ’07, Office of Marketing and Communications Archway Design: Sarah Hinshaw, Office of Marketing and Communications Correction: In the Spring issue of Archway on page 10, Francis Atkins is credited with leading WSSU to become the first historically black college in the nation to grant the B.S. degree in elementary education. This happened in 1925 while Simon Green Atkins was president. 20,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $0.773 per copy.
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chancellor reflects Board of Trustees 2011-2012 Mrs. Debra B. Miller ’78, Chair Mr. Victor Johnson, Jr. ’61, Vice Chair Dr. Vivian H. Burke Mr. F. Scott Bauer Mr. Martin B. Davis ’86 Dr. James C. Hash, Sr. Mrs. Sue Henderson Mr. Jeffrey T. Lindsay Dr. Steve Martin Dr. Karen McNeil-Miller Mr. James R. Nanton Mr. Keith W. Vaughan Mr. Charles F. Wallington Mr. David Butler Winston-Salem State University Foundation, Board of Directors 2011-2012 Ms. Peggy Carter, Chair Ms. Cheryl E. H. Locke, Vice Chair Mr. Ray Owen, Secretary Ms. Cynthia Williams, Treasurer Mr. William G. Benton Mr. David W. Burke Ms. Michelle M. Cook Mr. Tony Ebron Mr. Kelvin Farmer ’86 Mr. Timothy A. Grant ’80 Mr. Fred Harwell Mr. Harold Kennedy III Mr. W. R. “Randy” Loftis, Jr. Ms. Martha Logemann Dr. Charles Love ’66 Mr. J. Walter McDowell Mr. James E. Martin Ms. Patricia D. Norris ’93 Dr. Donald J. Reaves Ms. Shirley Danner Shouse Mr. Clifton H. Sparrow ’80 Ms. Claudette Weston Mr. Errol Wint Ex Officio Directors
Mrs. Debra B. Miller Mr. Gerald Hunter Mr. Gordon Everett ’78 Mr. Gordon Slade ’93 Mr. David Butler Emeritus Directors
Ms. Florence P. Corpening Mr. Victor Johnson, Jr. ’61 Dr. Steve Martin
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t is an exciting time to be at Winston-Salem State University. We are in the process of planning our 120th anniversary celebration and we are also beginning to see the early results from the many changes that have been implemented on our campus. As the 120th anniversary approaches and we look to our past, we can visualize the transformations that the university has gone through. Each one marked an important period in the history of the university and in the towns of Winston and Salem and then in the City of Winston-Salem. From our humble beginning as a one-room schoolhouse, we quickly became a teachers college, meeting the need to educate what was known as the Colored population then. Next came the nursing program which trained the nurses who staffed the then Colored hospitals. Moreover, these professionals became the Black middle class of Winston-Salem, and contributed significantly to the growth and well-being of the city through the ownership of businesses and homes. By the early 1970s programs had expanded and enrollments had grown and what was by then Winston Salem State College joined the UNC system. Today we are a comprehensive degree-granting institution that serves a diverse student body of 6,500. With program offerings at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels, the University continues to meet the needs of our students as well as those of the community and of the broader society. The latest transformation began nearly three years ago when we implemented the Plan for Student Success. The Strategic Plan redefines student success and, in addition to improved graduation rates, includes improved student outcomes. Do our graduates compete well for jobs in their careers of choice? Do they get admitted to the best graduate and professional degree programs? These and others are the measures of success that will determine ultimately how well we are doing as an institution of higher education. To achieve these student success goals, we needed to change how we teach, what we teach, who we teach, and to some degree, who teaches. Through curriculum reform and a liberal arts approach to learning, we are teaching our graduates to think critically, to be analytical and strategic in their approach to problems and opportunities, and to communicate well both orally and in writing. These are the skills they will need to thrive in a world that requires much more than subject matter knowledge. Beyond curriculum reform, we made changes in just about every other area of the university. For example, we have reformed the tenure process, raising the bar for tenure and promotion. We know that many of the changes will bear fruit over longer periods of time. There is one very important measure, however, that has shown significant improvement in a short period of time and is the result of the reform of the enrollment management process. Admission standards have been increased three times. Today our standards are higher than those required by the UNC system. At the same time our applicant pool for this fall has increased by more than 40 percent. While a minimum GPA of 2.5 and an SAT score of 850 are required for admission to WSSU, the average GPA and SAT scores for the students to whom we have offered admission for Fall 2012 is 3.4 and 929. Directly related to the higher admission standards is a significant improvement in our ability to retain our students. Five years ago the retention rate, which is the percentage of first-year students who return for their second year, stood at 68 percent. Today that rate is in excess of 80 percent. The retention rate of second to third year students is also up significantly, from 58 percent five years ago to 64 percent today. Yet, we continue to maintain our HBCU mission to provide access to higher education. Because our goal is to produce college graduates, we do not admit students who have little or no chance of being successful. Instead, we often recommend community colleges as an alternative since they do a much better job of preparing students who are not college-ready. Some of these students have been admitted to the Dual Admission Program with Forsyth Technical Community College. They will move directly to WSSU upon completion of the work at Forsyth Tech. While in the program, the students are able to participate in WSSU campus life activities, such as the four students who were in the marching band this past year. The program has been so successful that there is a substantial waiting list that includes some students who have been admitted to other UNC campuses, but want to attend WSSU and are willing delay their full admission. To use an old cliché, we have come a long way in 120 years. From one room to a sprawling campus, from a teacher’s college to an institution that offers doctoral level degrees. And the university’s transformation continues with changes that are necessary to ensure that our graduates are prepared for success in a very competitive 21st century economy. Just as Slater Industrial Academy eventually became Winston-Salem State University, we must always take the steps necessary to ensure that our students are prepared for today. With your support we can continue to contribute to the success of our students and to the success of the communities where they will live and work. Thus, we will follow the tradition established by Dr. Simon Green Atkins that lives on in our motto – “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.”
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Donald J. Reaves, PhD
To view the university’s Strategic Plan, visit www.wssu.edu/strategicplan.
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EXTENDING THE LEGACY As we continue to celebrate the rich heritage of Winston-Salem State University, this issue of Archway provides a high-level look at the school’s expanding role and impact from the early 1900s until today. Clearly evident in every era is founder Simon Green Atkins’ determination to overcome obstacles and equip students for success in a changing world. That commitment continues to shape WSSU today and its plans for the future.
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The Legacy
Continues
On June 30, 1900, Atkins reported to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction that “the classroom accommodations were up to the best standard.” There were 12 faculty members and 263 students – 117 males and 146 females – from North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Zululand, South Africa.
While racial friction remained an issue in many communities, Atkins is credited with establishing a spirit of cooperation between the races in the “twin cities” of Winston and Salem. Indicating the worth of Slater to the community, William A. Blair, a respected business leader and member of the board of trustees, said it had been “a center around which a community of interest and mutual understanding and respect and regard of one race for the other has been centered.”
12 faculty members and 263 students The school continued to receive recognition and support far beyond the community and state. The following statement was made by Dr. David James Burrell, pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church, New
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York City: “I know Slater Industrial and State Normal School, and believe in it. The splendid success which it has achieved is largely due to the cordial understanding between the white people who stand back of the enterprise, and the colored people who are more immediately interested in it. I wish there were more Institutions of like character. I say with all my heart, ‘God bless it.’”
As the school reached its 25th anniversary in 1918, World War I was in full swing, and most male students were serving in the military. Yet there was cause for optimism, as the school announced a campaign to raise $25,000 – a thousand dollars for each year of the school’s history.
The anniversary campaign goal was met, with $10,000 from the state, $5,000 from the General Education Board, and $10,000 from the citizens of Winston-Salem. W.A. Blair said, “It was the easiest money to raise I have ever known of.”
During 1910-11, electric current and steam heating were installed, reducing the danger of fire but increasing the cost of operation.
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t One man, with an indomitable spirit and the ability to marshal support for his vision, spent most of his life laying the foundation for what has become today’s WinstonSalem State University. As Simon Green Atkins began Slater Industrial Academy in 1892 and started building a reputation for quality education and unwavering integrity, he earned the respect and support not only of members of his own race, but also of white leaders in the towns of Winston and Salem and established educators across the country.
With the exception of a leave of absence to serve his church from 1904-1913, Atkins led the school until his retirement a few months before his death in 1934. Two of his sons continued to provide leadership – Francis Atkins as president until 1961 and Jack Atkins as executive secretary until 1960. The next half-century featured an ever-broadening sphere of leadership and impact, supported by contributions from many individuals, families, businesses and foundations.
Presidents and Chancellors Simon Green Atkins, President 1892-1904 Cadd Grant O’Kelly, President 1904-1910 1910-1913 Francis Marion Kennedy, President Simon Green Atkins, President 1913-1934 Francis Loguen Atkins, President 1934-1961 Kenneth Raynor Williams, President 1961-1972 Chancellor 1972-1977 H. Douglas Covington, Chancellor 1977-1984 Haywood L. Wilson, Jr., Interim Chancellor 1984-1985 Cleon F. Thompson, Jr., Chancellor 1985-1995 1995 Gerald McCants, Interim Chancellor Alvin J. Schexnider, Chancellor 1996-2000 2000-2006 Harold L. Martin, Sr., Chancellor Michelle Howard-Vital, Interim Chancellor 2006-2007 Pedro L. Martinez, Acting Chancellor July/August 2007 Donald J. Reaves, Chancellor 2007-present
r Alma Mfirastte four-year alma mater for the Slater graduates were now teaching in some of the leading schools of the state, and in 1925, the General Assembly ratified “An Act to change the name of Slater Normal School at Winston-Salem to the Winston-Salem Teachers College.” The institution became the first historically black college in the nation to grant the B.S. degree in elementary education.
Rachel Diggs (Wilkinson) ’33 was the first female graduate of WSSU to go on to earn a Ph.D. She received her master’s degree from Columbia University and her Ph.D. from New York University and was later named WSSU Alumna of the Year. She included WSSU in her will with a gift to fund scholarships and provide an operating endowment for Diggs Gallery, which was named for her brother, James Thackery “T” Diggs, Jr. ’34, who served as WSSU art professor for 45 years.
The words for the . Mar y was written by Mrs , 30 19 in ed us , ge colle long-time one of the school’s Fries Blair, wife of ritten by . The music was w air Bl . .A W , es te us tr the music faculty. Robert C. Bolling of ser and der, a noted compo Ry F. h oa N , 38 19 In Service in or of Community arranger and direct d music for ol, wrote words an Music for the scho ent to as a Christmas pres er arches: at m a alm t en rr Photos of cu the mily. Teachers College Fa m Come the Winston-SaleTo
Stone Arches A beloved icon for students and alumni, the stone arches were erected sometime before 1936, and served as the gateway into campus from the west. In 1936, the WSTC graduating class added a plaque to each arch, honoring the school’s founder, Simon Green Atkins, and his wife, Oleona Pegram Atkins.
The first yearbook published for the senior class was the T.C. Pedagogue of 1935. The book contained this reference: “The history of the development of Winston-Salem Teachers College is one of victory over difficulties bravely faced and overcome; high ideals maintained; and objectives accomplished.”
Primary source: The History of Winston-Salem State University, 1892-1995 by E. Louise Murphy Revised and Edited by Frances Ross Coble, Simona Atkins Allen and Wilma Levister Lassiter
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Gaining acceptance Expanding SCOPE Once again, a milestone anniversary – the 50th – came during a major war. At the commencement exercises held on May 2, 1942, special tributes were made to three members of the Trustee Board, honoring them for 50 years’ service to the school. Henry E. Fries, William A. Blair and the late A.H. Eller had served continuously since the school’s founding. Robert M. Hanes, president of the Wachovia Bank and Trust Company and former president of the American Bankers Association, was appointed to succeed Eller.
1940 - 1950’s In December 1947, the college was granted the “A” rating by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, followed by accreditation in February 1948 by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Thus, another first was achieved. The college became the first Negro institution in North Carolina to achieve accreditation by and membership in this association and, for a number of years, one of six in the country.
In 1963, Wake Forest College awarded Chancellor Kenneth R. Williams an honorary doctor of laws degree, the college’s first to an African American.
The goal of full membership in the Southern Association was still to be reached, and a followup study of graduates from 1951 to 1955 was prepared for a visitation committee. It was indicated that in 1956 four graduates held the doctoral degree, and that Edward O. Diggs, the first Negro to graduate from the Medical School at the University of North Carolina, was a graduate of Winston-Salem Teachers College. Furthermore, at the particular time, 58 of its graduates were in leading graduate schools working on their master’s degrees. Full membership and accreditation was gained in December 1960.
1960’s
In 1961, after nearly 70 years of growth under the guiding hand of the Atkins family, the school came under new leadership. The retirement of Francis Atkins brought Dr. Kenneth R. Williams to head the school.
Patricia Johnson went on to do graduate work at Wake Forest
University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and became a faculty member and later associate dean at Wake Forest University.
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Williams became head of the school at the time when effects of the Supreme Court’s decision eliminating the 58-year-old idea of “separate but equal” were beginning to have the greatest impact on desegregation in the school systems of the South. The campus of Winston-Salem State University did not escape some disruption of normal campus life, but fortunately it was not marked by extreme incidents. Chancellor Williams is credited with strong, effective leadership during this time, keeping the door open to discussion on any pertinent matter and creating a Student Advisory Committee to advise the trustees on student matters. At the same time, he communicated in no uncertain terms the responsibility of all students to adhere to university policies and procedures, ensuring the rights of students to continue their education.
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The first white student to receive a degree was Patricia Adams Johnson (Johansson) of Tobaccoville, N.C. in 1968. When she entered WSSU as a sophomore, she had five children, the oldest a senior in high school and the youngest in first grade. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English with highest honors and went on to do graduate work at Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She served on the faculty and as an associate dean at Wake Forest.
1970’s
Students from Winston-Salem State Teachers College were among those who stood up for equal rights by sitting down at a for-whites-only lunch counter in early 1960. By May of that year, Winston-Salem became the first community in North Carolina to desegregate its lunch counters. On May 25, 2010, Mayor Allen Joines led a community celebration in honor of the milestone event. © 1960 Winston-Salem Journal photo
By the time of Williams’ retirement in 1977, the curriculum offered 28 major and minor programs carrying the degree of bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of science in applied science. Faculty had grown from 62 to more than 140, of whom 30 percent were black. Student population increased to more than 2,300, with 8 percent non-black. Although hampered by the challenges of a traditionally black institution seeking to secure adequate state appropriations, the growth of O’Kelly Library was significant under Williams’ leadership. The continuing education program he began grew to a record membership of 362 adult students in more than 40 evening classes, all taught by the university’s regular faculty.
140 faculty members and 2,300 students Echoing those who came before him, Chancellor Williams noted on several occasions, “If I had to pick my biggest challenge over the years, it would be getting adequate funds for the School.” On October 30, 1971, the General Assembly reorganized higher education in North Carolina. On July 1, 1972, Winston-Salem State University became one of 16 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina, subject to the control of a Board of Governors. Eighty years after its founding, the school was finally in line to receive funds from the state on the same basis as all other state-supported institutions of higher education.
Name Changes Reflect Expanding Scope 1963
In 1963, the N.C. General Assembly dropped the term “Teachers” from the name of the school, making the name “Winston-Salem State College,” opening the door for awarding liberal arts degrees.
1969
In 1969, still greater curriculum expansion was indicated when a statute designating the school as Winston-Salem State University received legislative approval.
1971
In 1971, the General Assembly reorganized the state system of higher education and the following year made WSSU, along with 15 other state-supported senior institutions, constituents of the University of North Carolina.
The University Seal The design of the seal resulted from a competition conducted in the early 1960s by art professor James T. Diggs. A student conceived the design that Diggs refined. The seal features Athena holding a scroll and torch, symbolic of the knowledge and wisdom for which the university stands.
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Diggs Gallery, named for James Thackery “T” Diggs, a 1934 graduate and an art professor at the school for 45 years, was dedicated in the fall of 1990. A well-known philanthropist and friend of Professor Diggs, James Gordon Hanes Jr., provided funding to create the gallery. Today it is a major cultural center at WSSU and offers one of the largest exhibition spaces dedicated to the arts of Africa and the African Diaspora in North Carolina.
Accelerating GROWTH 1985 - 1995
“A Decade of Development” Dr. Harold Douglas Covington became chancellor in 1977. Priorities included strengthening undergraduate programs, planning graduate-level programs, recruiting a larger proportion of academically talented students, correcting academic deficiencies among students, campus enhancement and expansion, and expanding community outreach, awareness and support for the university. WSSU made national news in higher education with a successful $3 million capital campaign, the first in its history. Six months after launching the campaign in 1981, the university had surpassed its goal by $400,000. A gift of $1 million by R.J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. was the largest single corporate gift ever made to a traditionally black institution.
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In 1981 the UNC Board of Governors authorized the following graduate-level programs: Master of Business Administration; Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision; Master of Arts in Elementary Education; and Master of Arts in Middle Grades Education (6-9).
1980’s Dr. Cleon Franklin Thompson, Jr. was named chancellor in 1985. Born in New York City, he held a master’s degree in biology, a doctor of philosophy degree in educational administration from Duke University, had served as provost and acting president of Shaw University, and was serving as vice president for Student Services in the UNC system. Thompson’s tenure from 1985 to 1995 was described as “A Decade of Development.” He immediately formed a planning team and initiated a comprehensive self-study
to identify strengths and weaknesses, then developed a strategic plan for helping the school realize its potential and become a more successful regional university.
1990’s To realize the level of excellence envisioned by the strategic plan, a five-year $25 million Centennial Campaign Anniversary was launched in 1992 – the most ambitious drive ever conducted by a publicly supported historically black college. Once again, belief in the school and its vision for the future resulted in widespread support. Contributions came from local and regional corporations and foundations, alumni and staff, and individuals in the community, led by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s pledge of $4 million and Sara Lee Corporation’s pledge of $2.5 million, at that time the largest gift in the company’s history.
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Under Thompson’s guidance, the nursing program was revitalized (see story on page 14), emphasis on undergraduate research was heightened, library resources were substantially expanded, and collaborations were established with corporations, universities and other institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Degree programs were expanded to include physical therapy, sports management, middle grades education, therapeutic recreation and management information systems.
Student enrollment 2,845 From 1985 to 1995, the student body grew from 2,425 to 2,845, an increase of 17.4 percent. Composite SAT scores for entering freshmen increased from 612 to 801. There was an 80.4 percent increase in the graduation rates from May 1986 to May 1994. At the time of Thompson’s retirement in 1995, the new student services center was named for him.
A New Millennium As the 20th century came to a close and the new millennium began, WSSU was under the leadership of Alvin J. Schexnider from 1996-2000 and Harold L. Martin until 2006. It was a decade of exceptional growth in the number of students served, programs offered and national recognition received. Highlights included establishment of six master’s programs, an evening MBA program, and groundbreaking for a new $70 million, 160,000-square-foot facility in the Piedmont Triad Research Park to house a biotechnology collaboration with Wake Forest University. In 1999, WSSU was recognized in the “America’s Best Colleges” issue of U.S. News and World Report as a leading public liberal-arts college in the Southern Region. The publication has continued its recognition of WSSU in the Top Public Southern Comprehensive Colleges–Bachelor’s Category. From 2000 to 2006, enrollment nearly doubled (from 2,796 to 5,556), freshman SAT scores climbed by nearly 70 points, and the campus underwent a dramatic physical transformation made possible in part by a $45-million investment from the 2000 Higher Education Bond Program.
Campus renovations included construction of WSSU’s clock tower on the pedestrian mall.
Closing ceremonies for the centennial year were held Sunday, December 6, 1992, and included burial of a time capsule on the north side of Blair Hall on ground which was a part of the site of the first brick building on the campus. The inscription provides for the time capsule to be opened in 2042.
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With the appointment of Donald J. Reaves as Chancellor in 2007, WSSU began addressing powerful external forces – including a dramatically changing, information-driven job market, expanding competition and globalization – along with its own need to manage the massive growth in student population it had experienced in recent years. Guided by a comprehensive new strategic plan, the school has moved forward on numerous fronts to transform itself in virtually every area, from curriculum to the campus infrastructure. In at least one very important way, administrators say, it is going “back to the future.” Embedded in the Strategic Plan is a recommitment to educational philosophies that originate from WSSU’s heritage as a small teacher’s college where faculty and staff interacted regularly with students beyond, as well as inside, the classroom. “We’re revisiting basic values and approaches,” explained Merdis J. McCarter, senior associate provost for academic affairs, who
recently retired and witnessed tremendous growth and change over her tenure. “Under current leadership, we’re looking to ‘feel smaller’ again and to be more of a community. “Early in my career, faculty and staff were expected to be fully engaged with student life. This was part of our culture – the educational experience meant going beyond the classroom. Even as we update our curriculum for the 21st century, WSSU is taking steps to embrace this principle again, reinvigorating our traditional culture – one of the things that made the institution great in the first place.” Significant progress has been made toward all five strategic goals: Academic Excellence; Student Success; Community Engagement; Efficient, Effective Use of Resources; and University Culture and Pride. In the 20102011 Strategic Plan Annual Report (www. wssu.edu/about/publications), Chancellor Reaves described progress to date as “a time
A 2012 report shows the university has an approximately $350 million economic impact on the Piedmont Triad and is responsible, directly or indirectly, for more than 6,600 jobs in the region.
of transformation on the Winston-Salem State University campus as we began an ambitious plan to establish a new direction for the university. With a heavy focus on student success and academic excellence, we implemented strategies that are designed to ensure that our students are prepared to be competitive in the 21st century.” Like those before him, dating back to founder Simon Green Atkins, Reaves noted the continuing challenge of achieving excellence with limited resources. “We also faced ongoing challenges created by another reduction in state funding. With the Strategic Plan as our guide, however, we were able to maintain the focus on using our scarce resources efficiently and effectively. We continue to strive to ensure that there is a significant return on every dollar that is invested in the future of our students.” Today’s Winston-Salem State University offers increasing points of pride for alumni, students, faculty and staff. Through increasing partnerships, collaborations, community outreach initiatives and other opportunities for engagement, WSSU is continuing to expand its impact and strengthen its future.
The WSSU Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center (BRIC) is a center of excellence dedicated to training the future generation of scientists. Focus is on research that addresses biomedical and health issues of the minority population.
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Engagement Focus
WSSU is stepping up efforts to broaden awareness of its role and impact within the community, across the state and beyond, connecting with business, government and community leaders, foundations and employers in a variety of ways. The university has a significant community impact in terms of human capital, partnering with schools to support educational needs, providing leadership for economic development initiatives and delivering healthcare services to underserved populations.
Raising Academic Standards
Under adjusted admissions criteria, the strategic plan calls for stable undergraduate class sizes over the next several years, allowing WSSU to maintain or perhaps even shrink the ratio of students to faculty and staff, while increasing the ratio of high-performing students in each class. Results are already evident, with an average GPA of 3.4 for incoming freshmen in fall 2012. While WSSU has increased its admission standards, the school has also partnered with Forsyth Technical Community College to develop a Dual Admissions Program that provides access to higher education for students who may not be prepared for the demands of a four-year college.
Master Plan
With a goal of optimizing its resources, WSSU has created a master plan for campus development, designed to preserve the heritage of the campus while offering students an environment that promotes learning and provides a even greater sense of community. A major step came in spring 2011 with ground-breaking for the new Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center, scheduled for completion in 2013.
Global Impact
During the past two years, WSSU’s core curriculum has undergone a major transformation – the first in nearly 50 years – as a means of providing graduates with the skills needed to be successful in today’s knowledge-based global economy. Today, the curriculum exposes students to the skill sets that they will need to be competitive – quantitative skills and analytical thinking, critical problem-solving and improved communication abilities.
Student Success
With the university attracting better-prepared students, emphasis on academic support services has increased. Plans for a new Student Success Center will centralize services that have traditionally been housed in multiple locations across the campus, creating a dynamic learning environment where students at all levels can optimize performance. Expanding financial aid is a priority, allowing students to focus fully on their schoolwork. Research shows that for every $1,000 in financial aid awarded, the probability of graduation increases by approximately 20 percent.
Through Liberal Learning Seminars and an expanded curriculum, students are provided the opportunity to broaden their knowledge not only in specific subjects, but also in the approaches and methods of acquiring the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in the world they will face upon graduation.
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From Near-Failure to
National Recognition
Today, the WSSU School of Health Sciences is one of the major providers of nurses in North Carolina. In the 1980s, however, times were difficult for the School of Nursing at WSSU. Declining enrollment and low scores on the state licensure exam caused some groups, including the UNC Board of Governors, to consider closing the program. Much of the credit for saving the program and for the university’s growth in the healthcare field can be attributed to Cleon F. Thompson, Jr., chancellor of WSSU from 1985 to 1995. At a time when it appeared there was no way the nursing program would be continued, Thompson continued to fight to save it. “Cleon had a tremendous impact during his 10 years at Winston-Salem State,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves. “It was during this time that the nursing program was revitalized and the university saw an increase in both the student body and the size of the faculty.” Thompson received similar praise from Paul Fulton, retired president of Sara Lee Corporation and a former member of the WSSU Board of Trustees.
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“There is no doubt that Cleon’s tenacity and his belief in the importance of the nursing program at Winston-Salem State laid the foundation for the outstanding health sciences programs the university offers today,” Fulton said. “He fought to keep the program alive because he saw the potential and he had the fortitude to make it happen. Cleon is a visionary and someone who can also implement that vision.”
Innovative leadership A key component of Thompson’s strategy to rejuvenate the nursing program was to identify someone who understood the discipline and who had the drive to get the job done. In 1989, he chose Sylvia Flack, a 1968 WSSU graduate with extensive experience in healthcare practice and administration. “Under Cleon’s leadership, the Board of Trustees agreed to give the program time to improve,” said Flack, now executive director of the university’s Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Health Disparities. “He convinced me that this was something I had to do for the students, the university and for the community that needed our nursing program.
“The best thing he did, however, was to step back and give the program to the faculty,” Flack explained. “Not many leaders would do that, but he did. The faculty worked to reinforce the curriculum and to create mastery levels for our students. We began to see a difference in the number of students who could pass the state board once we gave them the knowledge and the confidence they needed. Cleon stayed with us through the process and was there to stand up for the things we needed him to do, such as make sure our students had access to the clinical spaces they needed to support their success. His ability to work with the community helped us when we needed it.”
Dr. Sylvia Flack helped rejuvenate the university’s nursing program in the late 1980s. Today, she heads WSSU’s nationally acclaimed Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Healthcare Disparities.
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Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve From the beginning, the school has been known for its response to community needs. “As the 1800s came to a close, there still was no hospital in Forsyth County for the colored community,” notes Dr. Elinor Smith, a granddaughter of the founder. “In 1899, my grandfather approached community leaders with a proposal to establish a hospital, along with a nurse training department at the Slater School. The proposal received a strong positive response from blacks and whites alike.” A leading supporter was Richard Joshua Reynolds, founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The school raised $3,665, which Rreynolds matched with cash and property, adding 11 ½ acres to the school’s campus. The hospital was constructed by John H. Smith, an alumnus of Slater.
The nursing program began to rebound in 1991 and by 1995 it was challenging the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the top spot in passing rate on the state exam. Enrollment also began to skyrocket, and the program was expanded to include a paramedic-to-BS in nursing degree program, the first in the nation. That led to RN-to-BSN and LPN-to-BSN programs.
Today, WSSU is one of the state’s leading producers of nurses. With the nursing program on solid footing, Thompson shifted the focus to positioning the program and the university as a leader in healthcare education. A biologist by training, Thompson’s vision for the School of Nursing grew out of a combination of experiences as a student, educator and administrator. True to his academic beginnings as a biology professor, he was also successful in leading the university into laboratory spaces and important collaborations at the Piedmont Triad Research Park and into a Minority Global Research Training Program. Thompson’s achievements earned him acclaim at WSSU and beyond, ranging from the student services building at WSSU that bears his name to an endowed chair in nursing at WSSU that will continue his legacy of support of higher education.
From this early initiative the groundwork was laid for the school’s continued commitment to training nurses and eliminating disparities in the quality of healthcare for underserved populations.
The opening of Slater Hospital was announced at commencement exercises in May 1902. The first year, 75 regular patients and 15 emergency patients were treated, and 21 operations were performed. Black physicians served on a monthly rotating basis with white doctors filling in as needed. The first head nurse was Miss Lula C. Hairston of the Slater class of 1896. Major operations cost $5 and minor procedures $2.50. Land around the hospital was purchased by the school for truck farming and raising poultry for use by the hospital and also to raise funds. The hospital operated until 1912. Following that, the building was used as a boys’ dormitory and a “Household Economics Building.” By 1921, a boys’ dormitory had been constructed on the site, described in the 1921-22 school catalog as “a handsome brick, concrete, and steel structure of colonial design.”
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The History of
Ram
Athletics WSSU’s winning tradition in sports is a major component of the university’s proud heritage.
In 1932, three freshmen, William Roscoe Anderson, Jr., Rupert Bell and Jesse B. Eggleton, Jr., approached Dr. Atkins about establishing a formal athletics program at the college. With academic excellence as the school’s unwavering priority and resources scarcer than ever during and following the Depression years, Dr. Atkins was initially not inclined to give his approval, according to a description of the occasion provided by Anderson. He and his friends continued to ask when they could gain audience with Dr. Atkins. Their persistence paid off, and Dr. Atkins finally gave his approval. The three young men were joined by Walter Gray, James T. Diggs, Jr., Robert Schooler, Robert Scales, Belvedere Cook, Theodore Hayes, Theodore Staplefoote and James Boyd to make up WSTC’s first athletic team of any kind, a basketball team. Football was added to the athletics program in 1942. Initially the school was a member of the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC). In 1946 it joined the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). From that start, WSSU has gone on to build a rich history of athletic excellence, garnering awards at both the conference and national levels. WSSU has excelled not only in the traditional sports of basketball and football but has received national and regional prestige for softball, baseball, track and field, golf and wrestling as well. It has produced nationally recognized sports figures like legendary basketball coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who at the time of his retirement was the winningest coach in CIAA history and third-winningest coach in the history of college basketball. One of his star players, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, was the first player in the CIAA to win a national scoring title. Visit WSSU.edu/RamBits and check out the June 15, 2012 issue for a link to a recent tribute to Earl “The Pearl.” Together, Gaines and Monroe led WSSU to the 1967 National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division II Basketball Championship, making WSSU the first historically black college to attain such an achievement. Monroe later became recognized as one of the top 50 players of all time in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
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What a storied history!
Here is the Ram record at a glance: • 11 CIAA Men’s Basketball Championships • 7 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District Basketball Championships
The school was home to one of the nation’s most famous coaches, legendary Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who at one time ranked fifth on the all-time career wins list behind Adolph Rupp (Kansas), Dean Smith (North Carolina), Bobby Knight (Texas Tech) and Jim Phelan (Mt. St. Mary’s). WSSU’s athletic center is named for Coach Gaines.
• 1 NCAA Division II National Basketball Championship • 9 CIAA Football Championships • 1 HBCU National Football Championship
According to The History of WinstonSalem State University 1892-1995, early athletes “had to buy their own suits in which to play, also provide their own transportation.”
• 2 CIAA Baseball Championships • 7 CIAA Women’s Softball Championships • 9 CIAA Wrestling Championships • 1 CIAA Men’s Cross Country Championship • 1 CIAA Women’s Indoor Track and Field • 2 CIAA Women’s Cross Country Championships • 1 CIAA Women’s Tennis Championship • 2 NAIA National Men’s Track Championships • 6 CIAA Men’s Golf Championships
Records indicate that Oris Hill was the school’s first professional basketball player when he went to play with the Harlem Globetrotters. Cleo Hill ’61 became the school’s first NBA professional basketball player
The Story Behind WSSU’s Mascot On the back of a circa early 1930s photo in William Roscoe Anderson’s possession, there is an inscription that reads in part: “Theodore Hayes named the team ‘The Rams.’ That’s where the mascot came from.” But how did the mascot come to be named “Amon?” Here is one popular account ... In 1978 Paul Kuhl, Sports Information Officer for WSSU, ran a mascot naming contest on campus and throughout the community. Names were collected in shoeboxes on campus and at games. Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who was coach and Athletic Director at the time, wanted nothing to do with the naming process. He designated Coach Bill Hayes and Coach Cleo “Tiny” Wallace to work with Kuhl. The day they opened the shoeboxes to select the name for the Ram, they discovered they had a real problem: none of the suggested names looked like they would work. Most of them were bad. Some were awful. Kuhl, who was also a professor of history, had just finished doing research on African history and had come across the name Amon. The name was inspired by the West African deity Amon, which was always represented as a ram. The ancient Egyptians greeted conquering Pharoahs as “Sons of Amon.” Kuhl shared the name and its history with Coach Gaines and Coach Wallace. According to Kuhl, Coach Gaines just looked at him, reminded him that he had predicted this naming business was going to be a problem and walked away. Coach Wallace stuck his hand back into the box and guess what? Out came the name Amon. And the rest, as they say, is, well, history.
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History of the
Marching Band Music has held a position of importance at Winston-Salem State University from its earliest days. In fact, a published history about the university indicates that the 1912-13 catalog for programs offered at Slater had music listed as one of its three main departments. At that time, the music program was primarily relegated to piano and organ instruction and choral instruction. It is recorded that teachers who also had these skills in music were in high demand. A music program involving other instruments is recorded as early as 1933. The ensemble was known as the Slater Industrial Academy Orchestra. The first recorded efforts in the direction of starting a band – “the band” as we know it today – came between the years of 1937-1941. During this period, a group of young college students organized a musical group and named themselves the Teachers
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College Collegians. The group played primarily dance music. Between 1943 and 1944, to stimulate growth and development of the band, the WinstonSalem Teachers College Alumni Association created the “Band Project,” a fundraiser for the band program. The Association raised $1,507.25 to purchase 18 instruments for the program. During that time the band played at chapel services each week.
1933
Slater Industrial Academy Orchestra The college’s first marching band was organized in 1945, under the direction of music instructor Hamlet Goore. Under his leadership over the next five years the marching band made tremendous progress. During the early 1960s, the marching band was under the direction of Harry Pickard and became a regular fixture at school football games and Homecoming parades, and in the City of Winston-Salem’s Christmas parade.
In the late 1960s, the instrumental music program grew dramatically under the direction of Dr. Robert Shepherd and, later, Dr. Fred Tanner. Initially, Dr. Shepherd concentrated his efforts on both the marching and concert bands. When Dr. Tanner joined the faculty, these musical giants split their responsibilities. Dr. Tanner built a 100-plus nationally recognized marching band. Dr. Shepherd conducted the university’s nationally recognized symphonic band. Both men helped to establish an internationally acclaimed 18-piece stage band that toured the United States and Europe, and produced the album “WSSU – Total Sound” in 1971. At the end of the ’69-’70 football season, the band was presented a plaque for being the “Biggest Sound in the CIAA.” Many notable
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Until 2007, the marching band was known as the WSSU Marching Rams. Wanting “a catchier name,” band members created a list of options and invited alumni, staff, faculty and students to vote. The winning name: “The Red Sea of Sound.”
achievements occurred during the early and late ’70’s, which included:
• Half-time performance for the Baltimore Colts, 1971 • Afro-American Day Parade, New York City, 1974 • Performance for the arrival of President Jimmy Carter, 1976 The program was under several leaders after Dr. Tanner relinquished the position. The most notable change occurred in 1994 when Emory Jones became the bandmaster. Jones was a 1971 graduate of WSSU, and he devoted 10 untiring years to the WSSU band program. The Emory Jones Endowed Scholarship in Music was established in his honor.
Today, the Winston-Salem State University Band is known nationally as “The Red Sea of Sound,” under the direction of Dr. Michael Magruder. True to the Ram tradition of excellence, his no-nonsense approach to band and sound philosophy of band has transformed the entire instrumental band program at WSSU. As a result, the “Red Sea of Sound” has performed by invitation in the “Super Bowl of Black College Bands,” the Honda Battle of the Bands, in Atlanta, three times in four years (2009-2012).
Barbara Manning ’60, describes the marching band as a favorite part of her college years. Funds were in short supply, she notes, and some of the band members – including Barbara – did not have hats to go with their uniforms. “We had to wear football helmets,” she says with a smile. One very special memory involves a time when college bands from across the state went to Raleigh for an event. “It started to rain, and soon it was raining quite hard. One by one the bands dropped out, including ones from the largest schools in the state. But not dear old TC. We had come to play our instruments, and play we did. It made me very proud to be part of that group of dedicated students.”
Visit www.youtube. com/wssumedia to see the video
The legacy continues...
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y life mory of m e m t s e d n ‘TC’ “My fo t Dear Old a g n ti la u ic ated while matr e and dedic v ti r o p p u s was the ositive exhibited p o h w rs to e h teac wanted you y e h T s. n o expectati ou could e of what y m o it p e e f their be th nselfishly o u e v a g y e t say be and th Who canno . ts n le ta d C?’” n time a st at ‘Old T e b e th re e that they w Gwendolyn Wallace Terrell ’60 Ft. Washington, MD
as ester at WSTC, I w m se st fir y m g in “Dur an udent-athlete. I was e not a basketball st a long talk from th g in iv ce re er ft A athlete! nes, oach, Mr. C.E. Gai C l al tb ke as B ’s en ’s M ty rules and WSTC ili ib ig el ll ba et sk about ba tent aduating incompe gr t ns ai ag ds ar gu safe a trying to become teachers, I started llege lected the right co student-athlete. I se e right college.” coach; I selected th Cleo Hill ’61 Orange, NJ
Life Stories Thanks to those who responded to the request to share your “Life Stories.” Here are excerpts from several of these. See wssu.edu/anniversary for the full comments provided by these and other alumni.
d. letely accepte p m o c lt fe I , U an udent at WSS uraged me, as o c n e o “As a white st h w rs received ul professo my dreams. I e u I had wonderf rs u p to t, tion at a g studen older returnin d me to a posi le h ic h w g ity to in train I had the abil re e h extraordinary w l o o h League ed prep sc ce to top Ivy n world-renown ta p e c ac n ai ning, aders g SU for the trai S W help future le to l fu k am so than universities. I r me.” ey opened fo th rs o o d e th and
ory of my time “My fondest mem Teachers College at Winston-Salem interpersonal is grounded in the loped which relationships I deve the building ultimately became Additionally, blocks for my life. oad range and I remember the br experiences depths of academic uate studies.” leading to my grad
Dr. Calvert Smith ’59 Cincinnati, OH
Pat Cheney, M.Ed. ‘88 Pearland, TX
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“My dad, Nathaniel H ayes Sr., graduated from TC in 1950 and I didn’t think of going anywhere else. Not only did my sister, Claudia Hayes Skinner ’74, he r husband, Linwood Skinner Sr. ’73 , and their son Linwood Jr. ’01 gr aduate, the greatest day was when my daughter Staci ’07 graduated 30 years to the date of when I did. W e are a family that has been Ramitize d for a long time. Go WSSU!”
“[One] of my fondes t memories about W instonSalem Teachers Col lege was seeing a sm all Teachers College gr ow and blossom into the great university it is today. I learned to sit and lis ten to teachers like ‘Papa C lark,’ Mr. James, Dr. D illard, Jack Atkins, his brot her and many others . We had good teachers and gr eat learning experienc es.” Gloria DeVane Coleman ’59 Sacramento, CA
Marsha Harris ’77 Durham, NC
“As I embark on a life of semi-retirem ent ... I am proud to say it all began for m e at Winston-Salem Teachers College. I learned about peop le. I learned about ex panding my horizons. I learned about education. A ll of these lessons have consumed and indeed defined my personal and professional life for half a century.” “In my life there ar e some things that just cannot be ranked. My experiences at WSS U fall into that category .... I will al ways remember fondly the experie nces, people and places that helped shape my life. I know for certain th at I am richer because of each of them.” CeCe Ava Byers ’73 Orange, NJ
Dr. Betty Nyangoni ’62 Washington, D.C.
“When I atten ded WSSU fro m ’92 to’96, ‘non-traditional ’ students were not a mainstay at the Universi ty. As such, the A rchway did a story on my daughter, who was around 8 years old at the time, and I. T he story itself is not what mak es this a fondes t memory but that my daugh ter is now a “n o n-traditional” student at WSS U, scheduled to graduate next December – ju st like her moth er.”
Dr. Amber M. Baker’ 96 Winston-Salem, NC
Scan here to read more Life Stories comments Archway
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on the yard
campus news & events
Six WSSU Students Named
Schweitzer Fellows Six WSSU students have been named to the 2012-13 class of North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellows. They are among 220 graduate students at 12 program sites throughout the nation who will partner with local agencies to develop and implement mentored service projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved people. “We are thrilled that six of the 29 graduate students selected for this year’s class of Fellows in North Carolina are from our university,” said Dr. Peggy Valentine, dean of WSSU’s School of Health Sciences. “We had one of the first physical therapy students in the state to be selected in 2009, and last year we had • • two more physical therapy students participating in the program. In addition to our four PT students in the 2012-2013 class, we also have the first two occupational therapy students in North Carolina to be selected.”
passion•• idealism action impact
ltimore Schweitzer Fellows Program
th care are filled with disparities. es, when there are even greater more area, The Albert Schweitzer ing about it.
weitzer Fellows Program (one U.S.) has supported graduate r. Albert Schweitzer’s footsteps. sm into action, these Schweitzer based organizations to develop rojects that improve the health H. Douglas pulations. In the Dr. process, they Covington, who nd multidisciplinary leadership served as chancellor of WSSU from 1977 ces their ability to successfully
ission
until 1984, passed away June 27, 2012 at the age of 77.
ers in Service: cated to and skilled in underserved communities ces and inspires others.
Dramatic Difference
22 Summer 2012 “band-aid” approaches to today’s esigned to have long-term impact 27337_WSSU.indd 22 nd to create lasting relationships
B
The WSSU students selected as Schweitzer Fellows and their service projects are: • Logan Barbour and Daniel Metzger, doctoral students in physical therapy, will conduct pediatric development screenings, enroll children in health insurance, and work with their families to establish a medical home as an expansion of the work initiated through the WSSU Rams Know H.O.W. mobile clinic by Clinton Serafino and Timothy Serrano, 2011-2012 Schweitzer Fellows from WSSU. • Nnonyem D’Martin and Lesianelle King, physical therapy doctoral students, will conduct a dance and exercise program for underserved children ages 8 through 12 at the Winston Lake Family YMCA. • Charles Mullen and Chelsea Simpkins, occupational therapy graduate students who are Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows, will work with the Area Agency on Aging to conduct fall prevention screenings through the mobile clinic and offer fall prevention education classes at senior centers in the community.
Innovative Projects Meet Diverse Health Care Needs
Two WSSU Students Receive Recognitions
altimore Schweitzer Fellows have addressed a wide variety Former Chancellor of health needs through sustainable projects with direct service at Dies at Age 77projects have included: their core. Schweitzer service
• Creating Project Jump Dr. Start, a comprehensive A native of Winston-Salem, H. Douglas Candace Jolly, a senior rehabilitation studies student from student-run health clinic forcareer individuals in Covington devoted 50 years of his to serving as an educational leader. In addition to Shelby, N.C., has received the inaugural Undergraduate West Baltimore who are experiencing homelessness. serving as chancellor at WSSU, he was presiRehabilitation Student of the Year Award from the National • Developing an after-school program incorporating dent of Alabama A&M University and Cheyney Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE). Nominees a range of activities including one-on-one tutoring, University as well as vice president of must meet certain academic criteria as well as demonstrate gardening,atsports andInstitute. fitness Ininstruction development Tuskegee 1995, outstanding service, leadership and advocacy. In the past, the • Expanding Charm City Clinic’s programming through Covington became the first African American to award has only gone to a graduate student. community outreach, literacy lead a non-historically black health public college or workshops, and university in Virginia when he became president skill-building PhotoVoice activities of Radford University. After his retirement fromsupport to Shavada Roary, second-year professional phase student • Working to provide birth companion in the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program, from Radford in 2005, Covington served as interim pregnant youth in the juvenile justice system in Charlotte, N.C., was awarded the Richard Early Award by the president of Emory & Henry College. Baltimore City North Carolina Section of the American Society of Clinical • Partnering Civic Environmental Leadership Chemistry. The award is given to a CLS student identified by Read more at with wssu.edu/about/news/2012/ Covington-death Program to heighten environmental awareness among their program faculty for his or her excellent academic work at-risk youth in Baltimore and potential shown in the area of clinical chemistry. The Baltimore Schweitzer Fellows Program not only provides services today to those in need, it invests in the students who will be caring for these same communities throughout their careers as professionals. 8/17/12 3:24 PM
Record Number of Students Graduate Michael Eric Dyson, noted author and radio host and a professor of sociology at Georgetown University, served as the speaker for WSSU’s commencement on May 12 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Dyson delivered an inspirational message to a capacity crowd of 13,000, including 1,200 graduates. Honorary degrees were conferred on Dyson, along with Judge Joseph D. Johnson ’73 and Dr. Merdis J. McCarter, senior associate professor for Academic Affairs and Undergraduate Programs, who retired after more than 40 years at WSSU.
Visit http://tinyurl.com/d4a2qrv to view additional WSSU Commencement 2012 photos or visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=OySs3eTk5gg to see a video.
WSSU Professor and Students Participate in Financial Conference in Ghana Dr. Alice S. Etim, assistant professor of management information in the School of Business and Economics, was one of more than 30 industry intellectual leaders who gathered in Accra, Ghana May 28-29 for a banking forum sponsored by AITEC Africa. Etim conducted a session on the factors that impact the use and growth of mobile banking and mobile commerce in West Africa. Three undergraduate students from WSSU’s School of Business and Economics also attended the conference. They were Bryant Bell, Dominic Olshanski and Rickey Burns. The conference in Accra is one of many information and communications technology sessions sponsored by AITEC Africa across the continent to address key issues faced by the financial services sector as part of its focus on professional training and development. WSSU’s participation was made possible in part by the Koch Foundation, Dr. Jessica Bailey and Dr. Craig Richardson.
Dr. Legette Receives Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Lee David Legette, professor of Music in the Department of Fine Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at WSSU, has been awarded the 2012 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. This is the UNC system’s highest honor for superior teaching.
The 2012 WSSU Foundation Annual Golf Classic generated over $34,000 in proceeds for general scholarship support!
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time out ram sports
2012 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced The Winston-Salem State University C.E. “Big House” Gaines Hall of Fame will welcome its 2012 class of inductees when eight individuals along with the 1999 and 2000 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champion Rams basketball teams will take their place among the WSSU greats. The individual inductees and the teams will be inducted in a ceremony on Friday, August 31, at the Anderson Conference Center’s McNeil Banquet Room on the WSSU campus and will be honored at halftime at the Hall of Fame football game, featuring the Winston-Salem State University Rams versus UNC-Pembroke on Saturday, September 1. The Clarence E. “Big House” Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2012 will include some of the top student-athletes in school history. The class will include three football players (Dr. Randy Bolton ’79, Willie Crite, Jr. ’10 and Dwayne Finch ’78), one wrestler (Bennie Carver ’91), one baseball player (Paul Hayes, Sr. ’58), one member of the Rams golf team (Alvin Queen, Sr. ’78), two for meritorious service (Peyton Hairston, Sr. ’54 and Dr. Clarence “Jeep” Jones ’55) and the 1999 and 2000 CIAA championship basketball teams.
An Outstanding Year for WSSU Athletics After one of the most successful years of competition in school history, WSSU Athletics ended the 2011-12 year in style, earning a bevy of awards at the 2012 CIAA Coaches Award Program in Newport News, Va. and, for the second consecutive year, graduating more than 30 Lady Rams and Rams. Director of Athletics William “Bill” Hayes received the Jeannette Lee Athletic Achievement Award for his extraordinary leadership and was named Athletic Director of the Year.
Tonia Walker, Associate AD/SWA, was honored as CIAA Senior Woman Administrator of the Year for excellence in athletic administration.
Conference champions in women’s cross country and softball, the Lady Rams received the Loretta Taylor All-Sports Trophy for the most successful women’s athletic teams. The Rams were honored with the C.H. Williams All-Sports Trophy, reflecting
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conference championships in football, men’s and WSSU softball’s Candace Spinks, who basketball and baseball. were both members of CIAA championship Coach of the Year awards went to teams, earned Magna Cum Laude honors Lataya Hilliard-Gray, softball; Inez Turner, as well. women’s cross country; Connell Maynor, One of the most inspiring journeys football; and Kevin Ritsche, baseball. came to its successful completion when former WSSU football player Travis Taylor Reflecting the school’s equally strong focus on academic success, WSSU sports completed his studies. The Newberry, S.C. native suffered a career-ending injury against teams also took home awards for the top GPAs in the conference in bowling (3.16), the Shaw Bears in the fall of 2011. He golf (3.03), baseball (3.07) and men’s indoor soldiered on to complete his degree and will track and field (2.87). begin his professional career with the FBI Among the 32 student-athletes who this summer. “This is truly a special day,” said Hayes. graduated in May were five Magna Cum Laude graduates. They included Lady Rams “Some of our student-athletes are the first in their families to graduate college. Our aim track & field and cross country star Ashley now is to do even more and raise additional Lawson, who was a member of three CIAA championship teams: both of the back-tomoney for scholarships so we can continue our mission of graduating our student-athback CIAA women’s cross country championship teams as well as the 2011 CIAA letes and winning championships.” women’s indoor track & field championship team. WSSU baseball’s Michael Robbins Go to wssurams.com to read more.
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’70s
class notes
’70 Dr. Georgia Battle retired July 31, 2012 from Georgia Southern University as a Professor of Educational Psychology, Statesboro, Ga. She was granted Professor Emerita status. ’73 Mr. Kenn L. Hicks recently published his book, Eleven Building Blocks of Domestic Violence Prevention. Hicks’ endeavors are to reduce domestic and dating violence. He is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified Domestic Violence Counselor. For further information on domestic violence prevention or to purchase your copy of Hicks’ book, go to www.domesticviolenceprevention.org. ’75 Mr. Fred Whitted recently published his book, The Rams’ House: The Heritage of Winston Salem State University Athletics. The book is a narrative history of WSSU’s athletic program beginning in the 1920s through its recent SBN Black College Football National Championship. Whitted is also the publisher of the Black College Sports Encyclopedia. For more information or to purchase your copy of The Rams’ House, go to www.blackheritagereview.com.
’80s ’80 Mr. Timothy Grant graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Government with a certificate in Municipal Administration on April 20, 2012.
’90s ’91 Ms. Trice Hickman was nominated by the American Library Association for the prestigious 2013 “Reading List” for her novel, Unexpected Interruptions. Hickman also recently signed a three-book deal with Kensington Publishing Corp. (Dafina Books imprint). Her novel, Playing the Hand You’re Dealt, will be released November 2012, and her fourth book, Breaking All My Rules, will be released spring 2013. ’93 Ms. Angela Edwards Henderson received her Masters in Information Technology, December 2011 from Winston-Salem State University. ’94 Ms. AlTonya Washington received her Masters in Library Science in May from North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. Washington is also a published Harlequin author. ’95 Ms. Kenya Tyson was recently hired by Graduate School USA as Dean of Management Programs for its Academic Programs division. In this role she will manage day-to-day operations and budgets of Academic Programs, including developing and implementing department plans for both academic and continuing education. Tyson has over 15 years of experience in the
Send us your news for Class Notes! What’s new with you? Your friends and fellow alumni want to know! Please send news about your personal and professional life to include such items as new career appointments, promotions, births, marriages, retirements, memorials to alumni, etc. to: WSSU Alumni Relations Attn: Class Notes S. G. Atkins House Winston-Salem, NC 27110
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To access this form online, go to www.wssu.edu/classnotes
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legal studies field as a professor, coordinator and manager of various programs, projects and initiatives. ’96 Ms. Angela D. Blue has been selected to serve as Assistant to the Chancellor at WSSU. In her new role, Blue will report to the Chancellor and will manage the inner workings of that office, including scheduling and related matters, travel, correspondence, etc. Blue will be the contact person for dealing directly with the Chancellor.
’00s ’02 Dr. Serena Gayles completed her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in December 2011 from Life University in Marietta, Ga. She specializes in Pediatric Chiropractic and will obtain her pediatric certification in August 2012. Gayles started her practice, Rest and Restore Chiropractic, in North Atlanta in February 2012. ’03 Ms. TaShaun Long received her Masters Degree in Adult Education with a concentration in Higher Education in Student Personnel in December 2011. ’06 Mr. Justin Winslow was recently hired at Fidelity Investments as a Systems Engineer. ’11 Miss Darlene Kilbury became a Certified Rehabilitation Nurse in December 2011. Please Note: Our apologies go to Captain Twanda D. Scales for the misspelling of her name in the previous Archway.
New Address? o Yes o No Full Name:______________________________________________________________ First
Middle Initial
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alumni news alumni news Message from the President, WSSUfrom National Alumni Association Message the President, Dear Fellow Alumni, WSSU National Alumni Association The theme of the Summer 2012 Dear Fellow Alumni,
we passed through these halls on the way to earning our academic credentials from of up Winston-Salem in today’s rough and tumble market Whenanniversary I was growing in Wilmington,State compete WSSU. in our history to build the most active and proud to say that WinstonNC, college was viewed as themy gateway University is about favoritetoperiod inplace. But I am Take a look at what is going on now supportive alumni association WSSU has ever Salem State University doesBold prepare a successful and stable life.AsIt you was know, generally history – Now! we examined in Ram Nation. newitsacademic had. To achieve that, we must act now. students well, and the article “WSSU Steps Up accepted our that past a college degree would buffet history (“Then”) in a previous programs, innovative research, increasing To New Challenges As It Equips It Students for you against the headwinds of up-and-down Please join me in commemorating edition of Archway and we will be looking applications and enrollment. Also a Success in a Fast-Changing World” makes a economic cycles because you were someone the 120th year of WSSU by enrolling and to the future in an edition toknowlcome. But dynamic right growing national reputation and case for our university and the im-an annual with specialized skills and specialized becoming an active member of our National is about what’s happening now at portant our highit ranking prestigious U.S. News & role is playingininthe training students edge. Younow, wereit educated. We watched as our Alumni Association now. Do not allow greattoinstitution. and Universities Report Best Archway clearly captures that attitude about who will World be best-prepared forColleges the challenging parents went work day in and day out to yourself to be disconnected from our university, and it does a great job of tellingthe and changing economic climate face today. the same jobs,As lived the same housethe andlatest issue youinthumb through report. Imagine whatwe happens when you achieved and are expeour storygreatness that morewe of have America is learning studentthe educated today at did not change much about their routines travela across country or display some of Archway, I strongly encourage you Quite simply, about. Winston-Salem State University is a safe bet riencing right now. There is a lot more to from yearto toconsider year. Lifethis wastheme predictable and of “now” a call to As the world shifts beneath all of tech- and tomorrow for any corporation, small business, quite manageable. Change was rare, and even come. If there is a time to getusbehind action to all alumni of WSSU clear across nologically and economically, it is gratifying government agency, nonprofit, or entrepresole breadwinner households were able to WSSU and your National Alumni country fromon coast coast. “Now” isneurial operation. Please join me in commemorating to know support that our students today at Winstongrab one the of the top rungs the to socio-ecoAssociation, it is now. Your national dues are aboutInmuch more than just a theme. How I am proud of the progress our university Salem State are learning to develop transferable nomic ladder. the 21st century, two-income the 120th year of WSSU just $55 per year (July 1 – June 30) and can be so?having Because of what is happening skills, understand creative decision-making, has made and of our standing among top families are trouble gaining a footholdnow at paid at: in our Surelyan activelook more broadly at how to select and on the economic areexpress tough. My by enrolling andnation. becoming WSSU, Iladder. believeTimes it is the duty andacademic institutions prepare for a successful career and, most this from other WSSU gradugraduatingobligation class did we not all face theas daunting have daughters and you have heard of ourweNational Alumni importantly, WSSU National Alumni Association realize that their true career ates, that themember further away get from our circumstances are running into–today sons students of this great institution as its alumni PO Box 890670 growth will come from “learning for a college days, the more we appreciate what when they leave our campus for entry into Association now. – to insert ourselves into the current push lifetime.”Charlotte, Being openNC to lifelong learning is we have learned, and the further we go into the “real world.” 28289-0670 forplanning progressfor right now.isAs alumni, we are critical to making it in today’s world. I believe our lives and careers, the more thankful we Today, college about already committed to helping sustain andare that we were educated at WSSU. In my I speak for all of our alumni when I say planning for survival in an uncertain global Or pay online at WSSUNAA.org and click theequipping progress yourself of todaytointo the travels, I WSSU yourWSSU local community. that we are excited to know that our leadercome inparaphernalia contact with in many economy.enhance It is about on Membership. ship “gets it.” Hearing Dr. Reaves glowingly who represent the they full spectrum fully embrace sudden change andfor somtimes promise of tomorrow the benefit of graduatesPeople see that and immediately think Finally, let us also not forget to conof academic pursuits and run fromof different upheaval future and making it workofforRams you. by Notsupporting generations of the school’s successeras, – now – describe the potential of Winston-Salem tribute toagreement actively support WSSUNAA State University’s with theour Hubei and the sense of pride and promise they feel many colleges and universities can offer and they will almost certainly inquire as to the university with our resources – now. University of ChineseEndowment Medicine andFund hearing Scholarship as we press about WSSU is exciting. I think this issue of students a full array of tools that help them to whether you are active alumni. What willDr. Allen talk about preparing Winston-Salem Right now is when we need your toward our goal of $500,000. We still need generous gifts and contributions to support your answer be? Can you beam with pride State students to do A “anything” and not your help. contribution of just $120.00 to student scholarships, university programs, and say that you are integrally involved in”something” makes us all want to return for commemorate the University’s 120 years one more semester! athletics and your national alumni associathe growth and prosperity we are experiencwould be outstanding, or any amount tion through renewing your membership. ing now as an active alumni member? Or areI am looking forward to more exciting youWinston-Salem are able to give. someone news from StateRemember, University in Right now is when we need your talents you one of those alumni operating on the invested inand youyears, and we reach back and the coming months andmust believe and connections to help WSSU continue periphery who can only lay indirect claim me wheninvest I say in allthose of us following who wereus. privileged to grow and prosper by helping us identify to the success because you are a former to receive our education there are more than Together, we can make this happen. student? This is what the focus on “now” and bring in promising students who would happy to continue spreading the good news. embrace a Winston-Salem State University should get all of us to ask about ourselves: Sincerely, Gordon G. Everett education. We cannot wait. It is this moment “Am I part of Winston-Salem State in time – now – that awaits our support to University’s success now?” give back to the university we love so dearly I am extremely proud and honored National GordonPresident G. Everett and that has given so much to us in our own to lead the National Alumni Association Class of 1978 National President professional and personal lives. For all of during this period – now. One of my goals Class of 1978 us, now is about following through on the as National Alumni Association president www.wssuna.org built-in commitment that we accepted when is to take advantage of this dynamic period Caption caption caption caption caption Archway magazine during this 120th year
Gordon
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WSSU
WSSU Calendar of Events
2012
CLEVELAND CLASSIC September 14-16, 2012
Football
The Kimberley Park Alumni Chapter of the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association is sponsoring a bus trip to the Cleveland Classic to see WSSU play Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga., in the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cost of the bus fare and football ticket is $125. Once your $25 deposit is made, you will receive information about discounted hotel reservations. For details, contact Barbara Manning, (336) 750-2122 or (336) 723-6471; Juliet Brown, (336) 744-5628; or Annie McMorris, (336) 650-0873.
120TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Sunday, September 23, 2012, 3:00 PM Wintley Phipps at KR Williams Auditorium on the Campus of WSSU/Doors open at 2:00 pm. General Admission: $30.00 TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and WSSU Ticket Office, Anderson Conference Center (Suite G-14A), Monday-Friday 11:00 am-5:00 pm Concert proceeds will benefit the scholarship program at WSSU.
HOMECOMING – SAVE THE DATE October 13-20, 2012
Schedule of events will be posted 12/1/12 on WSSU.edu homepage.
Homecoming 2012 class anniversaries 1952
Sept. 15 Morehouse (in Cleveland, Ohio) Sept. 22 Virginia Union
Oct. 6 at Johnson C. Smith
CIAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT February 25-March 2, 2013
Anniversary
Sept. 8 at Concord (W.Va.)
Sept. 29 at Bowie State
Schedule of events will be posted 9/1/12 on www.ramhomecoming.com.
Class Year
Sept. 1 UNC Pembroke
Contacts
60 TBA 1962 50 Donald Faison, fais3063@bellsouth.net 1972 40 Daisie Blue, 1130 Newport Common Dr., Apt 101, Knightdale, NC 27545 dbblue@nc.rr.com 1982 30 Sharon Correll 2425 Sedalia Dr., Clemmons, NC 27012, scorrell@triad.rr.com 1987 25 Denise Norwood Weekes, 39 Smith Street, Newark, NJ 07106 dstgirl9of9@yahoo.com 1992 20 Tamala Bullard, 9519 Christian Walk Dr., #D, Charlotte, NC 28216 mstamala@yahoo.com
Oct. 13 St. Augustine’s Oct. 20 Livingstone HOMECOMING Oct. 27 at Shaw Nov. 3 at Fayetteville State
WSSU History Answers DOWN 2. Reaves 4. Nurses 6. Gaines 8. Francis 9. Amon 10. Teachers 13. Basketball ACROSS 1. Monroe 3. Thompson 5. Diggs 7. Slater 11. Pedagogue 12. Arches 13. Blair 14. OKelly 15. Serve 16. Green Archway
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Office of Marketing and Communications Winston-Salem State University Alumni House Winston-Salem, NC 27110
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OUTSTANDING ALUMNI GIVING RESPONSE! More than 1,500 people pledged a gift during our recent Call Program. More than half were first-time donors, and 371 were young alumni who graduated in the last 10 years. If you haven’t made a gift, it is not too late. Just use the enclosed business return envelope. Or donate online at WSSU.edu. Click on the “Donate Now” button. Your generosity will have a positive impact on our students and make a difference for years to come.
IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT TIME TO BE A RAM!
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