Winston-Salem State University

What is the history of Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) began in 1892 as the Slater Industrial Academy, founded by educator Simon Green Atkins to expand educational opportunities for Black students in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Teacher preparation became a defining part of its early work.

The institution later became Winston-Salem Teachers College. In 1925, it became the first historically Black institution in the United States to award degrees for teaching in the elementary grades. It adopted the name Winston-Salem State University in 1969 and joined the University of North Carolina system in 1972. Today, WSSU is a public historically Black university with programs extending well beyond teacher education.

What are the faculties and departments at Winston-Salem State University?

WSSU organizes its academic programs principally through the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education and the School of Health Sciences. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in fields such as biology, business administration, computer science, education, psychology and social work, as well as graduate and professional study in selected fields.

Health-related offerings are a significant part of the academic mix, including nursing and programs connected to rehabilitation and other health professions. Applicants should check the requirements for their intended major separately from general university admission: a place at WSSU does not necessarily mean immediate admission to a selective clinical program, and some programs have prerequisites or separate progression requirements.

What is the location of Winston-Salem State University?

WSSU is in Winston-Salem, a city in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. Its urban location gives students access to city services and potential employers while making transportation planning relevant for both residents and commuters.

Campus housing is available, but about half of students live off campus. Commuters should consider their route, parking costs and class schedules rather than assuming that every activity will fit around a single trip to campus. Piedmont Triad International Airport serves the wider region; travelers should allow for ground transportation between the airport and Winston-Salem.

What is the mission and vision of Winston-Salem State University?

WSSU describes its mission as providing a liberal education alongside professional and graduate preparation, with an emphasis on student learning, service and engagement with communities. Its vision centers on educational opportunity and graduates' ability to contribute in their fields and communities.

Those statements describe the university's aims, not a guaranteed outcome for each student. WSSU's identity as a public historically Black university is also central to its educational purpose and history; students of all backgrounds may apply.