The Official Directory of Winston-Salem State University

Capacity crowd for WSSU's 2010 Spring Commencement.

More than 1200 graduate and undergraduate candidates for graduation were able to give their mothers a big present the day before Mothers Day, when on Saturday May 8, they accepted their degrees before a huge crowd of more than 12,000.

Nearly 500 December 2009 graduates participated in the morning ceremony. Their ceremony in December was canceled because of a snowstorm. North Carolina State Representative Larry Womble gave the keynote address. Both he and Representative Earline Parmon, also a WSSU graduate, were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees for their many years of service.

Dr. Donald Stewart

In the afternoon session, nearly 900 graduates received their diplomas, the largest class in the school’s history. Dr. Donald M. Stewart, who served as president of Spelman College for 10 years, served as the keynote speaker.  Stewart and WSSU graduate Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, named one of the NBA’s Top 50 players of all time, received honorary degrees.

Click here to see and hear more of WSSU’s 2010 Spring Commencement.

Earl "The Pearl" Monroe

Nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students participated. Here are some of their stories.

The Politician

Public Administration major Derwin Montgomery made national headlines in fall 2009 when he won, by a large margin, the vote in Winston-Salem’s East Ward race to become one of the youngest members of the Winston-Salem City Council in recent memory.

Chancellor Reaves congratulates graduate and city council member Derwin Montgomery.

A native of Hopkins, SC, Montgomery plans to attend Wake Forest University entering their dual degree program between the Law School and the Divinity School.  Currently he is 1st Vice President of the North Carolina NAACP’s Youth & College Division and East Ward City Councilman. He was recognized for his community involvement by the City of Winston-Salem in January of 2009 when he was one of the recipients of the inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Young Dreamers Award. Montgomery aspires to be a U.S. Senator.

The Mother and Son

When Victor Banks moved back to Winston-Salem several years ago to help care for his ailing father, who knew he would eventually be attending college with his mother.  After losing her husband to a lengthy illness, Sondra Banks began to look at other areas of her life to help recover from her tragic loss and focus on new horizons.  Sondra, a full-time WSSU administrative assistant in the School of Education and Human Performance, decided to expand from taking one course per semester to attending school full-time. Working and taking classes helped Sondra to fill the void in her life.  Eventually, she found herself enrolled in a course with her son.

“We were in the same class together one time, an economics class.  When the instructor asked if we were related, I said ‘I don’t know that boy,” noted Banks. “All of the students in the class knew I was his mother. . . . I’m proud of him.”

Banks said her son eventually tutored her in that economics class.  “It was great to do this together –  it was actually fun,” Banks said.

According to Victor, “This is a really happy time for us, I feel great.  It’s been exciting to experience college and to graduate with my mother. I tried to get more classes with her, but couldn’t because we are in different majors.  I can see my Mom worked hard with class, full-time work and an internship.  I am proud of her.”

Both Banks will participate in WSSU’s commencement.  Sondra will receive a degree in social work with honors, Victor will graduate with a degree in business administration.  Both, mother and son, each will each wait a year before deciding whether to further their education.

TWIN PEAKS

It was a big deal for fraternal twins Samatha and Saundra Hayes to go to college in the “big city” of Winston-Salem.  The Hayes are from Skipwith, VA, population 807, give or take a few, and no stoplights.

Saundra (left) and Samatha take a last college photo together.

Back in Skipwith they were known as “The Twins.” Upon arrival at WSSU, they became known as – “The Twins.” But that was about the only thing that remained the same for the Hayes. Besides their classes, the twins were exposed to new cultures, city life, people of diverse interests, backgrounds and intellectual abilities.

“It is really huge here,” said Samatha. “The first time we rode a bus to the mall, we called our Mother because it was the first time we ever rode on a bus.  She told us not to talk to anyone.”

Since then, the Hayes twins have come the proverbial “long way.”  They no longer go home as often to “breathe fresh country air.”  After doing everything together all of their lives, they in fact, are now ready to venture off into new communities — separately.

After commencement, Samatha, an exercise science major, will go to the University of South Carolina to study for a master’s degree in social work.  Saundra, a rehabilitation studies major, will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study rehabilitative counseling. Each wants to move to a larger city –  such as Washington, D.C. –  after grad school.

Their mother, a teacher’s assistant, had a huge impact on their lives. The twins’ career choice was inspired by someone they met when their mother sustained an injury that required physical therapy.  The therapist sparked the twins’ interest in physical therapy and helping those with physical challenges, “such as children who can’t always help themselves,” said Samatha.

The Hayes twins will be the first in their families to receive bachelors’ degrees. They will also make family history by becoming the first to pursue master’s degrees.

Husband and Wife and Oldest Grad

Doris (left) and Theodore prepare to recieve their degrees.

Theodore Evans and his wife, Doris, were the husband and wife team and this class’ oldest graduates. The couple say it was their daughter, Ianthe Nivens, a Business Administration major and also a 2010 graduate, who inspired them to go back to school and get their degrees. Both earned their degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies.  For Theodore, getting his degree was a long time coming. He began his quest to earn his degree more than 35 years ago. Theodore is 71.

The Molecular Biologists

Cynthia Grady and Jacqueline Jackson are standout molecular biology majors with a slew of awards, medical and graduate school acceptances.

Grady is the recipient of the WSSU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) award for the Outstanding Student in Academics.  She has been on the Dean’s List during her entire time at WSSU, which began in Fall 2006.  She has maintained a cumulative Grade Point average of 3.8 throughout her studies (during the last five semesters she maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA).

A former member of the WSSU Track team, Grady was named to the 2008-2009 Mid-Atlantic Eastern Conference (MEAC) Commissioner’s All-Academic Team and a WSSU Athletics Academic All-Star from 2006-2009.  In addition to WSSU, Grady has participated in biomedical training and research programs at Duke, Johns Hopkins and the University of the Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa.  She has received other awards for athletics and for participating in student leadership and community volunteer programs.

Grady has been accepted at seven medical schools.

Jacqueline Jackson is the recipient of the WSSU College of Arts and Sciences’ Outstanding Student in Research award.  In addition, she is the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Best Research in the College.  Jackson has participated in scientific research since her freshman year (2006).  During her time as a WSSU student, she has partnered with WSSU Life Sciences researchers, as well as participated in biomedical training and research programs at University of Michigan and University of Maryland in Baltimore County.  She has presented research findings at conferences in as far a way as Orlando, FL and Austin, TX.

Jackson plans to obtain a Ph.D. in biological sciences and pursue a career as a research professor.

The Ram Pack

In the summer of 2006, at least six freshman participants in WSSU’s Summer Outreach Program – an initiative to increase the number of graduates in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics – made a promise to each other.  Ja’Pel Sumpter, Jennifer Paige, Mia Lassiter, (Cynthia) Grady, Robin Scott, Jasmine Peterson, Ashley Pierce, and (Derwin) Montomery “all made a pact and believed we will be going to medical school after graduation,” said Sumpter, a Chester S.C. native who has been accepted at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

Only Montgomery and Scott are not going to medical school. “Derwin changed his mind along the way and decided on law school, and Robin is going to Pharmacy school,” Sumpter said.

Nearly all of the Ram Pack members have maintained a 3.75 GPA, were involved in community service and served as campus leaders through athletics, Student Government Association, honors programs or service based organizations.

“We all have grown to understand the importance of obtaining a higher education while maintaining a true sense of altruism and compassion towards the betterment of our community and the underprivileged populations whose voices often go unheard,” Sumpter said.

Sumpter plans to wear her mother’s University of South Carolina cap and gown when she participates in WSSU’s commencement as a tribute.  Her mother wore the regalia several years ago when Sumpter was in high school.  Her mother received two master’s degrees that day, one in nursing, the other in public health.  It had an impact on Sumpter.  “She inspires me,” Sumpter said.

WSSU Officers respond to "active shooter" notification.

On Wednesday, May 12, from 8 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m., Winston-Salem State University participated in a full-scale drill to simulate a real emergency on campus.  All campuses within the UNC system are holding these mock “active shooter” exercises in an effort to ensure that the university is prepared in case of an actual emergency.

The drill included two gunmen who have shot victims in Brown Hall with Campus Police responding and shooting one of the suspects.  The second shooter took hostages at the Thompson Center and later a vehicle in Parking Lot O was identified as containing unknown devices, which could possibly be explosives.

Drill evaluator observes officer in action.

City of Winston-Salem Fire and HAZMAT personnel also participated in the drill.

While the drill focused on Brown Hall, the Thompson Center and one parking lot, the entire eastern side of the campus was locked down after 8 a.m. The campus was closed to students, visitors and vendors.

The WSSU Public Safety Office coordinated the exercise, which also included local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.  WSSU security was stationed at all entrances once the campus went into lockdown.

Since this exercise was designed to simulate WSSU’s response to a shooter on campus, all personnel were requested to do what they would do in a real emergency:  stay inside or go inside; close windows and doors and wait for updates.

The result of the test was that the university and emergency responders all said they learned a few things that will need to be improved in case of a real emergency.

Dr. Janice Witt Smith

Seven faculty members at Winston-Salem State University recently received teaching awards for their accomplishments in the classroom and 26 other faculty and staff members were recognized for earning more than $9 million in grant funding for the university.
Dr. Janice Witt Smith, associate professor of management in the School of Business and Economics, was recognized for receiving the UNC Board of Governors’ Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr. Beth Day-Hairston, an associate professor in the School of Education and Human Performance, received the Wachovia Excellence in Teaching Award.

Those faculty members receiving Master Teacher Awards were: Dr. Cedric T. Bass, assistant professor of English; Dr. Naomi M. Hall, assistant professor of psychology; and Dr. Shannon Matthews, assistant professor of Gerontology.  Dr. James S. Etim, professor of Education, received the Wilveria B. Atkinson Distinguished Research Award and Dr. Shirley Manigault, professor of English and the associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Cedric S. Rodney Distinguished Service Award.
“Faculty, staff and administrators conduct programs designed to improve the health, education and services within the city of Winston-Salem, the region, the nation and globally,” said Valerie Howard, director of Sponsored Programs, the area responsible for working with grant submissions. “The $9,177,386 that came in to the university was for the 2008-2009 academic year.

We will exceed that amount this fiscal year by more than $5 million, which is a true indicator of the dedication to sponsored program activities in addition to their teaching or administrative responsibilities.”

In addition to individual faculty members recognized for the grants they had received, the School of Health Sciences was acknowledged as earning the highest total dollar amount of grants and awards for the third consecutive year.  That total was $2,251,578.

Dr. Azeez Aileru, with the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, and Carol Davis, executive director of the Simon Green Atkins Community Development Center, were inducted in the Million Dollar Club for bringing more than $1,000,000 each into the university.

Five staff and faculty members were recognized for being awarded between $500,000 and $1 million in grants.  They were Alvin Atkins, interim director of the Center for Community Safety; Dr. Sylvia Flack, executive director for the Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Health Disparities; Dr. Peggy Valentine, dean of the School of Health Sciences; Dr. Lenora Campbell, of the Division of Nursing; and Davis from the Atkins CDC.

Robert Cowie, from the Master of Science in Physical Therapy Program, and Blair Abee with the Small Business and Technology Development Center, each brought in grants ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 while 17 other staff and faculty members received grants ranging from $250,000 to $10,000 each.

Dr. Phillip Jeter

Dr. Phillip Jeter, professor and chair of the Department of Mass Communications at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), has been named the recipient of the 2010 Edward L. Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education.

This award recognizes an electronic journalism educator who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field in the areas of teaching, service and scholarship. It is given annually by the Radio-Television Journalism (RTVJ) division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) and will be presented August 5 at the association’s national convention in Denver.

Jeter has been at Winston-Salem State since 2008.  Previously, he had spent 19 years on the faculty of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University.  In 2007, he was named the Geier Visiting Professor at Middle Tennessee State University and he has also taught mass media courses at Johnson C. Smith University, Marshall University, Michigan State University and the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus. Prior to becoming a professor, Jeter was a news writer for United Press International and worked at WTTW-TV, a public broadcasting station in Chicago.

Jeter currently serves on the editorial board of RTVJ’s academic journal, Electronic News, and is former chair of the Minorities and Communications division. He has been a chair and member of the Teaching Standards Committee and is on the board of contributing editors for Journalism History, American Journalism, Journalism and Mass Communication Educator, and the Howard Journal of Communications.  Jeter is a past chair of the Multicultural Division of the Broadcast Education Association.

One of Jeter’s former students is Kathy Times, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter who is now an anchor for Fox 40 in Jackson, MS, and this year’s president of the National Association of Black Journalists.  “Dr. Jeter has the right ingredients for reaching and teaching students.  I remember him being calm, but he demanded that we excel in every aspect,” Times said.  “(He gave) me my tuition’s worth and more.”

In writing Jeter’s nomination letter, Dr. Don Heider, dean and professor of the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago, said, “Phil represents everything we look for in a Bliss winner.  He is a dedicated teacher who has served students for many years.  He is dedicated to broadcasting where he worked and has kept an active hand over many years, and he has an exemplary record of service, stepping up whenever asked.”

Jeter holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, an M.A. from Cornell University, and a B.A. from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU).  He is active in the alumni associations for both Wisconsin and JCSU, and he is a life member of the NAACP.

The distinguished broadcast journalism educator award is named for Edward L. Bliss, a long-time writer, producer and editor for CBS News.  Bliss was known for his work with Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite and ended his career as an educator at American University, which now houses the plaques bearing the award winners’ names.

Dr. Michelle B. Releford

Dr. Michelle B. Releford has been named Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) effective May 17 and will serve while the university conducts a national search to fill the position being vacated by Dr. Melody Pierce, who is taking a similar position at North Carolina A&T State University.

“Michelle has done an outstanding job as Dean of University College since joining Winston-Salem State in 2008,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves.  “Her RAMDITION orientation program for freshmen this past fall semester certainly laid the foundation for their potential success on our campus.  She has also provided leadership for the various programs and activities that are designed to support our student retention and graduation efforts.”

Releford has more than 25 years experience on college campuses with responsibility for a variety of areas including student development, enrollment management and student services.  She has served as vice president for student development and enrollment management at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla.; vice president for student services at Atlanta Technical College and Edison College in Fort Myers, Fla.; and dean of student services and enrollment management, dean of enrollment management and associate academic dean at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.  She also was the owner of Insightful Concepts, an independent educational consulting firm.

Releford earned her undergraduate degree in English from Albany State College in Albany, Ga., her masters’ degree in instructional technology from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. and her doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee.  She was a charter member of the Community College Advisory Task Force for The College Board and involved with a several national organizations involved in higher education.  She is also a member of American Association of University Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Dr. Vanessa Duren-Whitfield provides instruction to one of her "coaches."

Dr. Vanessa Duren-Winfield, research director for the School of Health Sciences, helped create the COACH program, which stands for “Champions for Outreach and Advocacy for Community Health.” Ten students recently became SHCs, or Student Health Coaches, and took their message of positive health outreach to the community.

The program’s mission revolves around positively impacting the health of not only students on Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) campus, but also in the local community.

But Duren-Winfiled doesn’t see the COACH program as a one-time event – she wants to see the program become an established part of the curriculum at WSSU.

“I’d like to see course credit given for participation. We’ve already recruited new students for this fall. I want this to become something that we can make sustainable,” she said.

The COACH program is sponsored by the School of Health Sciences and Living Healthy Partners.  The program was an outgrowth of last year’s Homecoming theme of “Rams Have Heart,” and provided a full battery of health screenings for nearly 100 students and almost 70 members of the community.

One important aspect of this program is the dedication that students bring to the table for this program. Duren-Winfield said she has a feeling she knows why the SHCs have developed such a deep dedication to the program: many of the students can relate to the health screenings because of similar health issues in their lives, or those of a close family member.

A student COACH gives a WSSU staff member a blood pressure check.

The range of tests that the SHCs ran included BMI (body mass index) tests, Hyperlipidemia tests (measuring lipid levels in the bloodstream), and EKGs to test heart health.

A student COACH shares information with other students.

A non-profit organization called Living Healthy Partners also helped out by sponsoring the program. The organization is the brainchild of Dr. Archie Roberts, a retired heart surgeon and former NFL football player.

Duren-Winfield excitedly spoke about Roberts’ input into the program. She noted that Roberts actually sought out WSSU as a new partner for his outreach program, going so far as to fly in from New Jersey to meet with campus leaders and help establish the new chapter at WSSU.

Duren-Winfield also pointed out that there was great support from the local community in helping to get the word out about WSSU’s unique program. Advertisements were run on TV stations WXII-12 and News 14 Carolina, print ads appeared in The Winston-Salem Chronicle, and radio spots ran on the Tom Joyner morning show. In addition, a website was built that focused on the recruitment of potential SHCs.

“We use a variety of educational techniques for the training, including community resources such as the Forsyth County Health Department, website modules and our own faculty,” Duren-Winfield said.

Duren-Winfield closed by saying that she believes the program will not only make an impression on the WSSU campus, but will continue to touch the lives of those close to the SHCs and their communities.

These cards with flower seeds in them were given to those attending the reception.

Winston-Salem State University could be compared to a large garden – a place where young minds are stimulated, professors’ research yields improved medical care, business practices and teaching methodology;  choir members raise their voices in song and aspiring artists combine talent and vision to form works of art; and  athletes strive to win in the classroom and on the field.

Donor Jeanette Lewis shares a moment with a scholarship recipient.

On a campus of over 6,000 students and 900 faculty and staff, there is always the seed of an idea, the budding talent, the enthusiastic student and faculty joining in a common pursuit of knowledge. The success of students, faculty and staff is made possible by others – those who have planted that initial seed, that resource, which allows the talent to mature.    The “Seeds of Success” are sown by our donors – those alumni, friends, corporations and foundations – that have made the investment in our future.  From their financial investments – the very seeds that sustain our growth – come scholarships, endowed professorships, and a learning and living environment that fosters a quality educational experience.

At a recent reception, Chancellor and Dr. Deborah Reaves and others expressed the University’s appreciation to major donors who planted the seeds of success that allowed WSSU to provide a quality educational experience to students.  Here are excerpts from what some of them had to say.

Dr. Kenneth Chandler, WSSU's new director of corporate and foundation relations, extends a hand to a scholarship recipient.

With their investments, many students received scholarships that allowed them to complete their WSSU degree.  With their investments, faculty have opportunities to pursue research that enriches the educational experience of our students.  And, with their investments, WSSU can provide quality facilities for learning and living on campus.   For those seeds, the investments that help our university and its people grow and thrive, we are most grateful.  The garden will flourish as future alumni, friends, corporations and foundations plant new seeds of success.

Iyanla Vanzant

Renown author, television talk show host and life counselor, Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant keynoted the fifth annual conference to promote civil behavior April 15.

WSSU’s Fifth Annual Civility conference is designed to promote participation in random acts of kindness and being responsible citizens.

“It is imperative that students not only be prepared academically but that students are prepared morally as tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dale Williams, WSSU Director of Student Activities.  “This conference explores the benefits of civility and responsible citizenship and promoting an overall positive environment,” Williams noted.

Her message was powerful and moving. She said the conscious mind processes approximately 300 thoughts per second, while the subconscious mind processes approximately 330,000 thoughts per second.  “Our subconscious thoughts control 90 percent of our lives,” she reasoned.  “We have to control our minds.”

Women from WSSU staff served on panel during the conference.

She said anything can happen, so put energy into “being” and not just doing.  Act on your vision, so that it is what you are remembered for.  She cautioned though that there were four states of “being” to avoid. They are:

1)   Don’t be a work-aholic: These individuals have no sense of “being” or identity, so they keep working.  Know your vision and “what means most to you.” Your vision needs to take over your sub-conscious, so your vision runs your “being.”  We have the “Power Of Choice”!  Other people’s choices have no bearing on your choices.

2)   Don’t be a neg-aholic: These individuals always have something to say about someone else.  Putting out negativity comes back to you…you reap what you sow.

3)   Don’t be a broke-aholic: Go out and seek success.  God provides prosperity in abundance.  Success is not determined by a check, it is about identifying your relationship with money.  It does not come “to you”…it comes “through you”.

4)   Don’t be a fear-aholic: These individuals are scared of everything.  If you are within your integrity, you will not have fear.  When what you think, feel, say, and do are all in line…you are within your integrity.  When these things are not in line, you experience fear.  There are various types of fear; fear of failure, fear of success, etc.  These fears are also signs of procrastination.  Anytime you give yourself an excuse, fear is present and there is a limiting factor or limited belief in yourself.  These people are energy vampires, they suck the life out of you with their fears.

Vanzant provided her audience with three elements to live by. They were:

1)     Commitment – give 100 percent of who you are to what you say you are.

2)    Vision – see it for yourself.

3)    Integrity – what you think, feel, say, and do are all in line.

Men from WSSU staff engage male students during panel discussion at the conference.

Vanzant travels globally to deliver her special brand of self-empowerment and inspiration to others.  As Founder and Director of Inner Visions Institute of Spiritual Development, Vanzant shares her knowledge of Universal Principle and Law, Eastern and Western spiritual/religious traditions/teachings, and the truth of Unconditional Love to motivate others to create a better life, a better community and a better world.

Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin, noted entrepreneur, entertainer and educator from Durham, NC, was the keynote speaker when the Department of Mass Communications at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) hosted a Liberty Tree Project Conference “Social Media:  Free Speech at What Cost?” during its Mass Communications Week April 12-16.

The conference focused on responsible use of social media and the impact it can have on users’ lives.  The WSSU event is one of eight programs presented at U.S. colleges and universities in 2009-2010.

Martin, who is known to many hip hop, movie and music fans as “Play” of the duo “Kid ‘n Play,” spoke and participated in a panel discussion on social media and free speech that included Capt. Bill Cobb of the Winston-Salem Police Department, City Councilman Derwin Montgomery and Dr. Denise Nation, assistant professor of Justice Studies at WSSU.

The week’s activities included a video display in the university’s O’Kelly Library, featuring student responses to questions about their use of social media. An American Liberty Elm tree was also planted on campus as a tribute to free speech.

The Liberty Tree Campus Initiative, funded by a grant from the McCormick Foundation, is designed to build awareness of the First Amendment by bringing thought-provoking First Amendment programs and speakers to campuses nationwide.

The Center for Community Safety (CCS) at Winston-Salem State University will coordinate the training and technical assistance for Weed and Seed projects aimed at improving public safety in nine communities across the country.

Alvin Atkinson is interim director of the WSSU Center for Community Safety.

The Nine Weed and Seed sites have been selected by the U. S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) to participate in a 16-month technical assistance project to implement or strengthen workforce development initiatives and strategies.  The selected cities are:  Flint, Mich.; Houston, Texas; Huntington, W.Va.; Kingsport, Tenn.; Long Beach, Calif.; Muncie, Ind.; Omaha, Neb.; Rockford, Ill.; and Yonkers, N. Y.

The CCS will provide on-site and other technical assistance in conjunction with experts from DOJ and the Center for reentry initiatives in these nine sites. The project can have a significant impact, since most Weed and Seed communities have a higher rate than other areas of returning ex-offenders with significant challenges and barriers to employment, due mostly to their criminal record and time incarcerated.

Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by DOJ and overseen by CCDO, is an innovative and comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention and community revitalization.  Weed and Seed programs help reduce crime and recidivism while bridging and leveraging resources within a city to improve public safety in geographically targeted communities.

Dr. Jessica Bailey

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has received reaffirmation of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International Certification of Accreditation, which demonstrates achievement of the highest standard in management education.

“We are certainly proud of this achievement which makes Winston-Salem State one of only 593 schools in 37 countries throughout the world with such a designation,” said Dr. Jessica Bailey, dean of the SBE. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff and administrators who have devoted themselves to the achievement of excellence in all that we do.  Additionally, the provost and the chancellor have been actively engaged in facilitating both the reaffirmation process and the continuous improvement of the school.”

Work on the reaffirmation process began shortly following the SBE receiving its initial accreditation in 2000.  In addition to providing information on the school’s management and operations along with assessment reports, the School had to show a commitment to continuous improvement and that it had a curriculum responsive to the needs of business. Additionally, a panel of three business school deans made an on-site visit to the WSSU campus in February to assess the quality of the programs being offered.

“It takes a great deal of commitment and determination to earn and maintain AACSB accreditation,” said Jerry Trapnell, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International.  “Schools not only must meet specific standards of excellence, but make a commitment to ongoing improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver high quality education to students.”

It’s a natural occurrence – the way she talks to others about their personal biases and stereotypes all day long – yet people seem to welcome her thoughts.

Dr. Nancy Smith

She is Dr. Nancy Smith, Winston-Salem State University clinical assistant professor of physical therapy.  Yes, physical therapy.  Studies have shown successful physical therapists, as well as other healthcare professionals, must rely on more than the latest successful physical and medical protocols to be successful.

“How we see age, religion, sexual orientation, race, gender and income truly impacts how we do things and relate with people everyday,” says Smith. “But most people don’t realize they have biases or make judgments which affects what and how they are communicating and interacting with people not like them.  Many people do have sub-conscious biases,” Smith notes.

As the instructor of a course on psychosocial integration, Smith works to make sure everyone she teaches recognizes and has a clear understanding of how the interaction between the beliefs, attitudes and behavior of the client affects healthcare delivery in a global society.  Students also learn how biases may lead to health care disparities against the poor or minorities among others.

Each class focuses on discussions about delivering treatment to those of a different age, sexual orientation, gender, race and culture than themselves.  Students have to write research papers on such questions as: did you have any bias towards the patient? Why or Why not? How would this affect your care of the patient?  How do you think other medical professionals might perceive this patient?   In the end, students describe what perceived biases they felt and how they can address them.

“Cultural competence and awareness can go a long way when treating people who are different than yourself,” says Smith.  “For example, healthcare professionals have to know they must treat patients differently in a community clinic or hospital emergency room than a typical doctor’s office in order to provide care that meets the needs of that individual client taking into account their cultural and socioeconomic status.”

That awareness starts with healthcare professionals recognizing their own tendencies towards bias in provision of healthcare.  Until students enroll in Smith’s unique course, many do not realize exactly what biases they have.  She helps students develop awareness and modify their behavior.

Income factors, for example, shape a patient’s habits on diet, frequency of doctor’s visits, how they define healthcare, and – ultimately — wellness activities.  Cultural diets and other factors also affect a patient’s view and interaction with healthcare professionals.

“Its hard as a healthcare professional to deal with wellness without dealing first with cultural differences,” Smith said.

Smith has special insight into the subject.  Of Native-American Indian heritage, Smith’s great-grandmother protested when her grandmother was recommended to leave public schools to attend Native-American Indian schools.

“My great-grandmother marched my grandmother to school and demanded her daughter be educated.”

That story, shared for ages, had an effect on Smith’s family throughout several generations.  The effect was good with each generation going further in education than the previous generation.

“My dad was the first in his generation to graduate college on his side of family.  He has a master’s degree.  I am the first person to get a doctorate on both sides of the family,” Smith noted.   “When I think about it, my great-grandmother has had an great impact affecting my family and beyond, maybe even my students,“ Smith said.

WSSU Trustee Karen McNeil-Miller

to Karen McNeil-Miller, WSSU graduate and Board of Trustees member, who recently competed as a dance partner in the Bethesda Center’s “Take the Lead” Dance Off fundraiser for the homeless at Embassy Suites May 6.   She and Curtis Lipscomb prepared well for the event and displayed some nifty moves.

She personally raised more than $8,100 for the homeless men and women who need shelter, day services, and case management.  Bethesda says at least 25 percent of their nightly shelter residents are the new homeless – men and women who were gainfully employed and had adequate housing, but have lost their jobs, drained all their own resources and the goodwill and hospitality of friends and family.  Another 25 percent are homeless and employed.

Regina Craven

to Regina Craven, formerly public relations/recruitment coordinator for Big Brothers/Big Sisters Services, Inc., who was recently hired as WSSU annual fund program coordinator. Craven, a native of Winston-Salem, received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from High Point University with an emphasis in marketing.

While at Big Brothers/Big Sisters Services, Inc., Craven provided oversight to various marketing and fund-raising initiatives. She coordinated outreach recruitment programs for the agency and handled all aspects of public relations.

“I’ve watched WSSU flourish over the years, and I’m excited to be a part of the growth and the advancement team,” said Craven.

Craven will be responsible for day-to-day project management of annual fund fund-raising initiatives.    She will serve as the primary liaison for all event coordination including the golf classic, assist with faculty/staff giving and implementation of annual fund direct mail solicitations. Her marketing expertise will be used to implement a young alumni text mail campaign and many other new fund-raising initiatives.

“I am delighted to add her talents and skills to our annual fund team,” said Kimberly Reese, WSSU Annual Fund director.

Aramark supervisor Scott Damon sizes up his shot.

to the WSSU Division for University Advancement for producing  one of the university’s most successful Annual Golf Tournaments in recent memory. Led by Kimberly Resse, the tournament boasted more than 140 players and 36 golf sponsorships. Net proceeds raised from the event came to more than $36,000 for the general scholarship fund. In-kind sponsorships for the event totaled more than $18,000. To see more photos from the golf tournament check out the WSSU Flickr site.

For the WSSU Friends of the Library, 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm at the Village Inn Conference Center in Clemmons, NC. For more information contact Dr. Mae Rodney at 336-750-2446 or email her at rodneyml@wssu.edu or contact Rachel Simon at 336-750-2442 or email her at simonra@wssu.edu.

to the WSSU family, for their contribution of more than $3,500 to the final phase of the Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. A big thank you to all who helped to make our contribution possible.

The stadium was packed with race fans.

Saturday, May 1, was a big night for the Winston-Salem State University Motorsport program at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Ram faithful came to cheer on Ryan Robertson who drives stockcars sporting the WSSU Motorsport brand. WSSU’s Motorsport program is a sponsor of Robertson Racing. The event gave members of the Ram family and their supporters an opportunity to learn more about the sport and provided exposure for the Motorsport program. To see more photos of the event check out the WSSU Flickr site on the WSSU Web site.