Founded in 1892, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) enjoys a distinguished reputation as a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina that offers a high-quality liberal education.



WSSU's diverse faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Our rich curriculum fosters the critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Students graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create innovative solutions to today's-and tomorrow's-complex problems.
Guided by the motto "Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve," WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni address issues such as health equity, urban education, and community empowerment.

Why WSSU?

WSSU provides opportunities that empower our faculty and staff to grow professionally, develop personally, and make a difference in the lives of those they touch through their work.

• Ranked #1 in North Carolina for graduating Black students in the fields of nursing, education, and health professions.
• Small class sizes where professors get to know their students personally.
• Close-knit colleagues and supportive campus culture.
• Named as one of the best HBCUs in North Carolina and the nation.
• Excellent location in the "City of Arts and Innovation" that is two hours from the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville and four hours from North Carolina's famed seashore. Vineyards and wineries abound in the Piedmont region and throughout the state.

Winston-Salem, NC



Winston-Salem consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the United States. It is part of the Piedmont Triad, which includes Greensboro and High Point. The revitalized downtown boasts an arts district, excellent restaurants, microbreweries, and music venues. Healthcare leaders Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health are located in Winston-Salem. The city is home to the Winston-Salem Dash minor league baseball team, and Bowman Gray Stadium, which hosts both WSSU Rams football and NASCAR racing. Several colleges and universities including Forsyth Technical Community College, Salem College, UNC School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, and WSSU are located in Winston-Salem.

WSSU at a Glance

• Student Enrollment: 5,107
• First-Generation College Students: 50%
• Faculty: 313
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Campus Size: 117 Acres
• Motto: Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.
• Colors: Red and White
• Team Mascot: Ram
• Athletic Conference: CIAA