Celebrating a Year of Achievement: Highlights from Chancellor Brown’s Inaugural Year at WSSU

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), since its inception in 1892, has appointed its first female permanent chancellor, Bonita Brown. A lifelong campus presence and WSSU alumna, Brown's roots trace back to a family of graduates. Raised on a Davidson County farm, her mother’s teaching career inspired a profound passion for education and reading. Active in her church and a member of the a cappella group Witnessing Christ Through Songs, she fondly recalls their nationwide tours.Brown, recognized as the "smart girl" throughout her education, later pursued law at Wake Forest University, a background she utilizes as chancellor. Committed to community service, she seeks to enhance education’s accessibility, particularly for the region's diverse population. With approximately 70% of students eligible for Pell grants, Brown emphasizes scholarship initiatives and corporate partnerships to facilitate educational opportunities, ensuring that WSSU remains a beacon of hope while adapting to contemporary challenges in higher education.