Winston-Salem, NC – Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is stepping boldly into the future with the acquisition of 42 acres of land at 2900 Reynolds Park Road, a move poised to reshape its campus and advance its mission of fostering student success.
The $7.5 million purchase by the WSSU Foundation marks a transformative moment for the university, whose current 110-acre main campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive has long been constrained by its landlocked location. This expansion aligns with the university’s master plan, which envisions growth that supports academic innovation, student housing, and community engagement.
“This acquisition by the Winston-Salem State University Foundation represents a bold step forward,” said WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown. “The integration of this land into our master plan ensures that WSSU continues to lead in driving progress while planning for sustained growth and success.”
Meeting Critical Student Housing Needs
One of the primary goals of the acquisition is to address student housing insecurity, a challenge linked to academic success. Research consistently shows that students with access to stable housing are more likely to persevere through challenges and graduate on time.
“We will thoroughly explore optimal utilization of this property, which may include student housing or other academic space needs,” Chancellor Brown said. “We want to ensure we leverage this property in a way that best serves the long-term needs and growth of the college.”
Enhancing the University’s Mission
The new property also includes 11 residential apartments, all currently occupied. Marcus Cox, president of the WSSU Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to honoring existing leases and supporting current residents during the transition.
“The purpose of the Winston-Salem State University Foundation is to foster and promote the growth, progress, and well-being of the university,” Cox said. “This purchase aligns with our mission of supporting the long-term needs of the institution by unlocking new opportunities for revenue diversification. We are also pleased to announce that this acquisition increases the university’s land area by one-third.”
A Vision for the Future
The 42-acre expansion comes at a pivotal time for WSSU, providing the university with the space and resources to address pressing needs while positioning itself for sustainable growth. From creating new housing options to building state-of-the-art academic facilities, the possibilities for the property are vast and reflect the university’s forward-thinking approach.
For students, faculty, and the greater Winston-Salem community, the acquisition represents not only a physical expansion but also a recommitment to the values and aspirations that define WSSU.
As plans unfold, this new chapter in WSSU’s story will serve as a powerful testament to the university’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in service to its mission and its students.
About the WSSU Foundation: In 1970, the Winston-Salem State University Foundation, Inc. was established as a private, non-profit organization that focuses on the long-term needs of the university and enhances the efficiency of its fundraising efforts. The two entities operate independently. The Winston-Salem State University Foundation’s Board of Directors comprises local community members, alumni and university administrators. The board oversees how the foundation raises money, invests donations and distributes grants, of which WSSU is the sole beneficiary. It also advises and supports other activities of the foundation designed to further the interests of WSSU.
About Winston-Salem State University: Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. 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.
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