WS Chronicle

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson announced Tuesday that Tonia Walker has resigned as director of athletics. Her resignation is effective today, May 31.

Walker has served as the director of athletics since April 30, 2014, and has been part of the WSSU athletics program since 2000.

“While this is a bittersweet moment for me, I have to do what is best for my personal and professional lives,” Walker said. “I am confident that the transition of onboarding coaches and the direction of the strategic plan will move Ram Athletics to its next era. Now is the perfect time for me to move forward. Though I am departing, I will hold a special place in my heart for the students and friends I have met here. It is my sincere hope that WSSU continues to build upon the legacy I have started.”

As athletic director, Walker has guided the Rams to six NCAA Division II tournament appearances, 15 CIAA Championship titles, nine CIAA Divisional titles, and eight CIAA Coach of the Year honors. In 2015-16, she was named the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year and the National Association for Collegiate Athletics Administrators 2016 Administrator of the Year. She was also responsible for launching the She’s Got It Covered; Bond. Score. Win.; and the Winston-Salem Classic. Her commitment to academic excellence has resulted in the highest departmental cumulative grade point average over the past two decades.

Additionally, student-athletes amass more than 3,000 hours of community service each year.

“When I came to WSSU in 2015, I was both excited and proud to serve at an institution with a female athletic director,” Robinson said. “Currently, WSSU is one of just two schools within the CIAA with a woman at the helm of its athletics program. I wish Tonia well in her future endeavors and appreciate all her hard work. While we will certainly miss her, I know she is leaving us well-positioned to continue our tradition as a powerhouse in the CIAA. With a new head basketball coach on board, this is a time of change and opportunity – a new era for WSSU.”

The university will launch a national search to find a successor as soon as possible.

Until then, George Knox, assistant athletic director for compliance, has been appointed as interim athletic director.