WS Chronicle

Last week, Winston-Salem State University announced the initial financial support it had received for its Student Success Center project as part of a symbolic wall-breaking ceremony on campus.

[pullquote]“The Student Success Center is our most important capital project,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves.  [/pullquote]The $13.5 million project will create a one-stop-shop where students can access support services, mentoring, career development services and other educational opportunities such as international programs.

Funding for the project will include the cost of renovating a former science building located in the middle of campus and an endowment to ensure the Center continues to provide the latest in technology.

The university plans to complete the building renovations through private philanthropy and other sources.  Early financial support totals $2.67 million and includes a $1.5 million donation from the Reynolds American Foundation with half of the funds going to support the Student Success Center and half to student scholarships.  Other major contributions to the Center include $500,000 from Wells Fargo and pledges for $500,000 from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, $250,000 from BB&T and $600,000 in gifts from individuals.

The renovated facility of 38,000 square feet will include an auditorium, café and technology support center, along with open spaces that will allow students to meet, collaborate and study.  The building will house the Academic Advising Center, the Language Arts and Writing Center, the Quantitative Skills Center, International Programs, the Learning Resource Center, the Career Development Services Office and technology support services. It will meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold Certification standards.

Work will begin on the renovations in January 2013 and the Student Success Center is scheduled to open next December.

Reaves

“The Student Success Center is our most important capital project,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves.  “The success of our students is a function of our ability to enhance the classroom experience by providing a myriad of academic support services and educational opportunities. Consolidating these services will support the University’s efforts to provide students with the critical support services that they need in an environment that is modern, convenient and welcoming.”

Ground is slated to be broken on the Student Success Center, seen here in this artist’s rendering, in January.

Rendering