WS Chronicle

 Photos by Tevin Stinson
Myra Denise Robinson holds the Bible while her husband, Elwood L. Robinson, is sworn in as the 13th chancellor of Winston-Salem State University.

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

After months of working with faculty and staff, Elwood L. Robinson was officially installed as Winston-Salem State University’s chancellor during the annual Founder’s Day Convocation last week.

Robinson has been chancellor since January, when he took over the position after Donald J. Reaves retired late last year.

The installation ceremony was designed to officially introduce Robinson to the community, alumni, current students and others.

In his acceptance address, Robinson promised under his leadership the university will continue to evolve and grow.

“Our goal is to give each and every student a unique, intensive academic and social experience,” he continued.

“We have to embrace a new model of higher education that ensures that every student is prepared for a career, a job and life in this ever-changing world that doesn’t even exist yet.”

He also pointed out that recently WSSU was named one of the top universities in the nation for its contribution toward narrowing the economic gap.

“Winston-Salem State University ranks seventh in the nation on the CollegeNet Social Mobility Index [SMI],” he said proudly. “WSSU is the highest ranked university in North Carolina.”

The SMI evaluates colleges and universities based on admission practices that work to reverse the growing economic disparities in the United States. According to Robinson, a total of 931 universities were ranked.

The university also ranks first in the UNC system in job placement for graduates and have the highest salary amongst college graduates in the Triad.

Mayor Allen Joines said during the ceremony that he is confident Robinson will continue to strengthen the university.

“I am proud to be here today for this joyous occasion,” he commented. “I am confident in Chancellor Robinson’s ability to uphold and enhance the legacy of this university.”

A number of others spoke during the ceremony as well, including U.S. Rep. Alma Adams who offered her prayers for Robinson’s continued success.

“I know you’re going to excel and soar,” Adams said.

Kyle Brown, president of the WSSU Student Government Association, said Robinson has been a catalyst for his education and the education of others.

“I am confident that under Chancellor Robinson, the university will continue to reach new heights,” he continued. “We will continue to produce excellence.”

Robinson said although historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) only educate 9 percent of all black college students, WSSU’s relevance will not be rooted in who they educate, but how they educate.

“HBCUs like WSSU offer our students something they can’t find anywhere else,” Robinson said.

“The HBCU experience is a culture of caring, a culture that prepares students to contribute to their communities and cultivates within them the skills they need for careers regardless of where life takes them. These experiences transcend race.”