Two appointed to vice chancellor positions at WSSU
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson has announced the appointment of two veteran higher-education leaders to vice chancellor positions at the university. Both were announced by Robinson on June 11. Their appointments were effective this month.
Jaime Hunt to lead Division of Strategic Communications
WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson has announced the creation of a new Division of Strategic Communications, which will be tasked with communicating the university’s brand message to key stakeholders.
The division will include the Office of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), which will now also include Enrollment Communications; the Office of External Relations; and WSNC radio.
Jaime Hunt, who joined WSSU in 2015 as the director of public and media relations and chief communications and marketing officer, will lead the division as the vice chancellor for Strategic Communications.
The change was effective July 1. No new positions have been created.
Since joining the university, Hunt led the development of an integrated marketing communications model for campus.
Since 2015, IMC has:
*Developed and rolled out refreshed brand messaging and an updated visual identity, including a new institutional logo and a new Ram logo.
*Implemented a brand marketing strategy designed to increase brand awareness, perception and affinity.
*Developed a comprehensive crisis communication plan.
*Worked with Information Technology to redesign the university’s website.
*Enhanced the university’s media relations efforts, resulting in a 50 percent increase in positive media mentions.
*Garnered eight industry awards.
Dr. LaTanya Afolayan named vice chancellor for advancement at WSSU
After a national search, Dr. LaTanya Afolayan, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in university advancement, has been named vice chancellor for University Advancement at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Her appointment was effective July 10.
As vice chancellor for University Advancement, she will be responsible for enhancing donor discovery efforts; growing the Annual Fund; expanding the principal and major gifts pipeline; leveraging corporate and foundation relationships; engaging and mobilizing alumni, friends, and volunteers; and expanding and strengthening a sustainable infrastructure to support future fundraising efforts and campaigns.
Most of Afolayan’s career has been within the University of North Carolina System. She has served as the vice chancellor for advancement for both Elizabeth City State University and North Carolina Central University. Additionally, she served as a member of the major gifts leadership team at Appalachian State University during a $200 million capital campaign.
Currently, she is the senior director of planning and major giving at Norfolk State University, where she has secured more than $800,000 in deferred commitments and $300,000 in cash commitments in the past 12 months.
Afolayan earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, her master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and her education doctorate from East Carolina University.
Afolayan replaces Michelle Cook, who departed WSSU in March.
