WS Chronicle

Staff Report

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem State University has named Eric Burns as its new director of athletics, university officials announced Friday, signaling a continued push to strengthen its athletic programs amid a rapidly evolving collegiate sports landscape.

Burns, who has served as interim athletics director since late 2025, emerged from a national search that drew a competitive pool of candidates. University leaders pointed to both his administrative experience and recent on-field success across Rams programs as key factors in the decision.

He brings more than 20 years of higher education experience, including roles that span athletics administration, academic leadership, student affairs, and financial management. Burns was appointed WSSU’s deputy athletics director and chief financial officer in March 2025 before stepping into the interim athletics director role seven months later.

During his time as interim leader, several WSSU teams saw historic success. The Lady Rams captured their first-ever CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament title in February, while the university’s women’s flag football team secured back-to-back conference championships in April.

Burns also oversaw key leadership hires, including former NFL player Tory Woodbury as head football coach in December 2025, and Lester Jay Butler as men’s basketball coach earlier this month.

Prior to joining WSSU, Burns served as associate vice provost for budget and fiscal planning at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he played a central role in institutional strategy and financial planning. He previously spent nearly 15 years at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, including as senior associate athletics director for business operations, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, NCAA financial reporting, and long-term growth planning.

His earlier career includes fiscal management roles at Fayetteville State University.

WSSU Chancellor Bonita J Brown said Burns’ appointment reflects the university’s broader investment in athletics as a core part of the student experience.

“Eric Burns has done an outstanding job as interim athletics director since his appointment, and several of our athletic teams have flourished under his leadership,” Brown said. “As the NCAA landscape continues to evolve, it is critical for Winston-Salem State University to maintain a competitive athletics department that enriches the lives of student-athletes while advancing the university’s mission.”

Burns said he is honored to take on the permanent role and emphasized his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.

“Winston-Salem State has a rich tradition of academic excellence, competitive success and a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” Burns said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to working with our coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni and supporters to elevate Rams athletics to new heights.”

A formal introduction for Burns, along with Butler, is scheduled for May 6 during a campus press conference.