WSSU Department of Athletics Philosophy
Winston-Salem State University’s department of athletics offers a comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program for all students fielding teams in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s track &field, football, women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, softball, and men's golf. Varsity and junior varsity cheerleading also function within the department as athletic teams. The program currently operates within the rules and regulations of Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Association (CIAA). Approximately 275 student-athletes will compete in team sporting events throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
The philosophy of the program is based upon the University mission: “to offer high quality education programs as the baccalaureate and master’s level for a diverse student population…While the primary focus on teaching and learning, the university encourages scholarship and creative activities by faculty and students and engages in mutually beneficial relationship with the community in ways which complement its educational mission.”
Winston-Salem State University’s Department of athletics believes that a well-rounded, highly competitive intercollegiate athletics program is an integral part of the total educational experience for student-athletes. The department offers all support needed to develop each student-athlete to his or her fullest potential without compromising the basic academic objectives of the university. The department adheres to the concept of equal opportunity, and strives to provide a full collegiate experience for its student-athletes.
Department of Athletics’ Mission Statement
The role of intercollegiate athletics at Winston-Salem State University is to provide an environment which will allow all student-athletes to reach nationally recognized excellence, both academically and athletically. Athletics is a vital part of the university experience and benefits the university by providing visibility and a positive public image.
Four Pillars of WSSU Athletics
Academic Excellence |
Athletic Success |
Program Self Sufficiency |
Community Engagement |
Recognize Academic Success 70% Graduation Rate 3.0 Departmental GPA 95% Retention Rate 15% of graduates attending graduate school |
Win CIAA Championships Claim the C.H Williams and Loretta Taylor All-Sports Award
Successfully Compete on the Regional Level National Recognition |
Operate within a Balance Budget Prudent Spending Creative Fundraising Tactics |
Engage Former Student-Athletes and Alumni 3,000 Hours Community Service Bridge the Disconnect Between Students and Athletics Make Better Use of Technology |
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Enrollment: 5, 190
Founded: 1892
Motto: “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.”
Athletic Motto: “Graduating Champions”
Theme: “We See Red”
Chancellor: Elwood L. Robinson, Ph.D.
Director of Athletics: Etienne Thomas
Athletics Department Phone: (336) 750-2141
Athletics Department Fax: (336) 750-8880
Colors: Red & White
Team Name: Rams
Conference: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
Bowman-Gray Stadium (sport/seating): Football/15,000
Whitaker Gymnasium (sport/seating): Volleyball/875
C.E. Gaines Center (sport(s)/seating): Men’s Basketball & Women’s Basketball/2,500
Men’s Varsity Sports (4): Football, Golf, Men’s Cross Country and Men’s Basketball
Women’s Varsity Sports (7): Cheerleading, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Track & Field (indoor & outdoor), Women’s Tennis, Softball and Volleyball
"As We Go Forth"
WSSU ALMA MATER
As we go forth from Old State U.,
A song of love we sing to thee
And praises to thy memory
Of days at State University
Thy sons and daughters bring thee fame
Through knowledge which we here have gained
Exultingly we praise thy name,
Oh Winston-Salem State University
As we go forth from Old State U.,
Good leaders we will always be
And stand for all humanity
As you have taught us State University
In all we do we shall proclaim
To all the world the enduring fame
As we go forth we praise thy name
Oh Winston-Salem State University
Words and Music by Noah F. Ryder
Arrangement by D.S. Burke