Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a public historically black college and university (HBCU) within the University of North Carolina (UNC) system. Established to provide higher education opportunities to African American students during segregation, WSSU has evolved into a vibrant institution serving over 5,000 students with a commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and social mobility. The university offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, emphasizing fields like nursing, health sciences, education, business, and computer science. Jobs at Winston-Salem State University attract professionals passionate about teaching, research, and service in a diverse, supportive environment. Whether you're seeking faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff opportunities, WSSU provides a meaningful career path in higher education.
Founded in 1892 by Simon Green Atkins as the Slater Industrial Academy, WSSU began with a mission to educate African American teachers and industrial workers in the post-Civil War South. It transitioned to Winston-Salem Teachers College in 1925, gained university status in 1963, and joined the UNC system in 1971. Key milestones include the establishment of its nursing program in 1957, one of the first at an HBCU, and expansion into graduate studies in the 1990s. Today, WSSU stands as a leader in health professions education, with its College of Health Sciences being the largest in North Carolina. This rich history shapes jobs at the university, prioritizing roles that advance equity and innovation in education.
WSSU's academic offerings span six colleges and schools: Arts and Sciences, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing and Allied Health, Business and Economics, and Graduate Studies. Popular programs include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Teacher Education. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, such as its MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship and PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and Behavioral Addiction. Faculty jobs often involve teaching in these dynamic programs, contributing to research in areas like urban health and educational leadership. Explore higher ed faculty jobs to see how WSSU aligns with your expertise.
Careers at WSSU encompass faculty, staff, and leadership positions. Faculty roles include assistant, associate, and full professors in departments like Biology, Psychology, and Kinesiology. Staff positions cover admissions, student affairs, IT, and facilities. Research jobs, such as postdocs or research associates, focus on grants from NSF and NIH. Administrative opportunities include deans, directors, and HR roles. For a full breakdown, visit university job types. WSSU also offers adjunct professor jobs and remote higher ed jobs in select areas, making it appealing for flexible careers.
To understand jobs at Winston-Salem State University, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at WSSU, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing roles or EdD for education. Lecturer positions may require a master's degree plus professional experience. Administrative roles often need a master's or bachelor's with certifications like SHRM for HR jobs. Research positions demand a PhD with specialized training. WSSU verifies credentials through transcripts and references during hiring.
WSSU prioritizes research addressing health disparities, STEM equity, addiction studies, and community development. Expertise in areas like bioinformatics, public health policy, or teacher preparation for diverse learners is valued. Faculty often collaborate with Wake Forest University and local hospitals via the Center of Excellence in Health Disparities Research. Successful candidates contribute to funded projects, publishing in journals like the Journal of Black Studies.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (5+ for associate level), grant management (e.g., $100K+ awards), and community outreach. For leadership roles, prior department chair experience is ideal. WSSU values HBCU background or work with underrepresented students, enhancing applicant fit.
Essential skills for WSSU jobs: pedagogical innovation using tools like Canvas, cultural competence for diverse classrooms, data analysis with SPSS or R, grant writing, and leadership. Soft skills include collaboration, mentorship, and adaptability. Technical competencies vary, e.g., simulation software for nursing faculty.
The application process starts on WSSU's HR portal or sites like higher ed jobs. Submit CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, research statement, and three references. Tips: Tailor documents to WSSU's strategic plan emphasizing equity; use how to write a winning academic CV; network at conferences; highlight service to HBCU missions. Interviews include teaching demos and committee meetings. Follow up promptly.
WSSU champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering training, affinity groups, and recruitment pipelines like the HBCU Faculty Development Program. Examples: Annual Diversity Conference, partnerships with minority serving institutions, and policies ensuring inclusive hiring. 85% of students are Black, fostering a rich environment for inclusive professionals.
WSSU supports balance with flexible work policies, 24/7 gym access, EAP counseling, parental leave, and tuition remission. Campus life features cultural events, athletics (CIAA champions), and proximity to Winston-Salem's arts scene. Faculty enjoy low student-faculty ratio (16:1), collaborative culture, and sabbaticals. Employees praise community feel and professional development opportunities.
Jobs at Winston-Salem State University offer rewarding opportunities in a historic HBCU setting. From faculty to admin roles, WSSU seeks dedicated professionals. Explore more at higher ed jobs, get career advice via higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with WSSU's legacy today.
