A Message from Chancellor Robinson

Dear Ram Family,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as chancellor after over 39 years of higher education service. I have always believed that genius resides within everyone, and I have spent my career creating opportunities where that genius can be realized and shared.  I believe with the launch of this strategic plan that the groundwork to continue that mission has been firmly established and now is the perfect intersection of time and opportunity to retire.

I know that all the achievements of this university are not solely because of me, but because of the unwavering commitment of every dedicated person who gives their time, talents, and resources every day. I have had the opportunity to reflect on some of the amazing accomplishments we have achieved during my tenure as chancellor. Some highlights that stand out to me are:

• We launched one of the most ambitious and campus-led strategic plans that will take us to new heights by 2030.
• We continue to land high on many ranking lists, such as social and economic mobility, student success, and academic programs.
• Our amazing faculty and staff successfully raised our research portfolio to over $164 million.
• We increased our endowment portfolio from approximately $30 million to over $100 million.
• We received and invested over $145 million in capital projects including two residence halls, the new sciences building and the renovation of KR Williams Auditorium and Hauser Hall.
• We successfully enrolled our largest graduate student population in the history of the university.
• Our student athletes and coaches won 16 CIAA championships, including 2 national championships in baseball.
• During a worldwide pandemic, we successfully completed our ten-year SACSCOC reaffirmation process with flying colors.

There are far more accomplishments I could name, but these stand out to me. For this success I say thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart. 

My retirement will be effective June 30, 2023.  I am pleased to share that President Hans has named Provost Anthony Graham the interim chancellor, effective July 1, 2023.  I am devoting this year to transitioning him into this role. I am dedicated to ensuring he will be successful, and I am confident the trajectory of Winston-Salem State University will continue to be realized under his leadership. 

Sincerely,

Elwood L. Robinson, Ph.D.