WSSU advances commitment to entrepreneurship through Kerusso Scholar Bridge Program
Winston-Salem State University continues to strengthen its commitment to entrepreneurship, experiential learning and workforce development through programs aligned with the newly established College of Business and Entrepreneurship, led by Founding Dean Dr. Kenny Holt.
That commitment was on full display as the Fall 2025 Kerusso Scholar Bridge Program concluded with final student presentations and a celebratory luncheon, recognizing the achievements of five student interns who completed an immersive finance and investment experience.
During the capstone event, interns presented equity research projects to an investment team, applying a fundamentals-driven, bottom-up approach to analyzing securities held in client portfolios. Students evaluated companies including Cummins, LPL Financial, Omnicom, Merck and Dick’s Sporting Goods, demonstrating their ability to conduct rigorous research, think critically and communicate complex financial insights.
“The Kerusso Scholar Bridge Program exemplifies the type of hands-on, industry-connected learning experiences we are building within the College of Business and Entrepreneurship,” Holt said. “Our goal is to prepare students not only to enter the workforce, but to lead within it by developing the analytical skills, professional confidence and entrepreneurial mindset demanded by today’s economy.”
The Kerusso Scholar Bridge Program was initiated by Dr. Randell A. Cain, Jr., Kerusso Capital Management founder, CEO and chief investment officer, and partner, Jazmin Gay, Kerusso’s director of research, after the two reflected on how meaningful it was for then to get exposure and experience in the asset management industry early in their careers.
“We wanted to bring forth opportunities for the students at Winston-Salem State University that we did not experience until graduation or post-graduation,” Cain said. “Equipping them with this experience will hopefully make them better prepared to consider and pursue what for many is a rewarding and unique career path in asset management. Bringing in successful and experienced investment professionals for the students’ final presentations is also a part of broadening their horizons regarding what may be available to them.”
The closing luncheon was sponsored and hosted by Karver Bolton and Scott Wray of RW Baird, whose investment professionals also attended the presentations, offering real-time feedback and professional guidance to students.
Program leaders noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to talent development and industry engagement, supported through partnerships with Winston-Salem State University and Dr. Terrance Martin, the university’s liaison to the program.
The following students were recognized as Fall 2025 Kerusso Scholar Bridge Program interns:
- Ja’Nya Booker
- Ciel Miller
- Skye Osbourne
- Joe Caldwell
- Curtonia Lawrence
Kerusso Capital Management, LLC, is a Winston-Salem–based institutional investment firm that specializes in value-based portfolio management, providing investment advisory services to corporations, public pensions, foundation and endowments. The firm focuses on large-cap value strategies and brings more than two decades of performance history to its flagship strategy. Program leaders expressed appreciation to Winston-Salem State University and RW Baird for their continued partnership and shared investment in student professional development.
