WSSU introduces new athletics leadership and outlines bold vision at press conference
Winston-Salem State University officially introduced Eric Burns as its new director of athletics and Jay Butler as head men’s basketball coach during a press conference Wednesday, signaling a bold, unified vision for the future of Ram athletics.
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown said the appointments reflect WSSU’s commitment to excellence, student success and community impact.
“At Winston-Salem State University, we are building a culture where excellence is not aspirational, it is expected,” Brown said. “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience, strengthening our competitive edge and deepening our impact across Winston-Salem and beyond. Athletics is the front door of the university, and under this leadership, that door will open even wider to opportunity, visibility and success.”
Burns, who previously served as interim director, outlined a comprehensive vision centered on student-athlete development, revenue growth, facilities and community engagement.
“WSSU is a special place with a proud tradition, a passionate community and a championship spirit, and I am extremely excited about what lies ahead,” Burns said. “My vision is to build a nationally respected athletics program that elevates the total student-athlete experience, strengthens our connection to the community and positions WSSU among the top 25 NCAA Division II institutions across all sports.”
Burns’ strategy aligns with the university’s strategic emphasis on community engagement through its “We Are Winston-Salem” focus, prioritizing both competitive success and regional impact.
His four key priorities include: Delivering a transformational student-athlete experience, including expanded wellness, mental health and leadership development opportunities; increasing revenue through fundraising, corporate partnerships and alumni engagement; enhancing facilities to match the caliber and ambition of WSSU student-athletes; and strengthening community impact through intentional partnerships and visibility across Winston-Salem
“We must reunite our village,” Burns said. “We have a shared faith to move this community forward. At the core of my vision is a culture defined by integrity, accountability and competitive excellence. It will take all of the Ramily.”
Burns also introduced Butler as a “developer of men” and a proven leader who “wins the right way,” emphasizing his character and commitment to student-athlete success.
Butler arrives at WSSU after 11 years at Virginia Union University, his alma mater, where he built a championship-caliber program and earned CIAA Coach of the Year and National Association of Basketball Coaches Atlantic Region Co-Coach of the Year honors.
He said the opportunity to lead WSSU’s program was both personal and purposeful.
“It took a special place like WSSU for me to leave a place that means so much to me,” Butler said. “This is one of the top jobs in the CIAA, and I’m blessed for this opportunity.”
Butler shared that his daughter, Lauren, is already committed to WSSU – making the transition even more meaningful. “She is my why,” he said. “She committed here, and I was ecstatic about that.”
Grounded in legacy and focused on the future, Butler emphasized his commitment to developing student-athletes beyond the game. “We want to build young men,” Butler said. “I am committed to player development on and off the court, so they are prepared for life after basketball.”
He also paid tribute to WSSU legends Clarence “Big House” Gaines, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Cleo Hill, signaling his intent to restore championship expectations. “I want to continue that legacy and see the next pro come from here,” Butler said. “We want to win 20 games every year.”
Butler highlighted the unique value of the HBCU experience and WSSU’s strong sense of community. He also affirmed his commitment to community engagement and representing the university with pride.
“We will be invested in the community and committed to putting a product on the floor that you all will be proud of,” Butler said.
The announcement builds on a historic year for WSSU athletics, including a CIAA championship season for women’s basketball and continued national recognition across programs.
With new leadership in place, university officials say WSSU is positioned to expand its impact on campus, in competition and throughout the community.
