From robots to residence halls, WSSU invests millions in campus improvements
Residence halls with makeovers, newly paved roads and Rams branding are just a few of the changes greeting new and returning Winston-Salem State University students this semester.
Over the summer, WSSU’s Design & Construction unit completed 30 projects totaling approximately $1.75 million, and an additional $900,000 in Housing and Residence Life projects are under design.
The change likely to get the most attention from students, however, is the addition of two food-delivery robots that will transport food across campus for a $3.95 fee.
Robots are becoming increasingly common at colleges and universities across the U.S. WSSU expects to have a few of its own in operation in September, according to Deputy Chief Operating Officer Greg Bryant.
So far, everything from painting to site drainage to shower replacements to HVAC duct and unit cleaning has taken place at WSSU — with more to come.
For example, fresh paint has given a new look to Atkins, Covington, Gleason-Hairston Terrace, Rams Commons 1-4 and Wilson residence halls, as well as the R.J. Reynolds Center and Hall Patterson Building.
The W.B. Atkins Lecture Hall has undergone a major renovation, too, with new flooring and carpet, better seating and wall wraps.
New showers were installed in Brown, Wilson and Moore residence halls, and Moore also received new window screenings, said Dr. Shawn Odom, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students.
There are also improvements at Subway inside the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center. The eatery now has bright, new signage and updated equipment.
The improvements extend beyond buildings. Victory Circle, Rams Drive, Success Way, Welcome Lane and Price Street have been paved and painted.
Kennedy Dining Hall has gotten in on the act, too, with new flooring, fresh paint and improved university branding. The university’s motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve,” is now visible in the facility. Another addition is a mural featuring WSSU founder Dr. Simon G. Atkins, two rams, “ONE Ramily” and the Winston-Salem skyline.
In March, when WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown launched “We Are Rising,” the strategic plan for the university, she outlined goals that included enhancing the student experience, promoting sustainable campus operations and advancing innovation and technology adoption — among other things.
The recent campus improvements align with several of Brown’s institutional goals, according to Bryant, who also serves as associate vice chancellor of operations.
“Obtaining a degree is the primary reason students attend college, and at Winston-Salem State University, we pride ourselves on offering strong academic programs,” Bryant said. “However, just as our students deserve a high-quality education, they also should be comfortable in their residence halls and across campus, so we’re making changes to enhance their WSSU experience.
“I’m certain the campus improvements that are welcoming our students to kick off the fall 2026 semester will demonstrate to them – as well as to all Ramily members – our commitment to continually enhancing the campus atmosphere and investing in the student experience,” Bryant continued. “These improvements are just the beginning of our ongoing efforts to create a campus environment where students can learn, live and thrive.”
Other planned improvements include more interview rooms, new furniture, improved lighting and fresh paint in Career Development Services in Hill Hall.
Four WSSU student leaders highlighted the changes in a video distributed campuswide on the first day of classes. The upbeat clip featured Ramiyah Summers, Student Government Association president; Quincey Constant, SGA vice president; Briyana Tillman, Miss Winston-Salem State University; and Danari McIllwain, Mister Winston-Salem State University.
In the video, the students take turns highlighting some of the campus improvements.
After Summers mentions the food delivery robots, Tillman says, “It’s innovation, convenience and accessibility all designed to make your Ram experience even better.”
Summers, of Jamestown, is a senior psychology major with a minor in neuroscience. In an interview, she said the campus is buzzing over the improvements.
“It’s rebranding and upgrades that we’ve all been waiting for. Within the cafeteria, there’s been a lot of rebranding highlighting our institution name and logo,” Summers said. “Seeing that in a space where we constantly hang out is definitely something that we enjoy. Students are grateful for the chancellor and the work that she and her team have done on our behalf.”
