Winston-Salem State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a historically black university, has a rich history spanning over 125 years. From its humble beginnings as Slater Industrial Academy in 1892, WSSU has evolved into a thriving regional university, leaving an indelible mark on society through its accomplished alumni. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of WSSU's most notable graduates, individuals who have excelled in various fields and contributed significantly to their communities and the world.

Trailblazers and Pioneers

WSSU has a legacy of producing trailblazers who have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. These alumni have demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience, and determination in their respective fields.

Dr. Charles Brady Hauser: A Champion for Civil Rights

Dr. Charles Brady Hauser, a World War II veteran, played a pivotal role in the fight against racial segregation. In 1947, while traveling from Winston-Salem to a teaching position at West Virginia State, he refused to move to the back of a Greyhound bus and was subsequently arrested and jailed. This act of defiance, predating Rosa Parks's famous stand by several years, challenged Jim Crow laws and contributed to the dismantling of segregation in transportation.

Describing himself as the "second strike" against segregated travel, Dr. Hauser paved the way for Rosa Parks's successful protest in 1955. A decade later, he returned to North Carolina to chair WSSU's education program, where he served for 20 years. After retirement, he dedicated himself to public service, serving two terms in the N.C. General Assembly. Dr. Hauser's commitment to education and civil rights left an enduring legacy at WSSU and beyond.

Cleo Hill: Breaking Barriers in the NBA

Cleo Hill, a 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) guard, made history as the first NBA first-round draft pick from the CIAA. In 1961, Hill was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks, becoming only the fifth African-American from an HBCU to be taken in the first round of an NBA draft. Hill's selection paved the way for more Black players in the NBA and helped set the stage six years later for Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.

K.R. Todd: A Groundbreaking Figure in Athletics

K.R. Todd broke barriers throughout her career, achieving numerous firsts in the world of athletics. In 1980, she became the first African American to appear on a box of Kellogg's Corn Flakes. In 1983, she was named Big 10 Coach of the Year for Cross Country. After successful stints at Northwestern and Georgia Tech, she became the ACC's first female commissioner in 2000. Her accomplishments earned her induction into the WSSU Clarence E.

Spurgeon N. ছিলেন: A Tuskegee Airman's Valor

Spurgeon N. ছিলেন, a Winston-Salem native, was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery as a pilot in 1944, the third-highest valor medal. After graduating from WSTC, he worked briefly as an elementary school teacher. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army and earned his wings in 1943.

Johansson: WSSU's First White Graduate

Johansson, a mother of five from Tobaccoville, made history in 1968 when she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with honors, becoming the university's first white graduate. Johansson later served on the faculty and as associate dean at Wake Forest University.

Kenneth R. Williams: A Pioneer in Local Politics

Kenneth R. Williams' first teaching job was at Winston-Salem Teacher's College (WSTC) in 1936. In 1947, at a time of increasing political awareness among African Americans in Winston-Salem, Williams won an alderman seat, becoming the first black candidate to defeat a white candidate for a municipal election in the South in the 20th century. In 1962, Williams was named president of WSTC, which became known as Winston-Salem State College the following year.

First Male Nursing Graduate

Hill broke through a barrier, becoming the first male to earn a nursing degree from WSSU.

Michelle V. Howard

Michelle V. Howard is the first African American woman to command a ship in the United States Navy.

Leaders in Public Service and Politics

WSSU alumni have consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service, holding prominent positions in government and advocating for positive change in their communities.

Lura Smith: Mayor of Evanston, Illinois

After serving as an educator for more than 30 years, Lura Smith continued her career in public service as an alderman of Evanston, Illinois. In 1993, she became Evanston's first African-American mayor.

Luke Torian: Virginia House of Delegates

Luke E. Torian has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2010, representing the 24th district in the Prince William County suburbs of Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Carla Cunningham: North Carolina House of Representatives

Carla D. Cunningham has served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 106th district since 2012.

Read also: Tobago to Tinseltown

Earline W. Parmon: North Carolina General Assembly

Earline W. Parmon graduated from Winston-Salem State University and served as a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state's seventy-second House district from 2002 to 2013. She later served in the North Carolina Senate from 2013 until her resignation in 2015. Parmon also served as Forsyth County, North Carolina commissioner.

Accomplished Athletes

WSSU has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, producing numerous athletes who have excelled at the collegiate and professional levels.

Earl "The Pearl" Monroe: NBA Legend

Vernon Earl Monroe, known as "Earl the Pearl," is one of WSSU's most celebrated alumni. He played for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks during his NBA career, with both teams retiring his number. Monroe was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990 and the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. In 1996, he was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and in 2021, he was named as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

William Hayes: NFL Defensive End

William Quintin Hayes played college football at Winston-Salem State and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He went on to have a successful career as a defensive end.

Rajah Caruth: NASCAR Driver

Rajah Kirby Caruth competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. On March 1, 2024, Caruth won the 2024 Victoria's Voice Foundation 200, becoming the third Black driver to win in one of NASCAR's three national series, joining Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace.

Influential Figures in Arts and Media

WSSU alumni have also made significant contributions to the arts and media, using their talents to entertain, inform, and inspire audiences.

Stephen A. Smith: Sports Television Personality

Stephen Anthony Smith, known as SAS, is a prominent sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist. He frequently appears on ESPN's SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and NBA broadcasts. He has also hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio and is a commentator on ESPN's First Take.

Maria Howell: Actress and Singer

Wanda Maria Howell is an accomplished actress and singer. She made her film debut in The Color Purple (1985) and appeared in Hidden Figures (2016) as Ms.

Leaders in Education and Library Science

WSSU alumni have also made significant contributions to the fields of education and library science, shaping the minds of future generations and promoting access to information.

Wanda Kay Brown: President of the American Library Association

Wanda Kay Brown is the director of the C. G. O'Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University and a leader in state and national library associations. She served as the president of the American Library Association for the 2019-2020 term. She is the first American Library Association president who is a library director at one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities. She is twice president of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association in 2006-2008 and 2024-2026.

Other Notable Alumni

The list of accomplished WSSU alumni extends beyond these highlighted individuals. Other notable graduates include:

Louis Farrakhan: Religious leader and head of the Nation of Islam (NOI).
Selma Burke: Sculptor and member of the Harlem Renaissance movement.
Charles Parks Richardson: Doctor, inventor, and serial entrepreneur.
Dennis L.A. White: Stage and screen actor.

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