Local economic development nonprofit, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., hosted its annual State of Education luncheon this week.
Winston-Salem State University’s marching band, Red Sea of Sound, welcomed more than 100 attendees to the Benton Convention Center for the event. Leaders from nearby colleges and universities, the public school system and local businesses gathered to discuss the role of education in the community.
This year’s keynote speaker was Bonita J. Brown, who became the chancellor of WSSU in July.
She spoke about WSSU specifically, but also touched on the challenges facing higher education institutions across the state including the rise of artificial intelligence, staffing shortages and declining student enrollment.
“The demographic cliff that we've been hearing about for years is here. Not only are there a fewer number of children being born, that results in fewer number of 18-year-olds ready to go into college," Brown said. "And that's a huge problem for colleges and universities.”
She also spoke about colleges and universities getting caught in the middle of politics.
"We saw all the protests all across campus last year, the matters around DEI legislation, challenges about academic freedom, to even questioning the value of a four-year degree," Brown said. "These topics disrupt the day-to-day activities of universities and cause great angst across the whole industry."
Despite these obstacles, Brown says she loves working in higher education because she knows the impact it can have on students and future generations.
“Changing the trajectory of lives is powerful work," Brown said. "That is the true definition of social mobility, and Winston-Salem State is a leader in that area.”
Brown says she’s looking to partner with local businesses and other universities to develop pathways for WSSU students to careers and professional degrees in fields like law and medicine.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.