Winston-Salem State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System since 1972, is a historically black university and recognized regional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population. The Wall Street Journal recognized WSSU in 2016 as Number 1 among Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) in North Carolina. The U.S. News and World Report recognized the institution in 2016, 2017, and 2018 as one of the Top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education ranked WSSU in 2017 as Number 1 in North Carolina for graduating Black students in the field of education. 

Originally founded in 1892 as Slater Industrial Academy by Simon Green Atkins, the university has undergone multiple name changes including, Winston-Salem Teachers College, which was the first black institution in the United States to grant degrees for teaching elementary grades. In response to a growing medical community emerging in the Winston-Salem area, the School of Nursing was established in 1953, awarding graduates the degree of Bachelor of Science. 

Winston-Salem State University embraces equity beliefs and practices that support success for its population of students who are often impacted by the cumulative disadvantages of historical race and class inequities that limit their ability. The University strives to develop graduates who thrive in a dynamic and global society and become leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.