Latest news with #Winston-SalemStateUniversity
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth gets love from Stephen A
Winston-Salem State University alumni pride was on full display during ESPN's First Take on Monday, as Stephen A. Smith delivered a heartfelt congratulations to fellow HBCU graduate Rajah Caruth. Caruth made history over the weekend by winning his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race of the 2025 season at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, May 30-securing a playoff spot in the process. The segment opened with a throwback recorded message from Caruth thanking Smith for his influence and leadership during a previous HBCU segment. "Honestly, Stephen A., I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for Winston-Salem State University and our culture," Caruth said. "You're a great example of living Black history." Smith, who graduated from the HBCU in Dec. 1991, was visibly moved by the gesture, responded with emotion and pride. "I always get touched by stuff like that, especially for my alma mater, which means the world to me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Winston-Salem State," he said. Smith praised Caruth's performance during the final stretch of the race, noting the young driver held off seasoned champions in the final 15 laps. "He handled his business, held it down, and ended up winning for the first time. I'm very, very proud of this young man and what he's doing-the way he's representing the Rams." This win marked the second career victory for Caruth in the Craftsman Truck Series. Smith took the moment to highlight Caruth's impact as an HBCU representative in a traditionally non-diverse sport like NASCAR. "Anytime I see great things from Winston-Salem State, I'm incredibly happy… There's a whole bunch of talent at HBCUs throughout this country." As Smith wrapped up his remarks, he once again voiced his support for Caruth and reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating HBCU excellence, saying, "Way to go, Rajah. Way to go." The post NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth gets love from Stephen A appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU coaching legend receives highest academic honor
Nearly 50 years after starting his legendary career as a head football coach at Winston-Salem State University, Bill Hayes has received the highest academic honor from the was honored with an honorary doctorate from WSSU on Friday during its spring commencement ceremony on Friday morning. Serving as head coach from 1976 to 1987, Hayes compiled an impressive 89–40–2 record, making him the winningest coach in WSSU history until his record was broken by his former quarterback Kermit Blount. Under his leadership, the Rams secured three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships (1977, 1978, 1987) and five CIAA Southern Division titles. Notably, his 1977 and 1978 teams achieved back-to-back 11–1 seasons, with the 1978 squad advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Hayes's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, innovation, and relentless work ethic. He introduced the split-back veer offense and the wide tackle 6 defense to WSSU, strategies uncommon among HBCUs at the time. Despite limited resources and staffing-initially having only one assistant coach-Hayes built a formidable program through sheer determination and strategic eventually left WSSU for rival North Carolina A&T in 1988 and led it to three MEAC titles before his retirement in 2003. Beyond his coaching achievements, Hayes made significant contributions as an athletic administrator. After his coaching stint, he served as athletic director at North Carolina Central University, Florida A&M University, and returned to WSSU in 2010, where he oversaw the athletic department until his retirement in 2014. His administrative leadership further solidified his legacy in collegiate athletics. Hayes's impact on college football has been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into multiple halls of fame and the naming of the football field at WSSU's Bowman Gray Stadium in his honor. His career stands as a testament to his dedication to excellence and his profound influence on student-athletes and the broader HBCU sports community. The post HBCU coaching legend receives highest academic honor appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
29-04-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
HBCU student thanks athletic trainer for saving life
As Winston-Salem State University prepares to celebrate its 2025 graduates, one HBCU student-athlete is reminding the world that some of the most important people in your college journey don't stand at the podium - they stand by your side when it matters most. Nia James, a senior on the WSSU volleyball team, shared an emotional story of survival and gratitude directed at John Lavender, the university's longtime athletic trainer. In a touching social media post, she credited Lavender with saving her life following a near-fatal health scare in October 2022. After tearing nearly every ligament in her knee during volleyball season, James was later diagnosed with blood clots in her leg. One night, she experienced hours of severe chest pain. Lavender urged her to go to the emergency room - and when doctors initially tried to send her home, he demanded a CT scan. That test revealed life-threatening blood clots in all five lobes of her lungs. With her family hours away, Lavender stayed with her through the night. "Without the persistence, care, and knowledge of John and the amazing @wssu_at staff, I would not be here preparing to walk the stage in 10 days," James wrote. "Your impact is greater than you know." Lavender, a graduate of Elon University, has served Winston-Salem State since January 2013. In his role as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, he has become a trusted figure for generations of student-athletes, offering not just physical care, but personal support and advocacy. "People always ask why I got into this profession. This is a perfect example of my why," Lavender wrote on X. "We have an amazing AT staff at WSSU. I tell all our recruits/parents when their child comes to WSSU they become my child. I love my kids. I love my job." ? James' story is a powerful example of the close-knit, life-changing community found at her HBCU and so many others. The post HBCU student thanks athletic trainer for saving life appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Winston-Salem State University student wanted in dorm shooting turns himself in
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A Winston-Salem State University Student who was wanted on charges related to a shooting that took place in a residence hall has turned himself in, according to the Winston-Salem Police the scene, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in a study room inside the dorm. The victim is not currently a student at WSSU. Investigators say that a fight is what led to the victim being shot. After an 'extensive investigation', the WSPD's Gang Unit, Gun Crime Reduction Unit and Violent Firearms Investigation Team conducted two search warrants on campus over the weekend, leading to the seizure of: 9 pounds of marijuana A gun THC edibles Cash Various items of drug paraphernalia As a result of the investigation, warrants were taken out for 19-year-old Ja'lon Stallings, a current WSSU student.. Investigators say that Stallings turned himself into authorities on Monday night. He is being charged with the following: Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon Felony discharge a firearm on educational property Felony discharge a firearm from within an enclosure to incite fear Misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia Misdemeanor possession of marijuana Stallings is being held without bond. WSSU released the following statement on Monday afternoon before Stallings turned himself in: As many of you are aware, a shooting occurred on our campus the evening of Friday, April 11, at approximately 6:34 p.m. The incident took place in Rams Commons 3, one of our residential facilities. The victim, a male who is not an enrolled student at Winston-Salem State University, sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital. We are grateful that his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is now on the road to recovery. Our thoughts and concern are with him and his family as he continues to heal. At this time, the suspect remains at large. The Winston-Salem City Police Department (WSPD), the lead investigating agency, has identified the suspect as Ja'lon Stallings, a current WSSU student. Law enforcement, including the WSPD and WSSU Police, are actively investigating the matter and working diligently to locate the suspect. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to provide any support necessary to assist in their investigation. In addition to facing criminal charges, swift disciplinary actions will be taken against the suspect in accordance with university policy. Let me be clear: The illegal possession of a weapon on university property is both a violation of state law – North Carolina General Statute §14-269.2 – and a direct breach of our institutional values and code of conduct. We will respond firmly and decisively in every instance. While this incident is both troubling and unacceptable, we are grateful for the quick actions of our campus police and local authorities. Our campus was immediately placed on lockdown after the incident and remained so until law enforcement deemed it safe to reopen. We are actively reviewing safety protocols and increasing security presence to further protect our campus. Counseling and support services are also available for anyone in need during this time. Winston-Salem State University is stronger than any one incident, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment. WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, J.D. This is the second shooting on campus this semester. WSSU has strict policies against guns on campus, and anyone who brings a gun on school property is charged with a class I felony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
1 shot in Winston-Salem State University residence hall, police say; WSSU says suspect at large
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — One person was shot in a Winston-Salem State University residence hall on Friday, according to a Winston-Salem Police Department news release. At 6:34 p.m., WSPD officers responded to a reported shooting at WSSU. Arriving officers found one person in a residence hall study room who had been shot. The victim's injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time, and police say this appears to be an isolated incident. The gun was fired at Rams Commons 3, and a suspect is still at large, according to a WSSU RamAlert. People are asked to stay clear of the area. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
