Winston-Salem State University has secured the largest single donation in its 133-year history with a new $50 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This commitment, which surpasses her previous $30 million contribution made in 2020, brings Scott’s total support for the university to an unparalleled $80 million. The scale of the investment positions WSSU among the nation’s most significant recent beneficiaries of philanthropic giving to historically Black institutions and public universities.
Scott’s earlier donation marked a turning point for WSSU, enabling major expansion in student access, scholarships, and long-term financial stability. Much of that initial funding was allocated to the university’s endowment, while the remaining capital enabled WSSU to purchase additional real estate. This was especially critical for the landlocked campus, which has been experiencing record enrollment demand and lacked available space for growth. Those acquisitions created new opportunities for future academic facilities and student-focused expansion.
University leaders stated that the new $50 million gift will enhance WSSU’s ability to support students and strengthen the institution’s infrastructure. Work will now begin on a comprehensive investment plan that aligns with WSSU’s mission and ensures that funds are directed toward initiatives with the most significant long-term impact. Administrators intend to prioritize student success, deepen wrap-around services, and broaden access to affordable higher education for communities that have historically faced barriers.
The contribution comes as WSSU continues to advance its role as North Carolina’s only Carnegie Opportunity College, a designation awarded to institutions that demonstrate measurable success in helping students move upward economically through education and career preparation. The new funding is expected to provide essential support for expanding those efforts and reinforcing WSSU’s position as a key driver of economic mobility within the state.
KEY QUOTE:
“This gift is truly life-changing for our students and our community. MacKenzie Scott’s confidence in Winston-Salem State University enables us to transform lives, not just today, but for generations. Her investment empowers us to make a high-quality education accessible, affordable, and within reach for students who never believed college was possible, and for that, I want to say thank you. We are all profoundly grateful for her choosing to invest in the future of our students and this institution.”
Bonita J. Brown, Chancellor
