Great news keeps rolling in for our community! Winston-Salem State University just announced an incredible $50 million donation from philanthropist and novelist MacKenzie Scott—making it the largest single gift in the university’s history.
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If that number sounds familiar, it’s because Scott has been a tremendous supporter of WSSU before. Back in 2020, she donated $30 million to the university, which was a record at the time. Now, she’s outdone herself, showing continued faith in our local institution and the students it serves.
A Game-Changer for Students and Our Community
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown expressed what so many of us are feeling about this transformational gift:
“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.”

Building on Previous Success
Scott’s 2020 donation already made waves throughout Winston-Salem. The university shared that those funds “fundamentally shifted what was possible for the institution.” The majority supported WSSU’s endowment, while additional funds helped the university purchase property for expansion—investments that continue to benefit students today.
This new $50 million gift will go even further. The university is developing a comprehensive plan focused squarely on student success, with resources allocated for lasting, meaningful impacts.
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Why This Matters
Winston-Salem State University holds a special distinction: it’s North Carolina’s only Carnegie Opportunity College. This recognition goes to institutions that “measurably lift students from one socioeconomic level to another through education and career preparation.”
In other words, WSSU doesn’t just educate students—it transforms lives and creates pathways to success for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This donation will help the university expand those efforts and provide enhanced support services that wrap around students throughout their academic journey.
For Winston-Salem, this means a stronger university, more opportunities for our young people, and continued economic and cultural growth for our entire community.
To read more about this topic, visit Winston-Salem State University receives record-breaking $50 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott | FOX8 WGHP.





