Chancellor Dr. Donald J. Reaves, who began his duties as chancellor on Aug. 15, met with the entire Winston-Salem State University faculty on Oct. 3 in the Thompson Center to discuss his priorities for the academic year.
Reaves started his speech by saying that all decisions made regarding the university are academically based decisions.
Reaves discussed key points such as further developing WSSU as a historically black university and his various goals in order to achieve this success.
Highlights included improving retention and graduation rates, creating the ideal college student experience, better support services including faculty advising and customer service, and preventing crime on and around the campus.
Faculty-specific priorities Reaves spoke about were having shared governance between the administration and faculty, and raising money for the university.
“By creating a culture of giving, more money will be given to the university by faculty and staff, students, alumni, and supporters,” Reaves said.
“This culture of giving will help the university make the transition from a good institution to a great institution,” he said.Reaves also said “I have met with SGA, and they suggested showing up at different events. In addition, I have an open door policy with students.”
Reaves closed the meeting by acknowledging that he is very happy to be at WSSU.