WSSU hires new assistant provost

A new member, Denise Pearson, was added to Winston- Salem State's administrative team as assistant provost Jan. 4.

Pearson was hired in the midst of state-wide budget cuts.

Pearson said she has wanted to serve at a HBCU since she was a graduate student.  "WSSU was on the top of my list," she said.

In her new position, Pearson will work closely with Provost Brenda Allen.

"I am part of Provost Allen's strategic plan to dedicate more human capital toward addressing the needs and interests of the faculty," Pearson said.

She said that her position had been in the works for a while.

"The need to recruit someone dedicated to faculty affairs was probably identified when Provost Allen arrived on campus nearly two years ago," Pearson said.

"I am not sure when the decision was made to move forward with the formal recruitment and hiring process, but I am delighted to be the chosen one."

Allen said the University is delighted that Pearson had joined the WSSU staff.

Pearson brings more than 19 years of experience in higher education.

"We are certainly excited about the experience she will be bringing to this new position," Allen said.

Pearson was offered the assistant provost position after campus visits and interviews with various groups and members of the WSSU community.

"I believe I was offered the job because the provost perceived that I could contribute to her leadership team and ultimately help breathe life into the institution's strategic plan," Pearson said.

As the new assistant provost, Pearson said her priorities are simple.

"My plan will be data driven with a focus on faculty and the support of their work as teachers, researchers and leaders at WSSU."

According to Pearson, her  new duties include all matters concerning faculty, assisting with hiring, reappointments, and tenure and promotion processes –- in essence, helping the University build an ''exceptional'' faculty.

She will also focus on graduate programs, serve as liaison between the provost office and the faculty senate, and supervise the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

She said she hopes to develop and maintain positive relationships with all WSSU stakeholders, characterized by open communication, trust, and an unwavering commitment to preparing WSSU students to compete and succeed in the 21st century.

For the most part Pearson said she  will spend her first 30 days trying to learn as much as possible about WSSU.

She is interested in teaching a Liberal Learning Seminar.

"This is one way of acquainting myself with the larger body of students," she said.

"I even managed to fit Battle of the Bands and a couple of basketball games into my schedule."

Pearson's plans for the rest of year are to familiarize herself with all aspects of WSSU, its faculty, students, staff and the city of Winston-Salem.

"I have drafted some short term plans which I will share with the provost soon," Pearson said.

Her administrative assistant, Angela D. Blue, said she is very pleased with the new assistant provost.

"She [Pearson] is up front, honest and hardworking."

Pearson has earned degrees from Marquette University, University of Denver, Concordia University, and Pace University.