Q&A with Chancellor Robinson Annual fair showcases study abroad Dysheada Reid Editor-in-Chief @dreid112
Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson is eight months into his profession as a first-time chancellor at Winston-Salem State. Robinson started in January, the middle of the academic year. While maintaining a busy lifestyle he still continues to keep his constituents updated on social media. The Argus interviewed him to discuss his plans for the University and to get a insight for his transition so far. Argus: How has your time been here so far? Robinson: It been a whirlwind and a tremendous learning curve for me not having been chancellor before. So I’m trying to get the ins and outs of a system this large. So, It’s been great. I’ve also had a chance to talk to the community. Argus: You have been here since January. What are your top three priorities for the 2015-2016 academic year? Robinson: One [priority] is to get a sense of how it’s like to be here in the fall. Even though I’ve been here for eight
months, I have not experienced going through a fall semester. The other[priotity] is I am coming in on a strategic plan which ends in 2015. So our top priority for the next four months is completing the next strategic plan for the next five to seven years. We started in the summer and we are looking at the next phase now. We certainly will have a great deal of student participation. Argus: Typically, when chancellors enter a university they bring their own team of administrators, but so far you have kept the Reaves administration. Do you plan to make any changes? Robinson: I think it’s all about style, leadership and perspective. I don’t know if that’s the case where you come in and bring your own team. I think I’m having a hard time understanding exactly what that means, but I think it means you go to an organization and you see how its has been functioning.
CHANCELLOR continued on Page 3
WSSU-Dominos deal ‘on order’ for next semester
Desrick Rhooms Reporter @drhooms112 Starting next semester, students will be able to use their Ram Cards to purchase food from Domino’s at 450 Knollwood Street in Winston-Salem. Donald Pearsall, the assistant vice chancellor for business services at Winston-Salem State, said students can place orders over the phone with their Banner ID numbers or swipe their Ram Cards in the store. The agreement is aimed to benefit Domino’s for additional revenue, the students for additional food options and convenience, and the University for commission earned from student sales. Sonya Glanton, Domino’s manager on, said she expects their machine to accept Ram Cards next semester. Students should be notified via email when they can begin ordering Students who use the ser
vice will have a special menu. The menu items have not been decided yet. “Partnering with Domino’s was a no brainer because Domino’s has been a partner for a while,” Pearsall said. The University will receive a commission for every order placed with a Ram Card. The funds will go toward student scholarships and athletic programs. Pearsall said the contract has not been finalized but will be a permanent agreement that will extend past this academic year. Wake Forest has apartnered with Domino’s for about three years. Sarah Barkley, marketing manager for Aramark at WFU, said students can call or order online using and have Domino’s delivered. She said Dominos has partnered with Wake Forest Dining program for about three years now.
Photo credit by Nigel Peterson
This year, the study abroad fair was held on Sept. 2 in DJR. The fair presented information for many potential students that may want to travel abroad to various countries. Danisha Wiggins (left), senior, explains and answers questions of fellow rams about the different study abroad programs available.
WSSU to play in Viking Class for 1st time Demetrius Dilliard Reporter @ddillard112
Vibrant, jubilant and exhilarating are a few words that describe the Down East Viking Football Classic, an event in which the WinstonSalem State football team will participate in for the first time at 4 p.m. Sept. 26. Elizabeth City State has hosted the Classic since it began in 1998, when the Vikings faced Fayetteville State. This year’s matchup will be the 18th annual Classic. Each year, the event draws more than 10,000 fans
to the Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, N.C. In 1997, Edward McLean, former ECSU athletic director, and Claudie Mackey, an ECSU faculty member, proposed the idea of the Classic to Charles Penny, the ECSU Board of Trustees Chairman at the time. “We see [the Classic] as a great opportunity to showcase our community,” said Penny, who now serves as the first Black city manager of Rocky Mount. “The event also gives a chance for folks to come into
our community and enjoy CIAA football and fellowship.” Penny said he is excited for the large following WSSU brings and looks forward to everyone commuting from Winston-Salem enjoying what Rocky Mount has to offer. Second-year head football coach Kienus Boulware said this year’s game will be his fifth time coaching in the Classic and his first with WSSU.
CLASSIC continued on Page 4