WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Winston-Salem State University is calling it a historic moment for the university. There's been a record-breaking number of students who have enrolled in graduate programs at the university. This surge comes two years after the university reinstated its graduate c ollege after it had been discontinued for about 12 years. This has been a major turnaround for the program that was discontinued in 2010 at WSSU. University leaders said the recent surge in enrollment is thanks to concentrated efforts to grow the program. NC A&T State University student poised for breakthrough in CBS’ historic soap opera ‘Beyond the Gates’ "I feel like it's very, very important because, you know, things are changing. Every day is changing. There are more and more people wanting to pursue post-grad education, and I think that is just wonderful that we have opened those doors," said Makeiah Trotter, a WSSU first-year graduate student. Winston-Salem State University leaders said the graduate program revival has not only brought in new students but also helped secure state funding, which is directly tied to enrollment. “Any school within the UNC system, their funding is really predicated upon enrollment, and so previously there was more of a focus around undergraduate education,” said Montrale Boykin, WSSU Dean of Graduate College. One thing leading to an increase in graduate program enrollment is transitioning how some programs were taught. Some that were once only offered in-person are now online. “A good example there is our MBA program. Last academic year, we received approval from the UNC system, the transition, that program from face-to-face to online. We were actually the only program in the system that did not have an online component,” said Boykin. Father-daughter duo’s hydroponic coffee is Made in NC One of the key factors behind this success is the HBCU Fellowship Grant specifically for students looking to get an advanced degree in STEM and allied health fields. WSSU got $11.4 million dollars to fund this grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support students through 2029. It helps pay tuition, cover books and stipends. Makeiah Trotter, a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration, received the grant. She got her undergraduate degree from WSSU.  She said the grant made all the difference in her decision to continue her education at WSSU. “It has eased my question that is, how am I going to further this education? How am I going to fund me trying to further my education. So the fellowship has helped a lot and it's helped ease all the more questions and all of my worries,” said Trotter. WSSU’s total graduate student enrollment in fall 2024 was 590 students. While there’s some uncertainty surrounding future Department of Education funding, university leaders say at this time, the money they’ve received for the HBCU Fellowship Grant is secure. ...read more read less