Interview with Chancellor Elwood Robinson with Winston-Salem State University

Today we’re joined by Chancellor Elwood Robinson with Winston-Salem State. With students back on campus, Elwood says his institution is doing great amidst this pandemic. They’re learning a lot and are glad to meet the various challenges.

Elwood has always tried to lead from the heart and has found that approach has served him well during these trying times. He can’t say enough about his staff and the true leadership that has risen during this pandemic. All involved have learned they could push themselves into spaces they didn’t realize they could. Elwood thinks they’ll be more successful in the long run because of the challenges they’ve had to overcome. For instance, he says before, it would have taken them 3-5 years to get a substantial online program going, but they’ve been able to rise up and make that a reality in less than a year. Another success was in raising $27.1 million during a pandemic when their goal was only for $11 million. Elwood says his staff has been extremely productive, and he has a greater appreciation for them.

Elwood believes that the work of the institution is about equity, yet only about 10% of students get the best possible experience. Five years ago, he found himself asking what would happen if we could give every student that experience. He says it’s about creating spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard. Institutions need authentic spaces where everyone feels like they belong, are valuable, and are important. Elwood has a goal that by 2025 not only will every student get a diploma, but every student will be able to create their own job.

When in a crisis, we tend to focus only on managing the crisis and aren’t thinking about the future. Elwood hoped to combat this by putting together a team to focus on what the future will look like. Further, he’s created a show called Future Focus Now that even had Dr. Fauci as a guest. Thinking about the future, Elwood has taken a strong stance on the importance of the Covid vaccine, which he hopes will reduce skepticism.

Looking to the future, Elwood hopes everyone can stay laser-focused on diversion, equity, and inclusion. He thinks institutions should look at things student by student and aim to leave no one out. He continues to be hopeful that everyone will have access to the best possible college experience.

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