Class of Spring 2024 Success Stories: Where Are They Headed? - Part Two of Four

Winston-Salem State University offers an excellent Sport Management program that prepares our students for dynamic careers in the sports industry. WSSU is the first and only HBCU to receive accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

In May 2024, many Sport Management majors will graduate from the program. Here is a glimpse of some of their success stories and next steps post-graduation.

Antonio Young

Major: Sport Management

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Activities: I had the opportunity to be a part of gameday operations, manager for the men's basketball team, one of the founders of Faith Walkers Bible Study Group, intramural football champion, intramural basketball referee, resident advisor, and a pillar of this campus.

I will miss that Ramily feel on a beautiful Fried Chicken Wednesday and a 12-2 at the Breezeway. The atmosphere here is unmatched. Many schools try to duplicate what we have at WSSU, but you can't duplicate authentic love.

My professors, advisors, athletic staff, and most of all, my favorite RA ever Che'von Jefferson, who made me feel welcomed and told me I would be someone even when I didn't see it in myself. I am forever grateful to them.

Next step:  I have accepted an internship with Reynolds American in Orlando, Florida, where I will be working in trade marketing.

Rayanna Latham

Major: Sport Management

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Activities: I was involved with game day operations and served as treasurer of the Sport Management Club.

How has WSSU helped you to develop as a person?

WSSU has developed me in so many ways. The rigorous environment at WSSU challenged me to push myself beyond my boundaries, to think critically, and to develop problem-solving skills. Also, my involvement in extracurricular activities and campus organizations at WSSU provided me with opportunities for leadership, teamwork and personal growth, whether through volunteer work, student club, or internship.

Next step: I will intern with the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2024 WNBA season. Soon after, I will get my master's in Sport Management at Cal State Long Beach in Fall 2024.

Joy Shipman

Major: Sport Management

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Activities: I was part of the Campus Life Marketing Committee (CLMC), starting as a member and becoming the 2023-2024 CLMC parliamentarian. Additionally, I served as a 2022-2023 Student Senate Representative. In 2023, I became a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar, and in the fall, I also became a member of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

How has WSSU prepared you to pursue your ultimate goals?
WSSU has provided me with opportunities to support my career goal to work in sports media. The biggest one being Stephen A. Smith returning to his alma mater with his ESPN show, First Take. Because of that exposure here at WSSU, it has led me to my next career step, working at ESPN.

Next step: I will be relocating to Bristol, Connecticut, to take part in the ESPN NEXT career acceleration program as a production assistant.

Camar Kyle

Major: Sport Management

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Activities: I was captain of the football team and involved with Rams TV.

What advice would you give to someone who was considering attending WSSU?

I would tell anyone considering WSSU to come here. You will find a place where you can grow as a person and discover your strengths. I had great professors who challenged me, and I made a lot of friends. I will miss them and the family atmosphere on campus.

Next step: I will be attending graduate school.