WSSU sends record number of students to graduate school in mathematical sciences
Winston-Salem State University has reached a major milestone in sending an unprecedented number of students to graduate school to pursue advanced degrees in mathematics and statistical sciences.
For the first time in university history, a cohort of 11 WSSU students, some of whom initially pursued other majors, have committed to pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics with seven of the students also earning full tuition scholarships.
Of the 11 students, nine are pursuing master’s degrees; one is pursuing a doctoral degree; and one has been accepted into a research training program prior to graduate school.
This milestone reflects more than just impressive numbers, it signals a cultural shift within WSSU’s Department of Mathematics. “This is a big deal for our department and a point of pride for our faculty,” said Dr. Felicia Simpson, department chair and professor of mathematics. “We are changing students’ perception of mathematics.”
While minority representation in mathematical and statistical sciences remains limited nationwide, WSSU is actively working to change that narrative. “Our success in preparing students for graduate studies in mathematics helps close that gap and ensures that STEM fields benefit from a broader range of perspectives, problem-solvers and leaders,” Simpson said.
WSSU mathematics major Torre Lloyd is making history of her own with a prestigious graduate school opportunity at an Ivy League institution. She was not only accepted into the biostatics program at Brown University, but she was also named a NexGen Scholar at the university. This prestigious award brings with it a full scholarship, a paid research assistant position and a faculty mentor to support her career goals and research.
Lloyd has been working with Simpson conducting research since her junior year, traveling to conferences in Baltimore, New York, Seattle and New Orleans. She also completed an internship at the University of Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.
“I think we all have had the notion that we wouldn’t need the math learned in high school,” Lloyd said. “However, math is involved with everything we do on a day-to-day basis. I didn’t realize how big a part math plays into our daily lives. Being able to connect the dots and know that one day I will be making a difference just with my ability to do math is really cool.”
Students Tatyana Bowers, Jaree “Jai” Legins and Tanaiya Sumter were all accepted into Duke University’s Master of Biostatistics Program.
“When I switched my major to math in 2023, I didn’t know what I was doing – I just had raw talent.,” Bowers said. “Dr. Simpson saw my potential, introduced me to the world of mathematics and opened my eyes to its possibilities. Thanks to her guidance, I landed a 2024 summer internship at Columbia University, and now I’m on the path to a graduate degree in biostatistics.”
Student Amiya Sanford interned in biostatistics at Wake Forest University and is currently conducting research in graph theory. “My understanding for math has evolved a lot during my time here at WSSU. Taking upper-level courses really forces you to think and nothing beats the feeling of finally figuring something out after you’ve been struggling,” she said.
David Wilson’s path to graduate school differs from many of his peers as he has not yet participated in formal research. Instead, he credits his leadership roles at WSSU with strengthening his application for advanced study.
“Thank you so much WSSU and the Math Department for forming me into the scholar, Ram and individual I am today. I would not be here without it,” he said.
“This accomplishment speaks volumes about the impact and value of a WSSU education and underscores our recent designation as an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Foundation,” said Dr. Michael McKenzie, interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This is a clear example of social mobility in action, and we’re proud to be a driving force in preparing the next generation of mathematicians, researchers and data scientists.”
This historic achievement at WSSU is largely attributed to the inspiration and mentorship of Simpson, who motivates students to not only consider mathematics as a major but to envision careers in math, data science and statistics.
Simpson herself was recently recognized for her service, mentorship and contributions to the biostatistics community as the first-ever recipient of the Eastern North American Region International Biometric Society’s Dionne Price Early Career PIONEER Award in Biostatistics.
“It is truly amazing watching these students grow in their abilities to analyze and interpret statistical data and really become confident in themselves,” Simpson said. “Some of these students never dreamed they would make it to this level. It is an indescribable feeling to see them get accepted into graduate programs in mathematics, statistics and biostatistics on scholarship. They all deserved this.”
