At the Center of Excellence, our vibrant array of activities extends learning beyond the traditional classroom, connecting students directly with the pulse of the financial industry. We foster an environment of continuous growth through immersive experiences designed to build critical skills, expand professional networks, and ignite a passion for innovation. Explore how our dynamic programming enriches your educational journey and prepares you for real-world success.
Expert Speaker Series
Gain unparalleled insights from leading financial professionals such as portfolio managers, fintech innovators, and economists sharing their experiences, market forecasts, and career advice.
Hands-On Workshops
Develop practical, in-demand skills through intensive workshops to comprehensive training in wealth management software. These sessions are led by industry practitioners and provide actionable knowledge you can apply immediately.
Exclusive Networking Events
Forge invaluable connections with potential employers, alumni mentors, and industry leaders at our tailored networking receptions, career fairs, and mentorship programs. These events provide a direct pathway to internships, job opportunities, and long-term professional relationships.
Stories
Financial Literacy Day 2024
In April 2024, Winston-Salem State University hosted its first Financial Literacy Day, organized by the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), home of WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning. The event gave students, faculty, and staff a space to learn, connect, and walk away with tools they could use immediately.
Students engaged in sessions like Money and Trauma and Credit and Confidence, where financial lessons were tied to lived experiences and practical steps. Faculty and staff explored Planning for Retirement, underscoring that financial well-being matters at every stage of life.
At midday, Hill Hall came alive as The Black Effect Podcast recorded a live taping, blending culture and conversation in a way that resonated with attendees. Partners including State Farm, Vanguard, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, and Allegacy Credit Union anchored the day, showing their commitment to financial empowerment on campus.
“This event showed that financial literacy is about more than numbers — it’s about empowerment, wellness, and preparing for the future,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU remains committed to expanding Financial Literacy Day and strengthening financial knowledge for students, faculty, and the wider community.
Rams in the Black: Coaching Students Toward Financial Wellness
In August 2023, Winston-Salem State University launched Rams in the Black, a financial coaching initiative powered by a $138,000 award and led by the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), home of WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning. The program continues today, giving students direct access to expert coaching and support.
In partnership with Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, students met one-on-one with certified coaches to address challenges such as budgeting, credit management, and debt reduction. More than 15 students actively participated, and their results told a powerful story: participants reported higher credit scores, increased savings, and meaningful reductions in debt.
“Financial wellness is the foundation for success in school and in life,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS. “Rams in the Black gave our students tools to succeed today and strategies to carry into the future.”
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU is committed to expanding Rams in the Black. With continued funding and student involvement, we can strengthen financial wellness across campus and ensure more students benefit from this vital program.
WSSU’s Martin Named to InvestmentNews 40 Under 40
In 2024, InvestmentNews named Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS) at Winston-Salem State University, to its prestigious 40 Under 40 list for his impact in wealth management. The honor recognized both his professional achievements and his commitment to expanding access to financial services for underserved communities.
Martin’s journey began on the island of St. Kitts, where he saw firsthand the difference financial knowledge and access can make. That perspective has guided his career — from operating a wealth management firm in one of the poorest counties in the United States, to preparing students through WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in CEFS.
“This recognition is deeply personal,” Martin reflected. “Wealth management is not only about growing assets — it’s about empowering families and communities to build stability and opportunity.”
The award placed WSSU and its Financial Planning program in the national spotlight, showing what it means to merge scholarship, professional practice, and student development.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU continues to build pathways for students into the wealth management profession and invites partners to join us in expanding opportunities for the next generation.
WSSU’s Martin Brings HBCU Voice to NAPA 401k Summit
In April 2025, Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS) at Winston-Salem State University, joined national leaders on stage at the NAPA 401k Summit in Las Vegas. The panel, “Bridging the Gap: Attracting Talent from Outside the Financial Services Industry,” explored how firms can strengthen the retirement plan profession by opening doors to new and diverse talent pools.
Martin highlighted the work of WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in CEFS, as a model for building inclusive pipelines. He shared the systemic barriers that often block underrepresented students — from steep licensing costs to limited industry exposure — and challenged firms to act.
“My students have the drive, intelligence, and commitment to succeed,” Martin told attendees. “What they lack is opportunity. Firms need to reach out intentionally to historically Black colleges and universities and other diverse institutions.”
His message underscored the business case for diversity: stronger client relationships, better solutions, and a more sustainable profession.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU invites firms to connect with our students, mentor emerging advisors, and help build the future of retirement planning.
WSSU Financial Planning Students Earn First eMoney Certification
In Spring 2024, Winston-Salem State University reached a teaching milestone in FIN 4385: Advanced Financial Planning. For the first time, all 16 students in the course — part of the BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS) — trained on eMoney Advisor and earned official certification.
The accomplishment positioned WSSU among a select group of institutions embedding professional certifications directly into the curriculum. Guided by Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS, students gained both technical proficiency and a credential widely recognized across the financial planning industry.
“Certification in eMoney gives our students a competitive edge,” Martin explained. “It shows employers that WSSU graduates are prepared to contribute immediately with the same tools used in firms nationwide.”
This first round of certifications reflects CEFS’s mission of preparing students not only with knowledge, but with practical readiness that bridges classroom learning and industry standards.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU remains committed to expanding certifications and creating pathways that prepare students for leadership in the financial planning profession.
WSSU Financial Planning Students Present Client Cases at Scholarship Day
In Spring 2025, students in FIN 4385: Advanced Financial Planning at Winston-Salem State University broke new ground. For the first time, the class participated in Scholarship Day at WSSU’s College of Business and Economics, presenting realistic client cases that reflected the complexity of professional practice.
As part of the BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), student teams analyzed scenarios, developed comprehensive plans, and delivered presentations that showcased their ability to integrate tax, retirement, estate, and investment strategies.
“This was the first time our students presented full client cases in an academic setting,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS. “It gave them the chance to demonstrate not only their technical knowledge but also the value they can bring to clients and the profession.”
Looking ahead to Fall 2025, the program will continue raising the bar by combining Scholarship Day presentations with expanded certification opportunities, ensuring WSSU students remain competitive and industry-ready.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU invites partners to engage with our students as we prepare the next generation of financial planners.
WSSU Students Complete ASPPA Certifications in Retirement Planning
In Fall 2024, Winston-Salem State University advanced its curriculum by embedding professional certification directly into FIN 4320: Retirement Planning. Through a new partnership with the American Retirement Association (ARA), 17 students in the BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), successfully completed two ASPPA certificates: Introduction to Retirement Plans (IRP) and Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF).
The pilot, facilitated by Erica Goodwin of ARA, gave students a unique opportunity to connect academic knowledge with industry-recognized credentials. For many, the experience offered both practical skills and confidence as they prepared to enter the retirement planning profession.
Student reactions reflected the impact. “The IRP certification was informative and accessible,” shared Tajah Paulk. Samuel Elliot added that it was “well-structured and very straightforward … easy to follow.” Brianna Wall noted, “This training provided a comprehensive foundation … equipping me with the confidence and technical skills to succeed.”
“This initiative ensures our students graduate with not just a degree, but a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU will continue offering ASPPA certifications each fall, supported by CEFS scholarships, to strengthen student preparation in retirement planning.
HUD Awards $4 Million to WSSU for Research on Housing and Financial Literacy
In Fall 2024, Winston-Salem State University was awarded a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a Research Center of Excellence. As part of the leadership team, Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), serves as Co-Principal Investigator, focusing on financial literacy and rural housing issues.
The project examines how financial education can strengthen housing stability in under-resourced rural communities, including areas in North Carolina, the Navajo Nation, and Guam. By combining housing research with financial capability initiatives, the center aims to address systemic challenges while promoting long-term community resilience.
“This grant allows us to connect financial literacy directly to housing and community development,” Martin said. “It’s about using education as a tool for stability and empowerment.”
The initiative reflects CEFS’s mission to extend financial planning education beyond the classroom, linking scholarship with tangible improvements in people’s lives.
WSSU Financial Planning Students Gain Exclusive Access at Schwab IMPACT Conference
Over the past three years, eight students from Winston-Salem State University’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), have participated in the Schwab IMPACT Conference. Supported through sponsorship by the Charles Schwab Foundation and CEFS, students attended in Pennsylvania in 2023 and San Francisco in 2024, engaging directly with industry leaders who shape the future of wealth management.
The IMPACT Conference is widely regarded as the premier event for independent advisors, a setting where access is highly selective and opportunities for growth are unmatched. For WSSU students, being in the room was transformational — personally and professionally.
“Attending IMPACT gave me confidence that I belong in this profession,” one student reflected. Others spoke of mentorship opportunities and a broadened vision of career pathways in financial planning.
Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS, noted, “Our financial planning program is creating pathways that connect students to the highest levels of the profession.”
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU remains committed to strengthening the financial planning program and expanding access to experiences that prepare students for leadership.
WSSU Financial Planning Students Attend VISION Conference in Washington, DC
In Fall 2025, four students in WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning, housed in the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS), attended the AAAA VISION Conference in Washington, DC. Hope Henderson, Jam’nya Booker, Brianna Wall, and Clinton Hunt participated through support from the Finder Foundation, representing WSSU among leading voices in the financial services profession.
The VISION Conference, hosted by the Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A), brings together Black financial professionals, advisors, and rising practitioners from across the country. It offers workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on wealth management, investment strategies, retirement planning, and diversity in financial services.
For the students, the benefits were both professional and personal. They connected with industry leaders, explored emerging issues such as impact investing and succession planning, and gained mentors who are already shaping the profession.
“Sending students to VISION lets them see the front lines of the profession,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS. “They return with insight, inspiration, and confidence that classroom work alone can’t provide.”
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU invites students to join the Financial Planning program and encourages industry partners to support opportunities that prepare students for leadership in finance.
The SIE exam is a foundational requirement for many roles in investment and wealth management, and early preparation gives students a significant competitive edge. By embedding this training into the Financial Planning program, CEFS ensures students are not only prepared academically but positioned to meet industry standards upon graduation.
“Partnering with Vanguard to deliver SIE training demonstrates the caliber of opportunities we are building for our students,” said Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS. “It ensures they graduate with both confidence and credentials that signal readiness to employers.”
The next step for these students is sitting for the SIE certification exam, which will be fully sponsored by CEFS to remove financial barriers and ensure equitable access.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU continues to expand certification opportunities that connect classroom learning to professional success.
CEFS Supports Youth Entrepreneurship Through YEP Program in Winston-Salem
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS) at Winston-Salem State University recently expanded its outreach by supporting the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), founded by Mr. Alvin Borders, in the Winston-Salem community. YEP sponsors business pitch competitions for middle school students, encouraging them to develop entrepreneurial ideas and present their visions to a panel of judges.
Through a donation from CEFS, the program provided resources to help nurture these young innovators. Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of CEFS, also served as a judge, experiencing firsthand the energy and creativity of the participants.
“I was so impressed with the middle school students,” Martin said. “Their ability to think critically and present real business ideas shows that entrepreneurship can be fostered early. CEFS is proud to support opportunities that build confidence and spark ambition in Winston-Salem’s youth.”
By investing in YEP, CEFS underscores its commitment to financial education and entrepreneurship as cornerstones of community development — reaching beyond the university to inspire future leaders at every level. This effort complements the Center’s broader work through initiatives like Rams in the Black and Financial Literacy Day, strengthening the link between WSSU and the Winston-Salem community.
The Center for Excellence in Financial Services at WSSU remains dedicated to partnerships that empower and uplift the Winston-Salem community and its next generation of leaders.
Essay Contest Promotes Financial Literacy Among Caribbean Youth, Expands to Forsyth County
In October 2024, Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Winston-Salem State University and native of St. Kitts and Nevis, launched a private initiative to promote financial literacy among Caribbean youth. The Money Matters Essay Contest invited secondary school students ages 13–18 to write on the theme “The Importance of Financial Literacy to the National Economy.”
The contest drew participants from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, encouraging young people to reflect on how personal finance connects to national development. Cash prizes of $1,500, $750, and $375 XCD were awarded to the top three essays, underscoring Dr. Martin’s belief in both rewarding excellence and investing in future leaders.
“This was about creating a platform where young voices could engage with big ideas,” Martin explained. “Financial literacy is not just a personal skill — it’s a national priority, and our students should see themselves as part of that conversation.”
In 2025, the initiative will pivot closer to home. A new competition — the Financial Futures Essay Challenge — will be launched in Forsyth County schools as an official project of the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS). Unlike the Caribbean edition, which focused on national economies, this contest will ask local students to explore “How Financial Literacy Can Shape My Future and My Community.”
Winners will not only receive recognition and prizes but also have opportunities to connect with CEFS programming — including mentoring, campus visits, and scholarships tied to WSSU’s BBA with a concentration in Financial Planning.
Through these evolving initiatives, CEFS connects global vision with local action, building a pipeline from early financial literacy to college-level study, and ensuring youth in both the Caribbean and North Carolina see financial education as a path to opportunity.
Dr. Martin Leads Money Management Sessions in Grenada, 2023
In April 2023, Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Services (CEFS) at Winston-Salem State University, led a series of Money Management sessions in Grenada. These workshops, part of a government initiative, focused on equipping local communities with practical financial skills — budgeting, debt management, and savings strategies — tailored to household realities.
The sessions drew strong participation, with attendees eager to connect lessons to their own financial goals. For many, it was the first opportunity to receive structured guidance on money management in a group setting.
“We want people to feel empowered,” Martin said. “Financial literacy is about more than charts and numbers — it’s about giving families the tools to make decisions that bring stability and opportunity.”
The initiative underscored the importance of collaboration between government, educators, and communities. By contributing his expertise, Martin aligned the mission of CEFS with global outreach, ensuring WSSU’s financial planning program impacts lives well beyond the United States.
Invest & Sip Brings Financial Education to Life in St. Kitts
In May 2025, Dr. Terrance K. Martin, Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Winston-Salem State University, hosted the first Invest & Sip event in St. Kitts — a private initiative designed to bring financial education to vulnerable populations in a relaxed, community-centered setting.
Held in a warm and welcoming space, the event blended practical lessons on saving, investing, and building generational wealth with an atmosphere of connection. Participants enjoyed light refreshments while engaging in conversations that made financial concepts approachable and relevant to everyday life.
“This didn’t feel like a lecture,” one attendee shared. “It felt like family — like we were finally having the kind of money conversations our community needs.” Another remarked, “For the first time, I see how investing can be part of my own story, not just something for wealthy people.”
Dr. Martin explained the purpose simply: “Invest & Sip is about breaking down barriers. By creating an environment that feels safe and familiar, we open the door for people to see financial planning as a tool for empowerment, not intimidation.”
The overwhelmingly positive response confirmed the need for more gatherings like this. Plans are underway to expand Invest & Sip to reach more communities, always guided by the mission of making financial education accessible, engaging, and life-changing.
