Call Center Company in Winston-Salem, NC

By Alex Ingram,

Winston-Salem’s two public universities are set to benefit from new investments in scholarships, campus improvements and athletics under North Carolina State Senate’s proposed 2025 state budget.

The 2025 Appropriations Act, introduced in the General Assembly as Senate Bill 257, outlines funding priorities for the next two fiscal years. The proposal holds core funding steady for Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) while adding targeted investments that could boost enrollment, retention and infrastructure across both campuses.

WSSU joins elite scholarship program

A major highlight of the proposed budget is the expansion of the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program to include WSSU. The full-ride merit-based scholarship—previously offered only at N.C. A&T State University and N.C. Central University—will award up to 50 scholarships annually at WSSU, including 40 for in-state students and 10 for out-of-state students.

The program covers tuition, room and board, textbooks and additional expenses, and is expected to continue to position WSSU as a competitive destination for top academic talent.

State funds support WSSU campus renovations and athletics

WSSU is also slated to receive continued funding for the expansion of the K.R. Williams Auditorium, a renovation that will double the venue’s seating capacity and modernize its facilities. Additional capital funding will support upgrades to Eller Hall and Pegram Hall, including the addition of elevators to improve accessibility.

In a new statewide initiative to support athletics programs at public universities, WSSU is expected to receive $500,000 annually to strengthen its athletic department and facilities.

UNC School of the Arts maintains core funding, eyes student housing expansion

The UNC School of the Arts will continue to receive $41.97 million annually in state support, maintaining its operating budget. While the school’s core appropriation remains unchanged, the budget includes authorization for a new residence hall for its high school division. The project is expected to enhance student recruitment and provide improved housing for young artists from across the state.

Faculty raises and student support across UNC system

The proposed budget includes salary increases for UNC system faculty and staff, continuing multi-year efforts to improve retention and competitiveness across campuses. Additionally, the state will continue funding the UNC Completion Assistance Program, which provides financial support for students nearing graduation who face unexpected economic challenges. WSSU is among the campuses eligible for this support.

Strategic investment in Winston-Salem’s education ecosystem

With both WSSU and UNCSA serving as educational anchors and community hubs, local leaders say the proposed investments could deliver long-term value for students and the broader Winston-Salem community.

“Expanding the Cheatham-White Scholarship at WSSU has been a long-standing goal for quite some time. The proposed investment represents sustained advocacy and a shared commitment to the exceptional students who enrich our community. While the budget remains under consideration, I’m proud to have championed this effort and will continue working to ensure it becomes a reality.” Said NC State Senator Paul Lowe.

The budget bill is still under debate in the General Assembly, and final allocations may shift before passage.

Tuesday, April 15th:

The Kernersville Fire Rescue Department said they’re still investigating to find out what caused the fire at the OmniSource Recycling Center.

Fire crews said they completed operations Tuesday morning and have cleared the scene. They said the metal recycling company is expected to resume normal operations. They also said there are no hazards to the public at this time. The firefighter who was injured was also released from the hospital on Monday and is in good condition.

Monday, April 14th:

Officials with the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department said a fire that was burning at the OmniSource recycling facility is now contained.

Crews made progress on Monday while flowing over one million gallons of water in their efforts to suppress the fire. The metal recycling company helped fire crews by using heavy machinery to sort and separate burning piles of the large scrap metal, allowing crews better access to hot spots. Officials said the affected fire area covers approximately two acres of recycled metal and other materials.

Water runoff from suppression efforts has also been successfully contained to the retention ponds located on the property.

As a precaution, watershed areas around the property, including Kernersville Lake, are being monitored. Officials said no contamination has been detected at this time.

The Winston-Salem Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials teams is leading efforts to monitor runoff.

Kernersville fire gives Monday afternoon update on fire at facility, watch below.

One firefighter was transported to Forsyth Medical Center for evaluation. We're told they have been treated and admitted for observation and are recovering.

No other injuries have been reported. At this time, there are no hazards or health concerns for community members. There are no road closures at this time, but crews are asking the community to stay out of the area.

Sunday, April 13th:

Officials with the Kernersville Fire Rescue are working to put out a large scrap pile fire at OmniSource recycling facility.

On Sunday, Firefighters told WXII that they were called to the area of West Mountain Street for a scrap metal fire. Officials said the flames extended to an adjacent conveyor belt structure.

The assistant fire marshal said firefighters from multiple agencies are assisting with containment efforts, including Winston-Salem, Piney Grove, Walkertown, and the Forsyth County Fire Departments.

Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Kauffman said crews are currently operating in a defensive strategy due to the size and intensity of the fire.

Kauffman said Hazmat 1 is en route to continue monitoring air conditions. He said all environmental and safety conditions will also be closely monitored as crews continue working to extinguish the fire.

We're told significant heat remains within the piles and crews say operations will continue through daylight hours.

WXII viewer Kris Young Shaver shared this video of the fire:

Firefighters, along with WXII viewers, said smoke is visible for miles.

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WXII viewer Joey sent in this photo from Walkertown on Gallant Lane:

Hearst OwnedJoey

WXII viewer Sherry sent these photos from Steve Street in Kernersville:

Hearst OwnedSherry

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The smoke was even visible in parts of Virginia. WXII viewer Sandra Stansbury in Fancy Gap, Virginia, shared this photo:

Hearst OwnedSandra Stansbury

Fire crews said there are no injuries and no threat of the fire spreading to the surrounding areas.

WXII crews on scene said they saw units from the Winston-Salem Fire Department assisting. Piney Grove Fire Rescue also said they are helping Kernersville firefighters.

At this time, there is no information on what led to the fire.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

UPDATE: A fire broke out Sunday afternoon at OmniSource Scrap Metal in Kernersville, North Carolina, according to WXII. Fire crews responded to the scene on West Mountain Street, where a scrap metal fire sent thick smoke billowing into the air. Firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze. While there are currently no road closures, authorities are urging the public to avoid the area. The smoke is visible for miles, including in nearby cities such as Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Walkertown. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

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ORIGINAL STORY: A massive fire has broken out in Kernersville, North Carolina, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky. The smoke is visible from surrounding cities including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Walkertown. Some social media users speculate that the fire originated at OmniSource Corporation, a recycling facility in Kernersville, though this has not been officially confirmed.

One witness reported on Facebook, “There’s a serious fire in kernersville actively burning. The smoke cloud is very dark and can be seen from Greensboro highways. Prayers for all involved.”

Another wrote, “Anyone know what’s on fire behind the PetSmart in Kernersville?? Praying everyone is ok!”

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Sharing a video of the smoke, another person reported, “I don't know how well you can see it in the video, but there is a massive fire burning somewhere between Kernersville and Walkertown. My parents can see it from their house and I can see it from mine. They live about 9 miles away from me (15 mins).”

Another person wrote, “We can see it in Greensboro by the airport.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information

A proposal the reduce the sick hours of Winston-Salem firefighters isn't being received well.

Firefighters now get 288 hours of sick leave annually. If the measure is passed by city officials, they will only receive 134 hours.

"Morale is already low in the fire department. And it seems as though they're kicking us while we're down," Ashton Parrinello, Winston-Salem Professional Firefighters Local president told WXII.

We're exposed to carcinogens, toxins, cancers on a daily basis. Not only that, but every medical call we go on there's a chance that we're at risk of getting some kind of illness from that." he added.

About the Author

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Tierra Terry as the 12th head women's basketball coach in school history.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Tierra Terry back home to Winston-Salem State University," said Etienne Thomas, Director of Athletics. "As a proud WSSU alumna and a proven leader in collegiate women's basketball, Coach Terry brings a deep understanding of our tradition, a passion for developing student-athletes, and a winning mindset. Her return marks a powerful new chapter for our women's basketball program, and we are excited for the future under her leadership."

"First I would like to say thank you God. Next, I would like to say thank you to AD Thomas, Chancellor Brown, the committees, and my family for believing in me, said head coach Tierra Terry. "Coming back to WSSU is a full circle moment. It is a surreal feeling to say that you were a member of the women's basketball team, an assistant women's basketball coach, and now will be returning as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the institution that you graduated from. I have so much RAM pride and I am ecstatic about returning to Ole State U! I am excited to rejoin my RAMILY and lead this team to greatness."

Terry was a four-year member of the Winston-Salem State women's basketball team and earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, while earning a minor in sociology in 2008.

Terry comes to Winston-Salem State after spending five seasons with Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) member Virginia Union where they went 60-51 during her tenure. The Lady Panthers finished this last season 21-9 and saw Maia Charles be named the CIAA Rookie of the Year . During her time there she coached two All-CIAA Frontcourt athletes, four Preseason All-CIAA, two All-Rookie, one Rookie of the Year, one HBCU All Star MVP, class valedictorian and salutatorian and was selected to the inaugural BCIC Tournament. They also finished second in the Northern Division, ranked second in offense in the CIAA and third in defense, third in blocked shots, second in assists/game and second in team field goal percentage. They were 14th in the nation in 3-point scoring defense, 29th in steals/game, 20th in forced turnovers.

Prior to Virginia Union, Terry spent three seasons as an assistant coach at The College of William and Mary. The 2019-20 season for the Tribe was one for the history books posting the school record with 21 wins: 12 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), 11 wins on the road, and ranking its highest seed in the CAA Tournament (third). Prior to William & Mary, Terry was a recruiting coordinator at Western Carolina. She began her coaching career at her alma mater, Winston-Salem State University.

She went on to earn her master's in psychology with a specialization in counseling from the University of West Florida in 2011. She is a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Incorporated, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Terry is very active in the community, including volunteering with Upward Basketball, the YMCA, Latin Flavor Ent, Boys and Girls Club, Women's Basketball Mentor Program, Joy Prom, and the Annual Cullowhee Valley Festival in North Carolina.

About Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU's curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. Guided by the motto, "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve," WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu

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