Winston-Salem State Names Eric Burns as Permanent Athletics Director After Successful Interim Run

Winston-Salem State University has made it official: Eric Burns is the new permanent athletics director for the Rams, the university announced Friday following a national search. Burns had been serving as interim AD since October 2025 after initially joining WSSU in March 2025 as deputy athletics director and chief financial officer.

The promotion caps a transformative seven-month stretch during which the Rams made bold coaching hires, captured historic championships, and positioned themselves to compete in an evolving NCAA landscape while protecting one of the CIAA's most respected athletic brands.

Major Moves Under Burns' Leadership

Burns didn't waste time making his mark during his interim tenure. In December 2025, he orchestrated the hiring of Tory Woodbury as head football coach—a move that sent shockwaves through the CIAA. Woodbury, a WSSU alumnus and former NFL player, represents one of the most recognizable names in Ram football history. The hire signaled a clear commitment to reconnecting WSSU football with its championship legacy.

The momentum continued in April 2026 when Burns brought in Lester "Jay" Butler as men's basketball coach to lead one of the conference's most visible programs following a challenging season.

But perhaps the most memorable moments came on the playing surface. Burns oversaw a historic run by the WSSU women's basketball program, which captured its first CIAA Tournament title in program history in February 2026.

"Eric Burns has done an outstanding job as interim athletics director since his appointment, and several of our athletic teams have flourished under his leadership," said WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. "As the NCAA landscape continues to evolve, it is critical for Winston-Salem State University to maintain a competitive athletics department that enriches the lives of student-athletes while advancing the university's mission and elevating its stature."

A Track Record of Fiscal Leadership

Burns' résumé extends well beyond WSSU. He previously served as associate vice provost for budget and fiscal planning at UNC School of the Arts and spent nearly 15 years at UNC Greensboro, including a role as senior associate athletics director for business operations where he managed athletics fiscal operations, NCAA financial reporting and long-term budget planning.

His experience also includes senior fiscal management roles at Fayetteville State University—another HBCU connection that deepens his understanding of our institutions' unique challenges and opportunities.

Burns holds a bachelor's degree in business management from North Carolina State University and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University.

"Winston-Salem State has a rich tradition of academic excellence, competitive success and a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field," Burns said. "I am proud to be part of a community that values integrity, resilience and the pursuit of greatness."

WSSU will formally introduce Burns as athletics director on May 6. Butler will also be introduced to the Rams community that same day, marking a new chapter for Winston-Salem State athletics.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.