WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Sept. 24, 2025) – Winston-Salem State College (WSSU) alumnus Stephen A. Smith, acclaimed ESPN commentator, journalist and creator, can be inducted this weekend into the Nationwide Black School Alumni Corridor of Fame, with WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown presenting him with the glory.
Smith, a 1991 graduate of WSSU, can be acknowledged within the leisure class throughout the Corridor of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 27 on the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The occasion is a part of the Corridor of Fame’s fortieth Anniversary below the theme: “40 Years Robust. A Legacy Constructed. A Legacy Rising.”
The Nationwide Black School Alumni Corridor of Fame Basis established the induction to spotlight the extraordinary contributions of HBCU graduates in fields starting from training and science to sports activities and leisure. Smith joins a prestigious Class of 2025 that underscores the enduring legacy and influence of HBCUs.
Seeds for Stephen A’s success sewn at WSSU
Smith credit WSSU and his relationship with the college’s legendary basketball coach, Clarence “Huge Home” Gaines, with offering the inspiration of his skilled success. He received his begin in journalism on the Winston-Salem Journal and rose from a reporter on the New York Day by day Information and a school NBA beat reporter on the Philadelphia Inquirer to develop into the face of ESPN and its hottest on-air persona.
His profession spans greater than 30 years within the sports activities and leisure business. He’s the manager producer and host of “The Stephen A. Smith Present™”; a lead commentator and govt producer on ESPN’s “First Take”; a panelist on “NBA Countdown” on ABC; and CEO of “Straight Shooter Media.”
In January 2023, Smith launched the New York Occasions best-selling guide, “Straight Shooter; A Memoir of Second Probabilities and First Takes,” the place he revealed his untold story for the primary time.
“Stephen A. Smith embodies the fervour, excellence and tenacity that outline Winston-Salem State College Rams,” Brown mentioned. “We’re proud to see him obtain this nationwide recognition and to have fun the inspiration he offers to our college students and alumni.”
For extra details about the Nationwide Black School Alumni Corridor of Fame and the 2025 inductees, go to right here.
