The Winston – Salem State University at 1565 REYNOLDS PARK ROAD serves as a crucial passport acceptance facility, extending its vital services beyond the immediate academic community to residents across Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Situated strategically within the vibrant Easton neighborhood, just east of downtown Winston-Salem, this facility is easily accessible from major arteries like Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Lowery Street, making it a cornerstone for passport applications in the southeastern quadrant of the city. For decades, Winston-Salem State University has been a beacon of education and community engagement, and this passport service reflects the institution’s commitment to facilitating global connectivity for its students, faculty, staff, and local neighbors.
The specific facility operates within the Anderson Center, a prominent, modern brick and glass building located on the northern side of campus, directly off Cromartie Street, which intersects with Reynolds Park Road. This location was thoughtfully chosen to provide a welcoming and efficient experience, distinct from the busier, more centralized student services areas, ensuring dedicated attention for passport applicants. The Anderson Center, completed in 2008, brought contemporary academic and administrative spaces to the campus, embodying WSSU’s ongoing growth and modernization. This specific passport acceptance office has been operational since 2012, adapting an existing administrative suite to meet the growing demand for local passport services, particularly for those in the historically rich East Winston communities.
Demographically, the facility caters to a diverse cross-section. Primarily, it supports WSSU’s approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are preparing for study abroad programs, international internships, or post-graduation travel. These students, hailing from all 100 counties in North Carolina and numerous other states and countries, find the on-campus convenience invaluable. Beyond the student body, the facility sees a significant number of first-time adult applicants and families from the surrounding residential areas. Neighborhoods such as Happy Hill, Sunnyside, and the wider Easton area, traditionally underserved by downtown facilities, frequently rely on this specific location. The accessibility from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, coupled with its consistent operating hours, has made it a preferred choice for working individuals and parents managing family schedules. Many applicants are embarking on their first international trips, underscoring the facility’s role in broadening horizons for local residents.
A unique aspect of the Winston – Salem State University facility is its integration within an academic environment. This often translates to a more structured, yet remarkably friendly, atmosphere compared to some bustling postal branches. The staff, often comprising university employees or specially trained student workers, are known for their meticulous attention to detail and patience, especially with first-time applicants who might be navigating complex documentation requirements. The facility also benefits from the university’s robust security measures, ensuring a safe and private environment for handling sensitive personal documents. Moreover, the university’s calendar can subtly influence appointment availability, with slightly higher demand during summer breaks and pre-semester periods when students finalize travel plans, and conversely, slightly more openings during exam weeks.
Historically, Winston-Salem State University, founded as the Slater Industrial Academy in 1892, has been a pivotal institution for African American education and empowerment in the Piedmont Triad. Its evolution into a comprehensive university reflects Winston-Salem’s own growth and diversification. The presence of a passport facility on campus symbolizes the university’s continued commitment to providing essential services that empower individuals to engage with a broader world. The surrounding area, deeply steeped in local history, features landmarks like Bowman Gray Stadium, a legendary racing venue and home field for the WSSU Rams, just 0.4 miles south of the Anderson Center across Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The historic WSSU Clock Tower, a central campus icon, stands only 0.2 miles to the west, visible from several approach points to the facility. The K.R. Williams Auditorium, a cultural hub for campus and community events, is situated just 0.3 miles north-west. These nearby points of interest contribute to the distinct, localized character of the Winston – Salem State University passport facility, making it an integral part of both the campus and the wider East Winston community.
