A former chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State University died Saturday.

Roland Watts, 77, taught at WSSU for 39 years and was known across the Southeast as a skilled woodblock printer. He designed the chancellor’s mace, a rod with an ornamental head, carried during ceremonial occasions at the university.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Velma Gibson Watts; daughter Rolonda Watts, a noted actress; and son Brett Watts of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Scott Sexton