Go Here Glow anywhere

Baccalaureate and Commencement 2026

 This year's Commencement Ceremonies and Baccalaureate Service will be streamed live through the University's YouTube channel
 

JCSU YouTube Channel


For more information please go to our Commencement page

Baccalaureate Service

The Baccalaureate Service will begin streaming just before the event begins at 4 p.m.

Great Graduates

Marvin Brown

Marvin Brown Headshot

Marvin Brown walks across the stage of Johnson C. Smith University’s 153rd Commencement as one of the institution’s top graduates. He will graduate in three years, in the top 2% of his class.

Read More

Isabella Gonce

Isabella Gonce Headshot

Isabella Gonce, Student Government Association President at Johnson C. Smith University has helped shape a new era of student leadership on campus.

Read More

Jaiden Isome

Jaiden Isome Headshot

When Jaiden Isome, the 99th Miss Johnson C. Smith University, crosses the graduation stage, she will carry with her the legacy of the University and her personal journey of growth and purpose.

Read More

Jayden Petrus

Jayden Petrus Headshot

When Jayden Petrus showed up to meet the JCSU football team for the first time, he was wearing Tommy Hilfiger linen shorts, a matching shirt, and Birkenstocks.

Read More

Kileem Slayton

Kileem Slayton Headshot

2026 Great Grad, Kileem Slayton, will soon be a two-time JCSU graduate. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from JCSU in 2014 and will soon earn a 2026 Master of Social Work Degree from the storied institution.

Read More

Stanley St. Vilus

Stanley St. Vilus Headshot

Charlotte native Stanley St. Vilus knew he wanted to pursue an education in finance. As Charlotte is a major business and financial hub, he found a university in his backyard where he could achieve those goals.

Read More

Kyla Thomas

Kyla Thomas Headshot

Kyla Thomas almost texted her mom the news instead of calling her. Not because she wasn't excited. She was. But in the moment she found out she had been named salutatorian, she froze — not from disbelief, but from a very specific and relatable problem.

Read More
Better Together
 JCSU Better Together

We are Better Together

Your gift to the JCSU Better Together Campaign fuels our $10 million movement to strengthen the heart of Charlotte’s only HBCU. Every dollar of unrestricted support helps JCSU meet its most urgent needs—from keeping students enrolled to upgrading facilities, modernizing systems, and expanding programs that prepare leaders for tomorrow. Together, we can light the way forward and ensure JCSU continues to educate, inspire, and transform lives for generations to come.

Give now Learn more about Better Together
 
0%

0% $0 raised of $0 goal $0 to goal

Graduates at Commencement

Commencement 2026

We will be celebrating our Commencement Ceremonies on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Bojangles Coliseum. 

More information
Fast
Facts
1,302
Students

#1 Private
HBCU in North Carolina
(U.S. News & World Report)
15 NCAA
Division II
teams

See All Quick Facts
Fast
Facts

1,302
Students
#1 Private
HBCU in North Carolina
(U.S. News & World Report)
15 NCAA
Division II
teams
See All Quick Facts
Fast
Facts
1,302
Students
#1 Private
HBCU in North Carolina
(U.S. News & World Report)
15 NCAA
Division II
teams

See All Quick Facts

Find Your Path

From business to science to social impact, our programs prepare you to lead with purpose. Learn alongside faculty who are living legends and peers who share your drive to create change.

All Programs
Master of Social Work
Lactation Certificate Program

Undergraduate Programs

Choose from career-focused programs designed with your future in mind.

Browse Undergraduate Areas of Study

Get Started With JCSU

Plan Your Visit Request Info Apply Now
Feature News
See All News

Career Mastered 2026 Celebrates Women of Impact in Charlotte

It was a gallery of vibrant dresses and power suits, determined women – and some men – engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing motivational messages across the hotel lobby and conference room floor. Charlotte’s leaders in media, business, public service, and education gathered May 6, 2026, to celebrate the power of women leaders during the 2026 Career Mastered Awards, led by founder and CEO, Dr. Lisa Wicker.
Read More

JCSU Board of Trustees Announces Leadership Transition

After 17 years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees—and four years as Chairperson— Steven L. Boyd ’79 is passing the torch to Chair-Elect James Ely ’88. This change reflects a strong and unified continuation of leadership on Johnson C. Smith University’s Board of Trustees, especially in our University's New Era of Excellence.
Read More

1867 Giving Society Brunch Celebrates Dedicated Donors in a New Era of Excellence

Johnson C. Smith University honored a dedicated cohort of donors during the 1867 Giving Society Brunch, held Sunday, April 26, in the New Science Center Innovation Lab. As a signature moment of Founders Week, the gathering brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders united by a shared belief in the power of philanthropy and the mission of JCSU. Mr. Calvin Banks '69 moderated the event.
Read More
See All News
Golden Academics
 Students receive their degrees during the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Be Yourself,
Become More

Our students don’t wait to make their mark. Golden Bulls light the way for themselves, their peers and their communities from day one. At JCSU, you’ll find countless golden opportunities to grow, lead and shine—in and out of the classroom.

Undergraduate Academic Programs
Admissions

ROOTED IN HISTORY AND
GROWING TOWARD TOMORROW

Our HBCU heritage is a living tradition of excellence and achievement. From cultural celebrations to championship athletics, JCSU buzzes with energy and opportunity. You’ll find friends who share your drive, mentors who champion your dreams and a family that honors our past while creating new possibilities for the future.

Donate To JCSU Annual Fund

Donate Now

Plan
Your Visit

We invite you and your family to visit us and learn more about our vibrant community.

Visit JCSU

Apply
Now

We encourage and give full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment.

Apply To JCSU

Request
Information

Contact the Office of Admissions with your questions or to request a paper application.

Request Information

Get Started With JCSU

Donate To JCSU Annual Fund

Donate Now
Back To Top