
Hello Smithites,
The Call to Lead is here!
The Johnson C. Smith University National Alumni Association (JCSU NAA) Nominations & Elections Committee is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2027 NAA Election are officially open. Our National Alumni Association is strengthened by Smithites who are willing to serve, lead, and help shape our Association's future. We invite alumni who are passionate about Johnson C. Smith University, committed to alumni engagement, and ready to bring their time, talents, experience, and leadership to consider answering the call.
Nominations Open: October 1, 2026 Nomination Deadline: December 1, 2026
If an office does not have an eligible candidate by December 1, the Nominations & Elections Committee may extend nominations. Self-nominations are welcome. Eligible members may also nominate another Smithite; however, the nominator must receive the individual's consent before submitting the nomination. All nominations must include the required candidate information and biographical sketch. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements established by the JCSU NAA Constitution and applicable election procedures.
In accordance with the JCSU NAA Constitution, nominations are being accepted for the following elected offices:
Candidates may seek election to only one elected office during the 2027 election cycle. An individual whose name appears on the official ballot for one office shall not be eligible as a write-in candidate for another office during the same election cycle.
October 1, 2026 — Nominations Open
December 1, 2026 — Nominations Close / Candidate Financial Membership Deadline
February 1, 2027 — Financial Membership Deadline to Be Eligible to Vote and Receive a Ballot
March 14, 2027 — Candidate Forum & Electronic Voting Opens
By March 15, 2027 — Official Candidate Slate Released & Mailed Ballots Distributed
April 23, 2027 — Electronic Voting Closes
April 23, 2027 — Mailed Ballots Must Be Postmarked
April 30, 2027 — Final Deadline for Eligible Mailed Ballots to Be Received
Prior to the NAA Commencement Meeting — Official Election Results Published
Candidates must be in good financial standing with the National Alumni Association and their local chapter, where applicable, by the applicable candidate eligibility deadline. Members must be financial by February 1, 2027, to be included on the eligible voter list and receive a ballot for the 2027 election.
We strongly encourage Smithites to verify their financial membership status well in advance of these deadlines.
Submit Your Nomination Here: OFFICIAL NOMINATIONS FORM
Click to View Candidate Eligibility & Election Information
We encourage you to think about the Smithites whose leadership, experience, commitment, and vision could help move our National Alumni Association forward. And just as importantly, we encourage you to consider whether you are being called to serve.
THE CALL TO LEAD: Our Association. Our Voice. Our Leadership.
Questions regarding nominations or the 2027 election process may be directed to the Nominations & Elections Committee at jcsunaaelections@gmail.com.
With Smithite Pride,
Leatrice W. Moore ’02
Chair, Nominations & Elections Committee
Candidates must:
CANDIDATE FINANCIAL MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE:
DECEMBER 1, 2026
Reach out to your local chapter President,
Treasurer, or membership officer to confirm
your financial status.
Smithite Tip:
Don't wait until the deadline.
Check early so you have plenty of time to resolve any questions
Yes! Smithites who live in areas without an established local chapter can still participate, subject to applicable NAA membership requirements.
Fun fact: Two of our five Director-at-Large positions are specifically reserved for Smithites who live in geographic areas where no local chapter exists.
Absolutely! Self-nominations are welcome.
You may also nominate another eligible Smithite-just make sure you have their permission before submitting their name.
NOMINATIONS OPEN:
OCTOBER 1, 2026
NOMINATIONS CLOSE:
DECEMBER 1, 2026
Here's your quick candidate checklist:
Smithite Tip: Start gathering everything early so you're not scrambling at the deadline!
Eligible financial members will receive their official ballot electronically. Be sure the contact information associated with your NAA membership is current and keep an eye out for official election communications with instructions for accessing and submitting your ballot.
ELECTRONIC VOTING OPENS:
MARCH 14, 2027
ELECTRONIC VOTING CLOSES:
APRIL 23, 2027
Candidate eligibility and voter eligibility have different deadlines, so don't let this one sneak up on you!
To be eligible to vote and receive a ballot, you must be a verified financial member by:
FEBRUARY 1, 2027
Smithite Tip: Get financial early. Don't wait until February 1 to find out there's an issue with your membership status.
For members using an eligible mailed ballot:
Yes-the April 30 receipt deadline is firm.
A ballot received after April 30 cannot be counted, even if it was mailed earlier.
Our advice: Mail early! Give your ballot plenty of time to arrive.
Mark your calendar!
2027 JCSU NAA CANDIDATE FORUM
SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2027
Come hear directly from your fellow Smithites about their experience, leadership, priorities, and vision for our National Alumni Association.
Ask us! That's what we're here for:
JCSU NAA NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
jcsunaaelections@gmail.com
We want every Smithite to have the information they need to participate confidently in this election.