Great Grads 2026: Kileem Slayton
Kileem Slayton: JCSU Great Grad with a Mission to Lead and Serve
By Cheryl Butler Brayboy
Image
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.
“Coming to Smith in 2010 as an undergrad, helped me become the person I am today.”
That person is a passionate advocate for students and working communities. Slayton, the President of the Master of Social Work Student Government Association (MSW SGA) has helped create opportunities for student empowerment and connection on campus while helping fellow students prepare for the next chapter.
“The MSW program is about learning. It allows you to go out into the community,” he said.
Slayton has a passion for service and the power to make social impact. He has a palpable determination to help people navigate life’s challenges through advocacy and mental health support. On campus, Slayton has worked to create meaningful opportunities for students while helping strengthen campus engagement and support systems.
“We support students together and provide resources for our advocacy assistants and students,” Slayton explained. “It also entails putting together opportunities for the classes to come together, whether it means having classes in the community or learning from each other.”
Through Slayton’s leadership and with the support of the MSW faculty, like Dr. Melvin Herring, JCSU graduate students were able to attend conferences and participate in programs designed to expand their understanding of leadership, entrepreneurship and community service.
“We had students attend the Black Entrepreneurship Summit,” Slayton said. “Assisting in all those activities and supporting students has really been part of the mission.”
That mission is deeply rooted in the Master of Social Work curriculum, work Slayton views as essential for uplifting communities and preparing individuals for success.
“The main mission of social work is advocacy,” Slayton said. “We have advocates there for youth, for communities and for individuals.”
Slayton’s passion for mental health advocacy was strengthened through personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic — a period that brought emotional and physical challenges for many families across the country.
“Coming down with COVID-19 was very complicated,” Slayton recalled. “I remember being one of the first people to call my family. I was able to call my mom and my siblings.”
That experience deepened Slayton’s understanding of the importance of care, connection and emotional support many need during times of crisis. The scholar and influential leader has big goals for continued community impact. His commitment to helping others extends far beyond graduation.
“I want to offer therapy to single parents,” Slayton shared, describing a desire to provide support for families navigating difficult transitions and caregiving challenges.
As a JCSU Great Grad, Slayton represents the university’s commitment to cultivating leaders.
“I plan to attend Norfolk State University to pursue my Ph.D. I also plan to start a licensed therapy practice because I want to offer therapy to single parents within the Charlotte area.“
Slayton is not the first in his family to walk this path. His Aunt Aina Slayton Greene, graduated from JCSU in 2001.
“Coming down to Charlotte as a kid as my aunt was attending Johnson C. Smith, I remember just being on campus. I remember the youthfulness of individuals I saw. It was awesome. It was my introduction to fraternities and sororities…. I knew I wanted that again.”
Years later, Kileem experienced Smith first-hand, and it changed his life. He met his wife, Ashlea Blair Slayton, during his undergraduate days. She graduated from JCSU in 2015. Now, the two are the parents of two-month-old son, Noble. Kileem and Ashlea are learning to balance family life and professional pursuits.
“He is not sleeping through the night, yet,” Slayton said with a chuckle. “Having a son is amazing.”
While the next chapter begins beyond 100 Beatties Ford Road, the lessons learned at Johnson C. Smith University will last a lifetime. “I plan to come back and teach at JCSU.” In the days ahead, Slayton hopes to put his JCSU education to immediate use, helping young people transcend barriers and soar.