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The exuberance was palpable as first-year Johnson C. Smith University students stepped onto campus and into the residence halls. They arrived, carrying luggage and laptops, pillows and plush rugs, electronic devices and down comforters, flanked by family. The bright-eyed students were not alone.

Johnson C. Smith University began another school year with a full house in Truist Auditorium in the New Science Center, welcoming both new and old faces back to campus as we begin a new academic year.

Twenty young men arrived at Johnson C. Smith University late June 2026 as incoming freshmen. Seven weeks later, they emerged from the Becoming Kings summer experience with college credit, a marketable skill set, and bonds of brotherhood to last a lifetime.

Today, Johnson C. Smith University begins a new chapter in its storied history as the demolition of Liston Hall officially gets underway. For generations, Liston Hall served as a residence for Golden Bulls and holds a special place in the memories of thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

Johnson C. Smith University begins a new chapter in its storied history as the demolition of Liston Hall officially gets underway. For generations, Liston Hall served as a residence for Golden Bulls and holds a special place in the memories of thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

For one week each summer, the campus of Johnson C. Smith University transforms into more than a college campus. It becomes a place where hundreds of young men discover new possibilities for their futures through athletics, mentorship, career exploration and life-changing conversations.

Ask Zoe Migioni to describe herself in three words and she'll pause, think, and land on: empathetic, curious, interesting.

Spend twenty minutes with the rising senior and you'll find all three on full display — usually punctuated by a laugh, and occasionally by a question fired right back at you. ("Do you want me to tell the truth, or do you want me to say the good thing?")

Johnson C. Smith University continues to strengthen its national reputation for research, leadership, and community engagement through the work of Dr. Bryan Q. Patterson, Assistant Professor of Management and Academic Advisor in the Department of Business Administration. Over the past two years, Dr. Patterson has led nationally recognized research examining how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can expand their role in clean energy innovation, workforce development, and equitable economic growth.

The starting gun echoed across Johnson C. Smith University’s Irwin Belk Complex as nearly 300 middle and high school athletes lined up to compete in the inaugural Anna Cockrell High School Invitational. For many, it was another track meet. For JCSU Head Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coach Carol Lawrence, it was the realization of a vision years in the making.

Tanasia Kirby has the voice of an angel – classically trained, soulful, inspired. Kirby is a junior at Johnson C. Smith University, a music major in voice performance, and a talented soprano. This summer, she was selected to participate in one of the nation’s premier training opportunities for emerging classical vocalists. She earned a scholarship to participate in the 2026 American Spirituals Intensive Program at the Bay View Music Festival in Petoskey, Michigan, a prestigious honor.