News

Pre-social work students at Johnson C. Smith University continue to distinguish themselves through academic excellence, ethical leadership and community engagement.

Dr. Judith Crocker-Billingsley, Associate Professor of Social Work at JCSU, says students in the Values and Ethics course have participated in a range of experiences designed to deepen their understanding of professional integrity and social responsibility.

Africa has one of the highest rates of international research collaboration, especially with major scientific power houses like the United States. In October, Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi, Dean of the Johnson C. Smith University College of Business invited Dr. Eugene Okyere-Kwakye, Dean of the School of Business at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana, to the Charlotte-based campus of JCSU. The conversation on campus was an extension of conversations that began in Ghana during a JCSU delegation trip led by President Kinloch July 2025. The conversation that emerged in October at JCSU continues to shed light on international collaborations that may occur in the future. 

Medicine, music, and hands-on STEM education came together at Johnson C. Smith University’s 2025 Homecoming. Beyond the football field and parade route, doctors, medical professionals, and even a live DJ gathered on campus to showcase careers, new technology, and real-world opportunities in healthcare. At the center of it all were two Golden Bull alumni—now practicing podiatrists—who returned to give back and inspire the next generation.

Johnson C. Smith University’s Homecoming 2025 will be remembered not only for the Golden Bulls’ thrilling 69–13 victory over Bluefield State University, but also for a moving moment that transcended play-by-play competition - a heartfelt tribute to the late Pettis B. Norman ’62, one of JCSU’s most storied alumni and a pioneer in professional football.

Members of the Johnson C. Smith University National Alumni Association painted the Queen City blue in the inaugural Diner en Bleu event during Homecoming 2025. The exclusive event featured African drummers who led the gallant parade of patrons into the sprawling parlor. JCSU alumni from the 1960s to 2020s arrived adorned in a kaleidoscope of blue: sapphire gowns, cobalt ties, royal blue dresses, true-blue suits, and Oxford blue pocket squares.  Alumni came ready to party and to give. 

Johnson C. Smith University, a proud member of UNCF (United Negro College Fund) announced this week that it will benefit from a landmark $70 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to UNCF. The gift will be invested in the UNCF Members Pooled Endowment Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of all 37 private UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Johnson C. Smith University President Valerie Kinloch set a powerful tone for the State of Black Health Conference, held during September 2025 at the Charlotte Westin Uptown. In her opening address, President Kinloch called on attendees to see education, health, and equity as deeply interconnected struggles that demand courage, love, and collective action, particularly in the Black community.

The Johnson C. Smith University community congratulates Dr. Valerie Kinloch, 15th President of JCSU.  The Aspen Institute announced today that President Kinloch has been named a 2025 Aspen Ascend Fellow, a prestigious fellowship and honor.

On September 11, 2025, the Johnson C. Smith University Office of Institutional Advancement and University Communications and Marketing brought together Charleston-born leaders Councilman Malcolm Graham ‘85, President Valerie Kinloch, Ph.D. ‘96, and the Honorable Harvey Gantt in a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and resilience. 

The College of Business and Professional Studies is opening the doors of opportunity to Johnson C. Smith University students.  On September 10, 2025, CBPS held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the College of Business and Professional Studies Finance/Tech Lab.  The lab is designed to increase student understanding of and facility with finance and financial markets while strengthening student connections to the financial industry.