CHARLOTTE, N.C./June 28, 2019 – Charlotte-based retailer, Belk, is providing professional work attire for students at Johnson C. Smith University. With the help of the university’s business advisory board, Belk donated approximately eight bags of clothes, consisting of dresses, skirts, ties and shirts, to the professional clothes closet located in the Center for Career Development on campus.
“It’s one of the largest programs we have, other than work study that students utilize,” said Sonia Youngblood, Assistant Director of Career Readiness. According to Youngblood, the closet benefits about one-third of the student body; providing the proper professional attire for students during internships, job interviews and career fairs.
Students at the university really take advantage of the closet. Donnell Thompson ‘20, who recently got clothes for a school project, said, “I came to the closet about seven times total since I’ve been at the university.” Emanuel Smith ’22 adds, “It gives you self-confidence knowing you can go in there and find something that looks the part.”
“Students want these clothes. They are very fashionable, they make them feel good in the classroom and job interviews,” said Dr. Lucinda Blue, Assistant Professor of Business. Dr. Blue, a member of the business advisory board, has encouraged her business students, who dress professionally every Wednesday, to visit the closet. As Youngblood added, “This gives us here in the center an opportunity to talk about the other services we provide.” Students can learn of new internships, jobs and work study opportunities while shopping for professional attire.
In addition to the donation by Belk, American Dry Cleaners on North Graham Street has provided free cleaning services to the university thanks to Dr. Blue. “We give students quality, and we make sure the clothes are clean.”
The professional clothes closet is still in need of donations ahead of the new school year.
