Charlotte, N.C./Aug. 11, 2023 – Calina and Paul Hillman, with the assistance of their two young children and a cousin, rose up early Friday to help their son Jashaun Clark move into his room on the second floor of Myers Hall.
The parents looked at Clark with pride as they explained he was their first child to attend college, and they were excited to see how Johnson C. Smith University could transform Clark into the best version of himself both on and off the track.
“College was something we prayed about,” said Calina. “He was able to secure a full scholarship for track and field. That’s what we prayed for, and God answers prayers. He opened a door, and now we’re walking through it. I hope JCSU will bring out the best version of him.”
Clark, who is majoring in Sport Management, said he had always wanted to attend an HBCU but wanted to stay close to home. The University’s proximity to his hometown of Gastonia, N.C., and his scholarship for track and field confirmed that JCSU was the place he was meant to be.
Paul said that he and Calina had cried their share of tears and that the fact that their son was moving away from home was finally setting in. But, his family’s experience at Golden Bull Academy in June made him confident that Clark was in the right place.
“I really enjoyed our experience,” he said. “The college is very family-oriented like us. We believe in being surrounded by family, and they made us feel like family. We know he will be well taken care of.”
Clark’s hallmate Coriawn Griffin, a Charlotte native, had a shorter commute to campus. Nevertheless, his parents Tameka and Camn Oakely and his little brother Cai packed up the car and prepared for a morning of unpacking and arranging Griffin’s new space.
“I’m excited to be in a new place and out of my comfort zone,” said Griffin, who is studying Computer Science. “I learned about JCSU at my school, and my counselor talked with me and helped me gather scholarships. That’s when I decided to come here.”
Tameka and Camn said they were happy their son is starting his collegiate journey at JCSU, which is only a few minutes away from home. They’re looking forward to Griffin visiting home on the weekends. Cai however, said he’s already cried five times and will miss his big brother and the time they’ve spent together.
Thankfully, the dozens of new Golden Bulls who moved onto campus Friday morning didn’t have to do it alone. Several student leaders and faculty and staff volunteers helped “Move the Herd” by offering to carry appliances, boxes and bags for the incoming students.
Brenton Jeffries ’25 is an RA in Sanders Hall and says that helping his residents move in is an important first step in establishing a relationship with the students he will assist throughout the year.
“I think helping the freshmen move in is a great way to welcome them,” he said. “A lot of freshmen coming into college are nervous and shy. Upperclassmen helping them move in can make them feel more comfortable. They are in an environment they’re not used to, but we’re here to help them understand that it isn’t as scary as they think it will be.”
Freshmen moved into the newly renovated residence halls throughout the day. Chris Jackson ’26, an RA studying Sport Management, said it was refreshing to come back to the updated residence halls.
“It feels more modern,” he said. “I like how the Facilities department made this place more like a home.”
The students were invited to attend the final Golden Bull Academy of the summer, where they learned more about JCSU technology, various student support services and were able to interact with their success coaches and deans.
Returning students will make their way back to Beatties Ford Rd. throughout the weekend, and classes will begin Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.
