CHARLOTTE, N.C./June 25, 2026 — Johnson C. Smith University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We look forward to our continued partnership with SACSCOC during Phase II of our institution’s probationary period. We will continue our positive trajectory toward long-term institutional sustainability. Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, the University will remain focused on maintaining compliance and building upon the significant progress achieved over the past year. This next phase reflects both the momentum of our collective efforts and our ongoing commitment to institutional excellence and student success.
The 2025-2026 academic year has been a year marked by major accomplishments at JCSU, including a clean financial statement audit, stronger internal controls, improved fiscal health, academic success, fundraising milestones, championship athletics, and global study opportunities. The progress has been noted by SACSCOC, even as the agency requests continued forward momentum. There is more work to do to ensure that the foundation for our institutional future remains solid, and we are up for the task.
We are grateful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and friends of the university for the unrelenting support. The support paved the way for an incredible spring on-site visit by SACSCOC, where members of the SACSCOC special committee met with JCSU trustees, executive leaders, faculty, staff, and students. University leaders presented extensive evidence of improvements, including new policies and procedures, enhanced reporting processes, and improved accountability measures.
After the June 2026 SACSCOC meeting, the accrediting body acknowledged the University’s progress, issued no new findings, and encouraged JCSU to continue demonstrating long-term sustainability over the next year and beyond.
“We welcome this journey of continuous improvement,” said President Valerie Kinloch, Ph.D. “Over the past year,” according to President Kinloch, “our faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and supporters have worked together to strengthen the University while remaining focused on student success and institutional excellence. We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to building upon that momentum.”
In the year ahead, JCSU will continue training faculty and staff on new policies and procedures and will launch a series of workshops to document compliance.
“This work is about creating lasting change,” Kinloch said. “Our goal is to continue moving forward, strengthening our systems and ensuring that the improvements we make today position Johnson C. Smith University for success for years to come. We are addressing challenges that developed over many years, and while the work is difficult, it is necessary. The benefits will be felt by our institution long into the future.”
A Monumental Year of Achievement
While advancing institutional improvements, Johnson C. Smith University has continued to excel across multiple areas.
Johnson C. Smith University Makes History as First HBCU To Become NCICU Ethics Bowl Champion
- Johnson C. Smith University made history as the first HBCU to reach the finals and win NCICU’s 15th Annual Ethics Bowl, themed “Ethics in Leadership.”
- The championship team included Marvin Brown, Holiness Mhlanga, Alastair Park, Christian Smith and Jaslynn Vorachith, with Dr. Kendal Mobley serving as advisor and Dr. Laurie Porter recognized for her long-time leadership of JCSU’s Ethics Bowl teams.
- The two-day competition brought together 18 student teams from across North Carolina and highlighted critical thinking, collaboration and ethical leadership, with JCSU defeating NC Wesleyan University in the final round.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore Receives Honorary Doctorate, Challenges Class of 2026 to Lead
Johnson C. Smith University’s 153rd Commencement Ceremony featured Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during JCSU’s 153rd Commencement Ceremony.
- Moore was recognized for his achievements as a military veteran, author, public servant and advocate for education and economic opportunity.
- In his commencement address, Moore challenged the JCSU Class of 2026 to lead with purpose, serve others and continue JCSU’s tradition of creating positive change in the world.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore Receives Honorary Doctorate From JCSU
Governor Wes Moore Challenges The Class Of 2026: Who Will You Fight For?
Founders Week — Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, Keynote Speaker (Ministers Luncheon)
During Founders Week, Johnson C. Smith University welcomed home Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber ’81, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., as keynote speaker for the Ministers Luncheon. The event celebrated the University’s longstanding connection to the faith community and brought together clergy leaders from across multiple denominations.
- Kimber is a member of the JCSU Class of 1981 and currently leads the largest African American religious denomination in the United States.
- He highlighted the University’s historic ties to theological education and its early seminary roots.
- Kimber challenged clergy leaders to support JCSU by encouraging student enrollment and investing in the University’s future.
New Entrance opens - Providing Bright New Doorstep for Campus
Johnson C. Smith University marked a major milestone during Founders’ Week with the official opening of its new campus entrance, a transformative project designed to create a more welcoming and visible gateway to the University.
- JCSU officially opened its new campus entrance during Welcome Week with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- The project replaces an entrance that had welcomed visitors for more than 50 years and features a new Golden Bull statue, stone monuments and enhanced campus signage.
- The new gateway reflects the University’s New Era of Excellence and ongoing efforts to modernize campus while honoring its history and traditions.
Building a Legacy, One Brick at a Time
In addition to building the new entrance, our supporters were asked to buy bricks that will be laid into the entrance over the next few months. Each brick purchased supports the Better Together initiative, which provided unrestricted funds for the University.
Through our Brick sale initiative, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University contributed $159,564 to support the project while securing a permanent place along the entrance through personalized commemorative bricks and pavers.
Athletics — Golden Bulls Capture 2025 CIAA Football Championship
The Golden Era has returned. On November 15, 2025, the JCSU Golden Bulls defeated two-time defending champion Virginia Union 45–21 in Durham to claim the 2025 CIAA Football Championship — the program's first title in 56 years.
- The win marked JCSU's first CIAA football championship since 1969, ending a 55-year drought.
- Head Coach Maurice Flowers was named 2025 CIAA Coach of the Year for transforming the program's culture.
- Wide receiver Deandre Proctor earned Championship MVP honors after a game-defining performance.
- The Golden Bulls earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II playoffs, advancing the program to the national stage.
- The Charlotte City Council formally honored the team on December 8, 2025, celebrating a victory "56 years in the making."
Better Together Campaign
When Johnson C. Smith University launched the Better Together Campaign, it set out to unite alumni, faculty, staff, donors, friends, and partners in support of the University’s future. That collective effort has already generated nearly $2M in unrestricted funds, demonstrating the power of our community to invest in our "Dear Ol' JCSU." As a cornerstone of our New Era of Excellence, the campaign continues to create opportunities for us to strengthen our impact, support students, and address some of the highest priorities of the University now and into the future. Let us continue to build on the momentum that is already underway to further elevate Thank you for your ongoing support of JCSU.
With just weeks remaining, the urgency is clear. In only four months, the Better Together Campaign has reached 15 percent of its $10 million goal to support student needs and infrastructure at our beloved Smith. This is an incredible start made possible by the generosity of our faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and partners. Now, with the campaign extended through June 30, 2026, this is a critical moment to build on that momentum.
Concert Choir Earns Invitation to Carnegie Hall
JCSU’s internationally recognized Concert Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall during the Fall 2026 season. Carnegie Hall is one of the world’s most prestigious performance venues, showcasing the extraordinary talent and artistry of JCSU students on a global stage. This marks a new era of JCSU choral excellence. Under the direction of Dr. Angelica Brooks, the choir continues to expand in size, sound, and visibility.
Band Grant Expands Student Opportunities
A major grant secured by Director of Bands, Dr. Tomisha Brock, will strengthen the University’s rapidly growing marching band program. The funding will support equipment, uniforms, travel opportunities, and expanded participation for student musicians.
JCSU ranked #1 Private HBCU in NC
Strengthening Institutional Stability
The University has implemented strategic measures to strengthen accountability and enhance long-term sustainability. These efforts align with JCSU’s accreditation work and support a stronger future for our institution.
“Every accomplishment reflects the resilience, determination, and excellence of our JCSU community,” Kinloch said. “As we continue this important work, we remain focused on creating transformative opportunities for our students while building a stronger and more sustainable future for Johnson C. Smith University.”
JCSU is the #12 Most Popular College in North Carolina
About Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University is the number one private HBCU in North Carolina. Founded in 1867, JCSU is a private, close-knit, urban, historically Black university located in Charlotte, N.C. Our university’s Latin motto, Sit Lux or “Let There Be Light,” encourages our students, faculty and staff to shine the lights of learning and service. With a growing national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology, JCSU offers several fields of study, including a master’s degree in social work, to students from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographical backgrounds. The university’s excellent academic programs focus on servant leadership, civic engagement and global responsibility to produce students who share in the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. For more information about JCSU, visit www.jcsu.edu or follow the university on social media sites Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
