Charlotte, N.C./ Jan. 30, 2026 - Johnson C. Smith University marked President Valerie Kinloch’s birthday this year by reaffirming its commitment to education and community engagement with the Historic West End Corridor, highlighting service and partnership.
During the celebration, JCSU and Bruns Avenue Elementary entered into a Better Together Partnership Agreement, symbolizing the University’s long-term commitment to supporting children and families on Charlotte’s West Side. Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the institution’s 15th president, and Principal Nicki Dudley of Bruns Avenue Elementary signed the agreement with a focus on literacy, service and collaboration. The partnership signing took place in the Truist Auditorium in the New Science Center before a crowded room of faculty, staff, students, and Bruns Avenue Elementary administrators. The agreement marks the first in a series of planned partnerships with schools along the corridor.
Community service was a central focus of the day. The University hosted a Better Together School Essentials Supply Drive, managed by Dr. Ashley Keys, benefiting students of Bruns Avenue Elementary, part of the broader Better Together Campaign. Additionally, Love in Action partnered with the University through Octavius Rice and the Smitty Project to engage volunteers in creating Valentine’s Day cards for seniors at a local nursing home, offering messages of connection.
The Better Together Birthday Celebration brought the campus and larger Charlotte communities together in an afternoon celebration in the New Science Center Atrium. Student leaders, the International Institution of Sound marching band, the JCSU S.O.U.L. of Charlotte University Choir, the Luv-A-Bulls cheerleaders, alumni, community members, faculty and staff joined in honoring the president.
The program featured student reflections and performances celebrating President Kinloch’s leadership. The Luv-A-Bulls performed a cheer and a dance that had Dr. Kinloch moving along. Members of the Student Government welcomed the president, and the Royal Court presented Dr. Kinloch with a blue “royal wallet.”
Surprise guest Muggsy Bogues, a former NBA superstar, showed up to honor the president, joking that he had only seen the invitation earlier that morning but rushed to campus as soon as he did.
“I needed to honor you and wish you a happy birthday,” Bogues said. “I hope you enjoy your day. You have some wonderful individuals here cheering you on, and that’s a reflection of you and your vision.”
Bogues presented President Kinloch with a signed basketball.
Alumni also played a prominent role in the celebration. Charlotte Alumni Chapter President Derrick Dillard presented a check to support the Better Together Campaign on behalf of the chapter.
“We are proud to stand behind you as we continue to push JCSU forward,” Dillard said. “We love you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to Hold High the Gold and Blue.”
Another alumnus, Charlotte City Council member Malcom Graham, led the community in a toast. He initially joked about recently celebrating his own birthday and not having a celebration of this size before offering more serious remarks.
“People are born for a moment in time,” Graham said. “I believe that our president was born to lead this institution, born to steady the ship, build a strong foundation and guide it forward.”
Rounding out the celebration were rousing performances by the band and the choir.
Representatives from Institutional Advancement and University Communications and Marketing, who organized the event with the Smitty Project, also shared words of appreciation and a small gift.
“We just want to thank you for the hard work you do every single day,” said Dr. Cheryl Butler-Brayboy. “We know it’s a 24-hour a day job. You make it look easy; we know it’s not.”
“These gifts are simply a reflection of our love for you,” said Wanda Foy-Boroughs. “You are special, and you are doing a magnificent job.”
The event concluded with the choir leading attendees in the JCSU Loyalty Song, followed by music and refreshments.
Donations for the school essentials drive are still being collected on the third floor of Biddle Hall and the New Science Atrium. Here is a list of what Bruns Elementary needs for its students:
School Uniforms:
White or navy shirts; khaki or navy pants (sizes 10–12, 14–16, 18–20);
School Store items:
Stuffed animals, jump ropes, balls, stickers, stress balls, fidget toys, crayons, pencils, water bottles, bracelets, key chains, toy cars, activity books, and Play-Doh.
The Better Together Birthday Celebration was strongly attended by students, faculty, staff and community members. It was a day that reflects President Kinloch’s vision: JCSU as an anchor institution that serves its neighbors and grows alongside the surrounding community.
