President Kinloch interacting with Alumni who were supporting Freshman Move-in
CHARLOTTE, N.C./AUGUST 14, 2026 - The exuberance was palpable as first-year Johnson C. Smith University students stepped onto campus and into the residence halls. They arrived, carrying luggage and laptops, pillows and plush rugs, electronic devices and down comforters, flanked by family. The bright-eyed students were not alone.
Friday's Move the Herd event drew a slew of volunteers to the task: alumni, student leaders, staff and administrators, ready to tackle move-in day on a balmy Friday. Greenfield Hall was abuzz, open for business!
A hands-on leader, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the 15th President of JCSU, greeted students on site.
“This is what leadership is all about—welcoming students and families, working through challenges and viewing those challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation,” Kinloch said.
Students arrived with big dreams for transformation. They seemed eager for an exciting new chapter to begin.
Jaycie Santana, a first-year student from Greenville, South Carolina, unpacked her belongings in Greenfield Hall and assembled decorations as we spoke.
“ I’m also excited to attend events, meet new people and get to know everyone.”
Jaycie Santana, a first-year student from Greenville, South Carolina
Santana, a scholar-athlete on the softball team, plans a career in public health. She was all smiles during Move the Herd, with a tender heart beating softly under the surface.
"I’m a little nervous and sad because I’ve always dependent on my mom. Now, I have to learn how to be on my own,” Santana said.
For Nasya Jordan, a first-year social work major from Atlantic City, New Jersey, arriving on the campus of JCSU is an opportunity to begin again: new city, welcoming community.
“I feel really good and excited to meet new people,” Jordan said. “It’s a new environment, so everything feels new. It feels like a fresh start.”
Greenfield welcomed its new residents with open arms. Jordan described her room, adorned with modern furniture, this way:
“It’s really spacious, and I have plenty of room for everything,” she said.
Jordan plans to study social work, ultimately, to serve others.
“I really love helping people, especially people experiencing homelessness and others who are in need,” she said. “That’s why I chose this major.”
Nasya Jordan, a first-year social work major from Atlantic City, New Jersey.
A life-long commitment to service brought alumni back to Beatties Ford Road for Move the Herd. Members of the Charlotte Chapter of the JCSU National Alumni Association rolled up their sleeves to support freshmen students at the dawn if their college careers.
Derek Dillard ’00, president of the JCSU Charlotte Alumni Chapter, said alumni packed 1,200 welcome bags for students, faculty and staff early in the week. Friday, they helped unload cars and provided snacks and drinks on site.
“This week, we began by packing 1,200 welcome bags for students, faculty and staff,” Dillard said. “Today, alumni are helping students move their belongings into the residence halls while providing snacks and drinks for students and their families.”
The Charlotte Alumni Chapter raised more than $6,000 to support this initiative and more. The chapter donated more than $2,000 to the football team and $2,000 to the Luv-A-Bulls, with the remaining proceeds supporting Move the Herd.
“We appreciate all our alumni who contributed and volunteered,” Dillard said. “When you see us wearing our alumni shirts, grab us—we’re here to help!”
Student leaders were also highly visible throughout the day, offering helping hands and words of wisdom to the incoming class.
Damarrion Freeling, Mr. Sophomore, welcomed the newest Golden Bulls to Greenfield and to JCSU.
“Congratulations on reaching the next level of achievement,” Freeling said. “Stay focused and remember why you are here. Your education is the main goal.”
Elijah Housley, a JCSU student leader, offered an original message encouraging students to view every experience as an opportunity to grow.
“In life, there is no such thing as true loss,” Housley said. “We either win or we learn, for each lesson carries us, refines us and brings us one step closer to the greatness we are destined to achieve.”
President Kinloch ushered in this spirit of achievement and burgeoning opportunity on day one.
“I am not just excited; I am optimistic, hopeful and thrilled,” Kinloch said. “It is wonderful to see Mr. JCSU helping families move and providing food, along with alumni, fraternities, sororities and other members of our University community. It is absolutely beautiful and marvelous, and I could not be happier.”
Move the Herd 2026 is an emblem of the Smith Way: Go Here. Glow Anywhere - through Education and Service.
