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It was a gallery of vibrant dresses and power suits, determined women – and some men – engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing motivational messages across the hotel lobby and conference room floor. Charlotte’s leaders in media, business, public service, and education gathered May 6, 2026, to celebrate the power of women leaders during the 2026 Career Mastered Awards, led by founder and CEO, Dr. Lisa Wicker.

Johnson C. Smith University students took center stage April 19, 2026, for the Spring Dance Concert featuring JCSU dancers and the Opera Musical Theater Workshop at Charlotte Ballet in Uptown Charlotte.

After 17 years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees—and four years as Chairperson— Steven L. Boyd ’79 is passing the torch to Chair-Elect James Ely ’88. This change reflects a strong and unified continuation of leadership on Johnson C. Smith University’s Board of Trustees, especially in our University's New Era of Excellence.

Johnson C. Smith University honored a dedicated cohort of donors during the 1867 Giving Society Brunch, held Sunday, April 26, in the New Science Center Innovation Lab. As a signature moment of Founders Week, the gathering brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders united by a shared belief in the power of philanthropy and the mission of JCSU. Mr. Calvin Banks '69 moderated the event.

Johnson C. Smith University honored its rich history during its annual Founders Day Convocation on April 26, 2026, a culminating event of Founders Week.
 
Held inside the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church, the convocation brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and community leaders to reflect on the university's 159-year legacy and its continued role as a transformative institution in the Historic West Corridor.

On April 24–25, 2026, the Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Percussion Studio achieved a major milestone with the first-ever “Exchange Masterclass” experience for the JCSU Music Program. Five talented JCSU percussion students traveled to Bowie State University to participate in a collaborative masterclass workshop with Dr. Donnie Johns and the Bowie State University Percussion Ensemble.

In an elegant evening that celebrated the power of philanthropy and local leadership, Johnson C. Smith University honored four distinguished alumni during the 2026 Arch of Triumph Gala.  It was an unforgettable highlight of Founders Week.
 
Held inside the Crown Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members gathered for the AOT Gala.  The crowning event raised more than $420,000 for student scholarships, underscoring the university's commitment to access and opportunity in what President Valerie Kinloch has called a "New Era of Excellence."

Innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving took center stage at Johnson C. Smith University during Community Tech Day on April 23, 2026. The dynamic event brought together students, city leaders, and technology partners to reimagine how Charlotte can work smarter through innovative tech solutions—with students firmly at the center.

Johnson C. Smith University hosted an estimated 90 faith leaders in its inaugural Ministers Luncheon, held inside Grimes Lounge as part of Founders Week 2026—an intentional step toward deepening ties between the University and the faith community. Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, a distinguished JCSU alumnus and current President of the National Baptist Convention USA served as keynote speaker. 

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) and the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership designed to create expanded pathways for JCSU students to pursue careers in medicine and become practicing physicians.