JCSU Honors Convocation Celebrates Academic Excellence, Legacy and Purpose
Johnson C. Smith University celebrated our scholars in Brayboy Gymnasium, as students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, family, and friends gathered to recognize the academic achievements of our highest-performing students.
Black History Month Panel at JCSU Explores Black Wealth, Education, and the Responsibility of Legacy
What does it mean to build wealth in a society where access has never been equal—and how do education, sacrifice, and community shape what is possible for the next generation?
That question framed the Queen City News Black History Month Special: Black Wealth, filmed February 5, 2026, on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. The panel convened leaders in higher education, finance, professional sports, and civic engagement for a wide-ranging discussion on wealth creation, equity, and intergenerational responsibility.
That question framed the Queen City News Black History Month Special: Black Wealth, filmed February 5, 2026, on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. The panel convened leaders in higher education, finance, professional sports, and civic engagement for a wide-ranging discussion on wealth creation, equity, and intergenerational responsibility.
Johnson C. Smith University to Benefit from MacKenzie Scott’s Landmark $70 Million Gift to UNCF
Johnson C. Smith University, a proud member of UNCF (United Negro College Fund) announced this week that it will benefit from a landmark $70 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to UNCF. The gift will be invested in the UNCF Members Pooled Endowment Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of all 37 private UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
President Valerie Kinloch Delivers Powerful Opening Address at State of Black Health Conference
Johnson C. Smith University President Valerie Kinloch set a powerful tone for the State of Black Health Conference, held during September 2025 at the Charlotte Westin Uptown. In her opening address, President Kinloch called on attendees to see education, health, and equity as deeply interconnected struggles that demand courage, love, and collective action, particularly in the Black community.
President Valerie Kinloch, Ph.d. ‘96 Named 2025 Aspen Ascend Fellow
The Johnson C. Smith University community congratulates Dr. Valerie Kinloch, 15th President of JCSU. The Aspen Institute announced today that President Kinloch has been named a 2025 Aspen Ascend Fellow, a prestigious fellowship and honor.
Dr. Valerie Kinloch Honored with AERA Distinguished Career Contribution Award
Johnson C. Smith University proudly celebrates its 15th president, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, on receiving the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) 2025 Scholars of Color in Education Distinguished Career Contribution Award.
Building Bonds at the Golden Bull Academy
To the bold, gifted, and debonair, are you ready to become a Golden Bull? It is time to join the herd! More than 135 new students and their families arrived onto the Johnson C. Smith University campus for the July 2024 Golden Bull Academy! The number of incoming students may be on the increase.
Vice President Kamala Harris Talks Economics at Johnson C. Smith University
Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage at Johnson C. Smith University Wednesday, June 12, as the fourth stop on her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour. During her fifth visit to the state this year, the Vice President addressed everything from medical debt to ambition. "Dream with ambition. Never apologize for it," she said.
Kinloch Shares Her Wisdom with the Graduating Class of 2024 at her High School Alma Mater
Johnson C. Smith University President Dr. Valerie Kinloch ’96 enjoyed a homecoming in her hometown of Charleston when she served as the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2024 for Burke High School, Kinloch’s alma mater.
Students, Faculty Expand Research on Reparations for JCSU
Is JCSU owed reparations? It’s a question a group on campus is posing in the form of an oral presentation and white paper, 109 pages long: “The HBCU Choice Bill: White Paper & Reparations Toolkit for JCSU Leadership.”
On Monday, May 6, 2024 Dr. Laurie Porter, Dr. Sabina Otienoburu, JCSU students Ashley Hall ’24 and Taylor Dobson ’24 spoke before a small group of JCSU administrators and staff. Each member of the group shared evidence in support of institutional reparations for the University.
On Monday, May 6, 2024 Dr. Laurie Porter, Dr. Sabina Otienoburu, JCSU students Ashley Hall ’24 and Taylor Dobson ’24 spoke before a small group of JCSU administrators and staff. Each member of the group shared evidence in support of institutional reparations for the University.