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When Dr. Ruth Greene began her journey at Johnson C. Smith University in 1979, she had no idea the legacies she would light along the way.

Now officially named one of the few professors emerita in the University’s history following her May 2023 retirement after 44 years of service as a professor, grantsman, researcher and mentor, Greene looks back on her time at JCSU fondly.

Two-hundred students, 20 of whom earned their Master of Social Work degrees, crossed the stage at Bojangles Coliseum on Sunday, May 21, 2023, to receive their degrees from Johnson C. Smith University.

The keynote speaker was Grammy®-Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, author and actor Anthony C. Hamilton, who delivered an empowering speech to graduates urging them to answer those who ask “what are you doing here,” with “I am here to give you the best of me.”

Graduates and their families joined JCSU faculty and staff the evening of Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Jane M. Memorial Church for the University’s sesquicentennial Baccalaureate Service featuring a sermon from the Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes.

The Baccalaureate Service, an annual tradition within the Christian faith, is a religious send-off to graduates who are transitioning from the life of a student to that of a professional. Jakes’ powerful sermon focused on preserving the history of African- and Black Americans.

Dr. Cheryl Curtis is no stranger to military life.

She is the spouse of an Army veteran and is heavily involved in initiatives and organizations that serve the military population in Charlotte. Most notably, she serves as Johnson C. Smith University’s director of Veterans and Military Affairs.

Her ties to the military and experience in higher education landed her an important job in the Marine Corps latest recruitment campaign.

Some memories remain clear years after we’ve experienced them. For Dr. Frederick V. Engram Jr. ’05, his decision to join the Alpha Omicron (AO) chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is a memory he’ll never forget.

Charlotte, N.C./April 24, 2023 – JCSU’s O’Herron Distinguished Professor of Psychology Dr. Ruth Greene recently became the first HBCU faculty member to win the Southeastern Psychological Association Mentor Award.

According to the website, SEPA recognizes the importance of mentoring relationships as vital to the development of psychology graduates and students at all levels. The first award was given in 2004.

Aleena Oakley ’22 came from a family who always recycled, but it wasn’t until she took Principals of Sustainability at Johnson C. Smith University when she realized how passionate she was about it.

Now, Oakley serves as a Climate Core Fellow in the JCSU Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CRES) and is working hard to educate students, faculty and staff about the importance of recycling.

JCSU recently celebrated the opening of its eHub powered by PNC, which will provide selected student-entrepreneurs – PNC Fellows – with space that is conducive to developing and launching new businesses. In addition to incubator space, the eHub will equip PNC Fellows with access to technology, seed funding and mentorship to help them launch new businesses or take existing businesses to the next level.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members once again secured a win in the annual Home Depot Retool Your School contest, placing third in the 2023 competition.

Johnson C. Smith University made a special effort to inform students, faculty and staff about how they can build braver community practices during a workshop at noon on April 11.