News

COVID-19 has created challenges for the students and faculty of Johnson C. Smith University, as well as staff members like Monika Rhue, director of Library services at James B. Duke Library. When the University moved classes online in March, Rhue and her team quickly took action to ensure students had the necessary tools to work remotely.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for higher education, especially for faculty members and students, who have been forced to teach and learn online. 

Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Dr. Vijaya L. Gompa as dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She currently serves as professor of Mathematics and she served as head of the Department of Mathematical, Computing and Information Sciences at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. Gompa was selected after an extensive national search and will begin her tenure at JCSU on June 1, 2020.

Rachel Davis, program director of Johnson C. Smith University’s Lactation Consultant Training Program, was a panelist for Rep. Alma Adam’s fifth annual Women’s Symposium on Black Maternal Health. The panel, which featured appearances from Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, was held April 16, 2020 during Black Maternal Health Week.

Johnson C. Smith University received three awards at the 2020 HBCUgrow LEAD Conference on April 7, 2020. Dr. Laura Colson McLean, dean of Metropolitan College of Professional Studies, and two JCSU students participated in the virtual conference and shared their involvement with Road to Hire, a partnership with Red Ventures and winner of the Platinum Choice LEAD Innovation Award.

Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Dr. Davida Loren Haywood as vice president for Student Affairs (VPSA). Haywood, a 1998 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, was selected after an extensive national search. As VPSA, she will be the chief officer responsible for developing a comprehensive program of services for traditional, non-traditional and graduate students in areas including housing and residential life, student engagement, counseling, leadership development, health, and student conduct.

After an extensive national search, Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Dr. Karen D. Morgan as senior vice president for Academic Affairs (SVPAA).

Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Rochelle D. King as director of Financial Aid. King currently serves as assistant director of Financial Aid at Livingstone College where she is responsible for budgetary compliance, program disbursements, and staff training. She will assume her new role at JCSU on April 1.

Dr. Helen Caldwell is credited with creating what is now known as the School of Social Work on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University, in which she serves as dean. As a social worker of nearly 40 years, she prides herself on her work, and the impact she’s made on faculty and students at the University.

Johnson C. Smith University’s School of Social Work is accepting donations for the Dorothy I. Height Scholarship Fund, aimed at furthering the well-being of students continuing the legacy of the iconic social worker.