News

The Johnson C. Smith University College of Business and Professional Studies welcomed one of the nation’s most influential corporate leaders, Marvin Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Lowe’s, a Fortune 100 company based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Ellison headlined the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series on April 13, 2026 inside the New Science Center’s Truist Auditorium, an event hosted by Dean Alphonso Ogbuehi and the College of Business and Professional Studies.  It was moderated by Dr. Judith Crocker-Billingsley, Associate Professor of Social Work.

The rhythm, creativity, and versatility of Johnson C. Smith University’s music program were on full display during the JCSU Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert. Student musicians delivered an energetic performance highlighting contemporary percussion repertoire and diverse percussive sounds. 

Wells Fargo announced a transformative $6 million investment in Charlotte’s Historic West End during a special event held April 7, 2026, inside Gambrell Auditorium at Biddle Hall on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University.

The gift—delivered through the Wells Fargo Foundation—will support affordable housing, small business development, workforce training, and nonprofit capacity-building. The investment reinforces a longstanding partnership between Wells Fargo, community organizations, the City of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University, all working to expand opportunity and economic mobility across West Charlotte.

The Johnson C. Smith University Choir delivered an evening of powerful music, storytelling, and reflection during its Spring Concert, “We Hold These Truths,” held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

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. 

On March 7, 2026 Community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered at Johnson C. Smith University’s Sarah Gambrell Auditorium for the Legacy’s Voice Community Town Hall, a conversation focused on maternal health and patient rights. Organizers aimed to strengthen trust between families and healthcare systems in the Carolinas. Those gathered aimed to increase positive maternal health outcomes.

Hundreds gathered inside Brayboy Gymnasium on March 4, 2026 for the annual Johnson C. Smith University Health Fair and Career Extravaganza. Organized by Dr. Robert Lindsey, JCSU Professor of Health and Human Performance, the event provided on site health screenings, wellness education, and career recruitment as a one-stop-shop extravaganza that drew students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors and droves of community partners.

Otis Stroud was the voice of the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls for nearly fifty years, 1977-2025.  The voice echoed throughout the Eddie McGirt Field and across the court of the Brayboy Gymnasium. It was deep, resonant, and resolute: scoring history-in-action.  At the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Stroud energized crowds, calling championship games for more than 30 years, turning competitive matchups into near cinematic experiences: action-packed, dramatic and consequential.

Inside a ballroom filled with  crowns and confidence, the CIAA contingent of athletes, students, faculty and administrators reflected on women's worth on the professional landscape. The theme of the 2026  CIAA Women’s Empowerment Brunch was, “She’s Coming Home."

As the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament brings championship excitement to Baltimore, a parallel celebration of literacy and youth achievement took place February 26, 2026 at Federal Hill Preparatory School through the CIAA and Friends Literacy Circle. Johnson C. Smith University was front and center. President Valerie Kinloch was on site.