News

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) welcomed business and civic leaders to campus for the Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Bluprint Reception, a gathering designed to strengthen dialogue and expand opportunities for small business owners across the city.

On August 1, 2025, five groups of ambitious young scholars took the stage at Johnson C. Smith University, prepared to pitch their business ideas—and their futures. The event marked the culmination of the Becoming Kings Program, a transformative six-week summer initiative designed to prepare incoming Black male students for college life through mentorship, leadership development, corporate site visits, and cultural enrichment.

In an era where funding can make or break transformational work at colleges and universities, Johnson C. Smith University is equipping its faculty and staff with the tools to compete—and win—in the world of grant writing.

Josiah Matthews is a typical teenager, by some standards: he enjoys books and band, computers and the company of family. Josiah is no ordinary teenager. He is a prodigy and one of the youngest students to enter Johnson C. Smith University, in recent history. 

Nearly 300 music education leaders and college students from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill to advocate for federal support of music education during the National Association for Music Education’s annual Hill Day. Among them was Dr. Angelica Brooks, director of choral activities at Johnson C. Smith University.

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is proud to announce the appointment of Donovan A. Everett, President and Chief Executive Officer of D.A. Everett Construction Group, to its Dean's Executive Advisory Board. Everett brings over 25 years of extensive experience in successfully leading and delivering commercial construction projects, totaling over $2 billion.

It was a high-energy day of football at Johnson C. Smith University as the Carolina Panthers brought their annual Nike 11-On Tournament to Eddie McGirt Field—marking the first time the event was held outside the Panthers’ official facilities.

Johnson C. Smith University is proud to announce its distinguished speaker for the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies. The University’s 152nd Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Bojangles Coliseum, featuring acclaimed television personality, comedian and philanthropist Sheryl Underwood as the keynote speaker. 

The Johnson C. Smith University Music Program presented the 2025 Faculty Recital and Percussion Ensemble Concert on the evening of May 1, 2025 inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church.  The event featured performances by accomplished faculty and students, alike.

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.