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Johnson C. Smith University honored a dedicated cohort of donors during the 1867 Giving Society Brunch, held Sunday, April 26, in the New Science Center Innovation Lab. As a signature moment of Founders Week, the gathering brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders united by a shared belief in the power of philanthropy and the mission of JCSU. Mr. Calvin Banks '69 moderated the event.

Johnson C. Smith University honored its rich history during its annual Founders Day Convocation on April 26, 2026, a culminating event of Founders Week.
 
Held inside the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church, the convocation brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and community leaders to reflect on the university's 159-year legacy and its continued role as a transformative institution in the Historic West Corridor.

On April 24–25, 2026, the Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Percussion Studio achieved a major milestone with the first-ever “Exchange Masterclass” experience for the JCSU Music Program. Five talented JCSU percussion students traveled to Bowie State University to participate in a collaborative masterclass workshop with Dr. Donnie Johns and the Bowie State University Percussion Ensemble.

In an elegant evening that celebrated the power of philanthropy and local leadership, Johnson C. Smith University honored four distinguished alumni during the 2026 Arch of Triumph Gala.  It was an unforgettable highlight of Founders Week.
 
Held inside the Crown Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center, students, faclty, staff, alumni, and community members gathered for the AOT Gala.  The crowning event raised more than $420,000 for student scholarships, underscoring the university's commitment to access and opportunity in what President Valerie Kinloch has called a "New Era of Excellence."

Innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving took center stage at Johnson C. Smith University during Community Tech Day on April 23, 2026. The dynamic event brought together students, city leaders, and technology partners to reimagine how Charlotte can work smarter through innovative tech solutions—with students firmly at the center.

Johnson C. Smith University hosted an estimated 90 faith leaders in its inaugural Ministers Luncheon, held inside Grimes Lounge as part of Founders Week 2026—an intentional step toward deepening ties between the University and the faith community. Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, a distinguished JCSU alumnus and current President of the National Baptist Convention USA served as keynote speaker. 

Dr. Linda Hill, the Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration at Harvard and Faculty Chair of the Leadership Initiative, was invited to speak on campus by the Charlotte Chapter of the Harvard Business School Alumni Club of Charlotte to share her work on leadership and innovation. 

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) and the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership designed to create expanded pathways for JCSU students to pursue careers in medicine and become practicing physicians.

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.