News

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.

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. 

A spirit of unity filled new Science Center’s Innovation Lab on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University on April 7, 2026, as a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, religious leaders and community members gathered for the Third Annual Passover Seder.

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.