Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University is an independent new urban university located in Charlotte. The University continues to gain a national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology in innovative, socially conscious ways to empower tomorrow’s diverse entrepreneurial citizens and leaders.
Today, JCSU offers a progressive curriculum with 24 fields of study to nearly 1,500 students who come from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. The enriching environment enables students to explore and grow– intellectually, socially, culturally and spiritually – and develop a sense of social responsibility.
News and Events
North Carolina HBCU Boosts Student Persistence and Academic Outcomes Through Student Success Coaching Program
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a private non-profit Historically Black University ranked as one of the top HBCUs in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report that serves over 1,000 students, 78% of which identify as Black or African American, today announced initial results from a new holistic student support initiative designed to boost first-year retention and persistence. Through a collaboration with national student success nonprofit InsideTrack and UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the university provided a dedicated success coach to every member of the first-year class, leading to a 3% jump in persistence among those who had a student success coach from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024.
“Despite the current challenging economic environment for higher education, HBCUs are experiencing a period of growth and renewal: a growing number of students are choosing HBCUs because of the rich educational experiences, lifelong bonds, and deep sense of community and belonging that they provide,” said Dr. Valerie Kinloch, president of Johnson C. Smith University, which recently observed its 151st commencement exercises. “This work is reflective of our commitment to ensuring that students not only have the opportunity to access higher education, but also the high-touch support needed to achieve their education and career goals.” >>Read More
Johnson C. Smith University Facts
Read JCSU Points of Pride
- JCSU is ranked the #1 private HBCU in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report (2020).
- Two JCSU students selected to attend 2019 Forbes Under 30 Summit. Anthony Edwards ’21 and Ramoya Grandison ’20 were among the best young leaders, founders and creators to connect, learn, teach and build.
- JCSU was selected for IBM’s First Quantum Education and Research Initiative for HBCUs. As part of the multi-year Skills Academy Academic Initiative in Global University Programs, IBM pledged more than $100M in assets, including guests lectures, curriculum content, digital badges, software and faculty training to select HBCUs.
- The JCSU women’s tennis team was named an ITA All-Academic Team for the fourth time. Six Golden Bulls players earned ITA scholar-athlete honors for the 2019-20 season.
- JCSU united with UNC Charlotte, Queens University, Johnson & Wales and CPCC to support racial healing and transformation. The colleges are collaborating to listen to Charlotte’s many racial truths, encourage a community that understands its history of race and racism, and develop student, university, and community leaders who work across our region towards truth, racial healing, and equity. The effort is supported by the Consortium’s selection as a Truth,Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center by the American Association of Colleges & Universities.
JCSU has been a stepping stone and I wouldn’t trade it for anything
Shaquana Janeisha Douglas ’18 Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry
Johnson C. Smith University Staff
