Johnson C. Smith University set a goal to become a top 10 HBCU in the coming years. According to U.S. News and World Report, the University is four steps closer to reaching its goal.
In 2021-22, the same report had Johnson C. Smith tied with several other HBCUs as the No. 30 Historically Black College and University. However, the 2022-23 report has shown JCSU is climbing the ranks, now clutching the No. 26 spot on the list of 107 national HBCUs.
JCSU remains the top-ranked, private HBCU in North Carolina.
“Johnson C. Smith University is in the midst of implementing its strategic plan—The Golden Blueprint—which we believe will result in JCSU becoming one of the nation’s top 10 HBCUs,” President Clarence D. Armbrister said. “This recent report is just the beginning of what we hope will be an exciting climb up the ranks in the next five years as we continue to work toward the goals outlined in our five-year strategic plan.
The Gold(en) Blueprint was adopted in 2021, the same year that Mayor Vi Lyles proposed the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative that would target four key areas in Charlotte that could help address racial inequity.
One of these focal points is Johnson C. Smith University. After setting an $80 million fundraising goal, which was surpassed in August with a donation from the Gambrell Foundation, the University got to work in earmarking funds that would help achieve the goal of becoming a top 10 HBCU.
The four strategic initiative pillars include academic innovation, strong professional outcomes, seamless pathways for students, and a cohesive retention strategy.
Funds from the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative will address these pillars by adding or investing in in-demand programs of study, ensuring students have experiential learning opportunities and increasing student support services to make pathways brighter for incoming and returning students.
JCSU is already working toward these goals, which will ultimately help achieve its goal of becoming a top 10 HBCU.
