Clay Armbrister, the president of Johnson C. Smith University, announced he plans to retire in June.
Armbrister, who joined the university in 2018, said he came to the decision with his family over winter break.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me and my family because we love this university and the unparalleled opportunities HBCUs like ours provide for thousands of students across the country each year,” Armbrister said in a letter shared with students and staff. “Nonetheless, my contract is expiring at the end of this school year and I have decided to take the opportunity, at 66, to start a new chapter in my life, to pursue personal interests and spend time with family.”
Johnson C. Smith University is the only historically Black university in the city of Charlotte. Under Armbrister’s presidency, JCSU secured its largest financial commitment of $80 million as part of the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative (MREI).
Armbrister said the university will remain focused on the continued implementation of its strategic plan, the Gold(en) Blueprint, which aims to accelerate the transformation of the university into a top-tier HBCU.
“The underpinnings for this acceleration are already in place,” Armbrister said, highlighting the MREI contributions, the leadership teams and new university deans that have come on board, the restructuring of the academic programs, and the partnerships with the business community for learning and job opportunities.
The JCSU Board of Trustees will launch a comprehensive search for Armbrister’s successor. Armbrister will stay on as senior advisor to the new president until early 2024 to assist in the transition.
“We still have many months to collaborate on our important work, but I’d like to express my gratitude for your support as I begin my sixth year as president, and for the passion and talent each of you contributes to making JCSU such a special place,” Armbrister said. “It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve the JCSU family. I look forward to talking with you more throughout the year, and I wish you all the best in 2023 and beyond.”
