Johnson C. Smith University is a private liberal arts university with proud HBCU traditions and a future aimed at diversity. We enroll approximately 1,600 highly talented and motivated students from various backgrounds. Our faculty and staff members are equally as unique, coming from all over the world.
Founded in 1867, Johnson C. Smith University has been ranked several times by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South.
Discover for yourself what makes JCSU different from other universities. From our campus upgrades and community projects to student activities and faculty research, you’ll find there’s always something going on at JCSU.
Mission/Purpose Statement
The mission of Johnson C. Smith University is to provide an outstanding education for a diverse group of talented and highly motivated students from various ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. Johnson C. Smith University offers a liberal education in conjunction with concentrated study in a specialized field in preparation for advanced study and specific careers.
The University endeavors to produce graduates who are able to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently as well as collaboratively, and demonstrate competence in their chosen fields. Further, it provides an environment in which students can fulfill their physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and other personal needs and in which they can develop a compelling sense of social and civic responsibility for leadership and service in a dynamic, multicultural society. Likewise, the University embraces its responsibility to provide leadership, service, and lifelong learning to the larger community.
Regarding teaching effectiveness as paramount in its educational enterprise, Johnson C. Smith University has a commitment to the recruitment and retention of an outstanding faculty. To this end, the University promotes faculty development, encourages faculty involvement in research and other creative activities, and endorses the principles of academic freedom.
To insure the integrity and stability of its status and the perpetuation of its rich legacy, Johnson C. Smith University has a firm resolve to maintain the fiscal and human resources requisite to be a truly distinctive institution—a hallmark of excellence in its students, facilities, operations, and environment. Additionally, Johnson C. Smith University, Incorporated shall continue the present policy of admitting students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at the University. In regard to faculty and staff, employment by and promotion within the University shall be on the basis of merit, and there shall be no discrimination on any basis.