Valerie Kinloch, President, Johnson C. Smith University

In an interview with Invest:, president of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Valerie Kinloch discussed the university’s recent milestones, including leadership changes, increased student engagement, and record enrollment.

What were some key milestones and achievements for the university in the past year?

I began this role in August 2023, returning as the 15th President of Johnson C. Smith University, where I’m also an alumna from the class of 1996. I want to emphasize that because the milestones we’ve reached are shaped by my view of the university as a place of promise — not just potential, but the reality that many students rely on JCSU for opportunity. Our role is to provide that opportunity to those who might not otherwise access higher education.

Key milestones include critical leadership changes and key hires. Two of those are Director of University Marketing and Communication Cheryl Butler Brayboy and Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Joy Paige Springs. Building a team to realize our vision for a new era of excellence has been essential.

Beyond this, we’ve enhanced student engagement and improved the overall student experience. A significant milestone has been incremental enrollment increases over the past year and higher alumni engagement and giving. These are just a few of the key accomplishments.

A record number of freshmen were admitted this year. How is the university adapting to support the needs of this growing student body?

We’ve seen a record number of enrollments this year, which is remarkable given that I’ve only been here a year, and some team members even less. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing challenges, especially for historically marginalized communities. Now, in 2024, students entering higher education have faced online learning, social disconnection, and missed milestones like high school graduations.

We need to ensure our students are well-supported, both mentally and physically, and that they feel part of a strong community — whether through peers, faculty, staff, or the surrounding community. It’s about investing in them academically and personally.

We’ve expanded student support services, including a team of success coaches led by Dr. Angela White. We’ve also strengthened our mentoring program, revitalized the choir, band, and athletics, and reintroduced extracurricular activities to help students thrive. Engaging with student organizations has been key.

How do you see the role of HBCUs evolving in the higher education landscape?

As Charlotte’s only HBCU, with a history dating back to 1867, we’ve always ensured that Black students and other students of color have access to higher education. HBCUs have played a fundamentally important role in society long before terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion became popular. We’ve always focused on providing access, opportunity, and a sense of belonging for students. HBCUs offer a safe environment for students to study, live, and explore who they are. Our campuses encourage students to ask hard questions about living in a diverse world.

Despite being underfunded and often overlooked by the broader public, HBCUs continue to lead the way in higher education. We’ve always anticipated societal changes, like the demographic cliff, and have worked to integrate liberal arts, professional studies, and STEM. I believe HBCUs are vital not just in higher education, but also in shaping and supporting our communities.

How does the university leverage its position in Charlotte to create opportunities for students?

Being in Charlotte, a major hub of social mobility and economic advancement, offers us unique opportunities. As a small, private, historically Black liberal arts university in the historic West End, our position is vital.

Academically, we create internship opportunities with local industries. Professionally, we invest in our students through these internships, hoping they’ll be hired by these industries, continuing the investment that starts in the classroom.

We’re connecting academic preparation with professional readiness. Dr. White has supported our student success coaches, who use the InsideTrack method to offer personalized coaching in academics, career readiness, and community engagement. This ensures our students are well-prepared.

Being in Charlotte, we’re attentive to the needs of the city and region. We’re part of a larger ecosystem, preparing students not just for the workforce, but also for professional and graduate schools. I can literally see Uptown Charlotte from my window, and that proximity is key to how we leverage our location to engage with communities and industries for our students’ benefit.

What role will technology play at the university over the next few years?

Technology is definitely changing the learning landscape. Many students come to Johnson C. Smith University with a wealth of technological knowledge and experience, not just with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, but in areas like coding and content creation, even before they set foot on campus. So, how do we tap into their existing knowledge to use technology to advance learning?

Unfortunately, many higher education institutions haven’t fully embraced this approach. I want us to meet students where they are because, in many cases, they are far ahead of us in terms of technology. We need to use it not just to inspire change but also to encourage innovation.

For example, our College System was recently featured in a documentary, “Innovation Unveiled: Building a Better Tomorrow.” It highlights how we use technology and student experiences to imagine a better future. All of our students also have access to specialized training in coding, which is crucial.

We need to recognize that students are already tech-savvy, and our role is to guide their energy in the right direction, using technology to enhance their educational experience.

How do you envision the university’s role in shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators, both in Charlotte and beyond?

We play a significant role in shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. I walk the campus almost daily because it’s important to connect with students and show that the president is engaged. I often walk into classrooms unannounced, catching students and professors off guard — but that’s part of fostering connection. If students see me interacting with them, they can model that behavior and see themselves as future leaders.

I want my students to achieve more than I can imagine for myself. That’s why we invest so much in them — to show them they can be the next president of JCSU, or even the president of the United States. Our role is to guide them and show them what’s possible, and that’s the work we do here at JCSU.

How have you seen student involvement grow over the past year?

In less than a year, we went from having only a few members in our university band to nearly 100. Our choir grew from just a handful of participants to more than 40 in just a few months. In athletics, particularly football, we’ve seen success early this season, with wins against Tuskegee and Morehouse, when many had written us off.

Our cheerleading squad, the Luv-A-Bulls, has also grown, now boasting 16 new members. Student organizations that were less active are being resurrected by a new wave of student energy.

When I see students walking around campus, I reflect on my time here as a student from 1992 to 1996. What I wish I had then is what I want to provide for students now. I had great professors and mentors who poured into me. It’s my responsibility to do the same for today’s students, but to take it to the next level. If students want to attend JCSU, we need to make sure they have that opportunity.

I love this university, and I believe in our potential, even when others have written us off. We are an HBCU, but we’re not just cultivating Black students — we’re preparing all students to contribute to the world. That’s what we do here.