2011-12 MBB Media Guide (PDF) - Johnson C. Smith University ...

johnson c. smith university
Purpose/Mission Statement
Founded in 1867 under the auspices of the Committee on Freedmen of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., Johnson C. Smith University
(JCSU) is an independent, private, coeducational institution of higher learning. Located in the rapidly growing metropolis of Charlotte,
North Carolina, “Queen City of the South,” this historically African-American university has a residential campus with a familiar
atmosphere in which students are stimulated and nurtured by dedicated and caring faculty and staff.
Consistent with its Christian roots, the university recognizes the importance of moral and ethical values to undergird intellectual
development and all endeavors. JCSU believes in the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and in the values of cultivating the life of the
mind. The university assigns great significance to the development of self-confidence, to the understanding of ones’ own heritage as
well as an awareness of the cultures of others, to exploration of the myriad forces affecting people of a complex technological age, and
to formulating a sense of one’s role in this schema.
The mission of JCSU is to provide an outstanding education for a diverse group of talented and highly motivated students from various
ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographical backgrounds. The university offers a liberal education in conjunction with concentrated study
in specialized fields, 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 through 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, JCSU 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 ensure 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, faculty,
staff, administrators, academic and other programs, facilities, operations, and environment.
Notable Alumni
Frederick Branch ’42 first African American officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Eva M. Clayton ‘55 Clayton and Mel Watt were the first African Americans elected to the House of Representatives from
North Carolina since 1898 (since Clayton won the special election, she took office before Watt).
Charlie Dannelly ‘62 is a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state’s thirty-eighth
Senate district since 1995.
Richard Erwin ‘47 In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Erwin as the first black federal judge in North Carolina.
Vincent Matthew ‘70 winner of two gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics and 1972 Summer Olympics.
Pettis Norman ’62 former tight end with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. He is on the top-50 greatest Dallas
Cowboys of All-Time. (the school’s annual award given to the outstanding student-athlete is called the Pettis Norman Award.)
Fred “Curly” Neal ‘62 legendary former member of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Chet Grimsley ’78 recognized as the first Euro-American to garner accolades as All-CIAA and All-American at JCSU and at
an HBCU. Author of “White Golden Bull.”
2011-12 men’s basketball media guide 31