Duke Endowment makes $5.7 million gift to Johnson C. Smith University
Grant goes to
Metropolitan College, Center for Applied Leadership
Published Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:00 pm
by Ryanne Persinger>
The Duke Endowment awarded Johnson C. Smith University one of the largest gifts it's ever made to the college.
The grant, $5.7 million, will help support the school's Center for Applied Leadership and Community Development program, along with the university's Metropolitan College.
PHOTO/RYANNE PERSINGER
Duke Endowment trustee Neil Williams (left) makes a point Oct. 15 at a press conference announcing a $5.7 million gift to Johnson C. Smith University. JCSU
President Ronald Carter is on the right.
"Since 1924, I think we've given over $85 million to (JCSU)," Duke Endowment trustee Neil Williams said. "But never any gift of this magnitude."
The Center for Applied Leadership and Community Development will help connect the college with an enrollment of 1,538 to the community by providing avenues for faculty and students to work with neighborhood liaisons.
The Metropolitan College, which launches in January, will help non-traditional and working students who are working towards degrees in criminology and social work. Those enrolled will attend accelerated evening classes.
JCSU President Ronald Carter said the gift makes it possible for the university to engage surrounding neighborhoods, increase admission standards and provide scholarships to working students.
"Johnson C. Smith was founded to be the Princeton of the South," Carter said. "We essentially want to be Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte's premiere urban university."
Williams, who acknowledged the turbulent economic times, said the Duke Endowment - a private foundation serving higher education in the Carolinas - said giving to JCSU was important.
"(JCSU) has a wonderful leadership team in place...it just needs the powers to put those things in place," Williams added. "It is a good day for Johnson C. Smith and a very good day for the Duke Endowment."
Added Carter: "We decided to take a calculated risk. Today the promissory note has been delivered."
