JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 1 The BullA Magazine from Johnson C. Smithet University | 2013-2014in INTELLECTUAL RIGOR SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS AGENTS OF CHANGE GLOBAL EDUCATION CULTURE OF COMMUNITY The Queen City’s Crown jewel 03 jcsu’s favorable impact on charlotte 14 historic george e. davis house restored In this issue 40 stephen joyner sr. inducted to ciaa hall of fame 72 honor roll of donors 2013-14 JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 2 2 C O V E R S T O R Y JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 1 02 President’s Message 03 Cover Story CONTENTS OF TABLE 12 Features 18 University News 26 Academics 36 Student News 40 Athletics 48 Philanthropy 58 Community Engagement 62 Alumni 70 Class Notes A magazine from Johnson C. Smith University 2013 - 2014 President Ronald L. Carter, Ph.D. Vice President Institutional Advancement Joy Paige Executive Editor Sherri Belfield Editors Jennifer K. Gaskins | Vashti Crowell Managing Editor Kate Marcus Contributing Writers Lamont Hinson | Melissa Davis Photographers Jennifer K. Gaskins | Jonathan Keitt | Kate Marcus Published annually by University Communications and Marketing for alumni and friends of JCSU. Johnson C. Smith University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Johnson C. Smith University. Opposite page: Chairman and CEO of Lowe's Companies, Robert A. Niblock, waves with President Ronald L. Carter during the processional into Irwin Belk Complex for the 142nd Commencement Exercises. Niblock received an Honorary Doctorate degree and delivered the Commencement address. Back cover: Photo by Joshua Nypaver 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4 1 JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 2 President’s Message As JCSU began its 143rd academic year, our campus continued on its trajectory of radical transformation, one that has become increasingly critical to our future as a private liberal arts university. Since we embarked on this path toward becoming a new urban university, we have made tough decisions, designed creative solutions, rethought business processes and tested prototypes. The cover story in this Bulletin illustrates how disruptive change on campus is not only for our own benefit. It also transcends into our community in positive ways. Thanks to funding from government sources and support from corporate, private and alumni donors, these and other initiatives are addressing some of the critical economic, socio-political and educational issues impacting Charlotte’s future. Initiatives taking place at the HealthPlex and Sustainability Village are succeeding in building healthy assets in Charlotte’s Northwest Corridor while providing students with applied research opportunities. Likewise, partnerships with our local schools seek to bolster parental engagement and college readiness for students, which will help improve the quality of public education and the quality of life in the Corridor. On a national scale, one of the most pressing issues pertains to college access. I am pleased to report that the gap scholarship established in 2012 has helped to retain hundreds of students facing financial barriers over the past year. And, thanks to a major corporate partner, a new College-to-Career student employment program launched this fall will help students learn and earn as they prepare for the workforce. These are just a few of the ways JCSU is living its mission as a new urban University with a public purpose that demands thought, growth and change in every community it touches and in every academic endeavor. The University is gaining recognition at national conferences and by major foundations as it serves as a model for change among private liberal arts universities. Through productive partnerships and financial support, we will continue to transform big dreams into reality. On behalf of the JCSU family, I wish to thank the more than 1,700 donors who contributed $118 million to advance our mission. I encourage you to refer to the enclosed Donor Report, which lists all donors during the 2013-1014 fiscal year. I am also proud to announce that our Comprehensive Campaign, “Tomorrow is what WE make it,” passed the $100 million mark to move us closer to our $150 million goal. This milestone represents confidence in JCSU’s ability to graduate students who are prepared to solve tough problems and affect change locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Solving such problems requires radical transformation of the way our nation perceives, supports and values education. It is often through difficulty that we find the most creative solutions. I am reminded of the quote, “Life isn’t about how we survive the storm, but how we dance in the rain.” I invite you to dance with us as we work diligently to turn challenges into opportunities for our students, our JCSU family and the communities we serve. Ronald L. Carter, Ph.D. President 2 JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 3 JCSU shines as one of the brightest jewels in the Queen City's crown COVER STORY COVER As an independent new urban University with a commitment of the CIAA basketball tournament public purpose, JCSU remains committed to to Charlotte and the relocation of the CIAA graduating students with a liberal arts and professional headquarters to our city,” said Charlotte Chamber education that prepares them to use their knowledge, President and CEO Bob Morgan. skills, values and ethics to solve tough problems at all Noting Dr. Ronald L. Carter’s contribution to the system levels in the city, state, nation and the world. CIAA as a board member and chair of its finance This cover story of the Bulletin highlights JCSU’s committee, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams educational and economic impact in Charlotte as a said his involvement locally “has been and will change agent working with public and private continue to be instrumental to the CIAA’s organizations. JCSU is disrupting the norm in a positive agreement for the next six years in Charlotte.” way to innovate and educate in ways that will impact She said the partnership with JCSU embraces the CIAA and sustain Charlotte so it has a brighter future for tradition and leadership while recognizing the value all residents. and new opportunities of economic growth the CIAA brings to this area. “Like all of our institutions, JCSU has Fueling Charlotte's been truly engaged as a key partner with the city of economic engine Charlotte to enhance the vitality and economic opportunities within the city. The relationship with the From an economic standpoint, JCSU is a significant city is whole and genuine as it supports the mission driver, with an operating budget of $45 million. of the University.” The University ranks in the top 20 percent among The addition of Burger King on campus is another corporate engines. demonstration of the University’s commitment to As an example, the University played a role in providing local citizens and students more food relocating the CIAA headquarters to the city and options and employment opportunities. Perkins keeping the tournament in Charlotte, a decision that Management Services operates the new restaurant, will have significant economic, cultural and social which is open to the community. The company also impact for the next six years. In 2013 alone, the CIAA opened Laurene’s Too, a southern style restaurant, generated $29.86 million in direct spending and on campus. “We are excited about the future and the $47.17 million in economic impact. many great things we have in store for the campus and “We are especially grateful for his (Dr. Ronald L. the community,” said Nicholas Perkins, chairman, Carter’s) role in helping to secure the long-term president and CEO of Perkins Management Services. " Dr. Carter is well respected and understands the importance of the CIAA's seamless transition into the Charlotte community." — Jacqie McWilliams, CIAA Commissioner 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4 3 JCSU BULLETIN 2013_2014_v01_Layout 1 12/19/2014 11:29 AM Page 4 Change agent committed to community engagement Public Leadership gives civic-minded critical thinkers, invested in transformational voice to Northwest Corridor change to improve local, national and global communities. “Through this academic program and community The University’s new public leadership program is engagement activities, JCSU has begun to prepare our giving voice to the citizens in the Northwest Corridor. leaders for the new roles they will play in our evolving They were heard loud and clear at a leadership forum and society,” said Patterson. “Since population demographics through a citizens’ survey in partnership with the Indaba, have shifted and global trade has increased, change is a community forum representing over 30 neighborhoods. imminent in our corporate, government and service sectors.” More than 100 citizens communicated their issues of concern at the forum in Biddle Hall in August 2013 before 17 local and regional political candidates. The forum Anthology sheds light coincided with a leadership survey of over 1,000 residents conducted by JCSU faculty and students titled “Giving Voice on Northwest Corridor to the Northwest Corridor.” Citizens aired their concerns As a University with a commitment to community and about economic growth, crime and education, all vital service, JCSU must look beyond its gates and implement issues to the Corridor’s future. strategies that enhance the quality of life for residents of “The leadership forum helped the community prepare Charlotte’s West End. One way is to become a keeper of for upcoming elections by engaging, educating and the stories that preserve the rich and vibrant history of empowering residents to get more involved in recruiting Charlotte’s Northwest Corridor and cast light on social, leaders while providing candidates with information,” said political, economic and academic issues that continue Dr.