Our History
Facts
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a historically black university located in Charlotte, North Carolina
Founded in 1867 as the Biddle Memorial Institute
Founded by Reverend Samuel C. Alexander and his wife Jane Berry Alexander
In 1876, Biddle Memorial Institute was renamed Biddle University in honor if Major Henry J. Biddle, a Philadelphia benefactor
Biddle University was renamed to Johnson C. Smith University in 1923.
Jane M. Smith donated a significant sum to the university in memory of her late husband, Johnson C. Smith
Johnson C. Smith was the first historically black institution in North Carolina to construct a gymnasium (1928)
The university was also the first black college in North Carolina to obtain accreditation from the Southern Association
Initially, the university was established for men only, with the first session of class held on May 1, 1867, with approximately eight men.
JCSU began admitting women in 1932 and in 1938 attained the status of an independent college
The first residence hall for women, named in memory of James B. Duke, was dedicated in 1940. In 1942, the university became a fully coeducational institution.
Learning
THAT LIGHTS THE WAY.
