Duke Endowment Awards $35 Million to Johnson C. Smith University

The Duke Endowment has announced a $35 million grant to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, to support the university's science and scholarship programs and for facility improvements.

One of the largest gifts ever awarded to a historically black college and university (HBCU) includes $25 million to a build a new science center as part of JCSU's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program; $5.5 million to renovate Duke Hall, a residential building on campus; and $4.5 million in scholarship funding for international students and others studying science and technology, visual and performance arts, and social work.

The gift also is the largest ever awarded to JCSU by the Duke Endowment, a longtime supporter of the school. Among other things, it will help the university in securing its place as one of the nation's top producers of African-American scientists and technologists.

"The Duke Endowment has been a major partner in the transformation of Johnson C. Smith University," said JCSU president Dr. Ronald L. Carter. "This historic gift will help ensure that the university attracts some of brightest students in the United States and from abroad. The gift [also] will...allow JCSU to have one of the best STEM facilities in the nation."

“The Duke Endowment Awards $35 Million to JCSU.” Duke Endowment Press Release 10/12/11.

Primary Subject: Higher Education
Secondary Subject(s): African Americans/Blacks, Arts and Culture, Science/Technology
Location(s): Charlotte, North Carolina

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