Johnson C. Smith University names new president. She’s a familiar name to Charlotte HBCU

Evan Moore
·1 min read

The Johnson C. Smith University Board of Trustees has named Valerie Kinloch as its 15th president.

Kinloch, the current University of Pittsburgh education school dean, graduated from JCSU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in English and literature. She’s also a member of its board of trustees.

Valerie Kinloc, 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University’s, appointed June 21, 2023
Valerie Kinloc, 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University’s, appointed June 21, 2023

A Charleston, South Carolina, native, she holds master’s and doctorate degrees in English from Wayne State University in Detroit.

“It’s a dream come true to be invited to lead one of the finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America – and at the same time come home,” Kinloch said in a news release. “My years at JCSU were some of the best of my life. This university set me on course to grow beyond anything I could imagine, so it is incredibly gratifying to return and give back to the institution that helped make me who I am.”

Kinloch will succeed Clarence D. Armbrister, who led the university for five years. She will officially take over the role on Aug. 1.