Johnson C Smith University still on probation despite improvements, accreditor says
Johnson C. Smith University will remain on probation for another year, its accreditor ruled this month.
The school was originally placed on probation by its accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, last June. It was due to problems with “financial responsibility” following a two-year review. While it remains accredited, its task over the next year will be to prove that the adjustments it’s already made can last.
JCSU President Valerie Kinloch said in a Thursday news release the school made vast improvements to its policies and processes over the past year, which its accreditor noted.
“We welcome this journey of continuous improvement,” she said. “Over the past year, our faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and supporters have worked together to strengthen the university while remaining focused on student success and institutional excellence. We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to building upon that momentum.”
The school saw a clean financial audit during the 2025-26 school year and implemented more than 19 new policies around the management of grants and financial aid. In September, JCSU became one of 37 historically Black colleges and universities around the country that would benefit from a total $70 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Representatives from SACSCOC visited JCSU this spring.
While the agency issued no new findings in its review of JCSU, Kinloch has said the continued probation is because SACSCOC wants to see that the school can sustain the changes it has implemented.
SACSCOC will make another evaluation of the school’s status next summer. Over the next year, JCSU will focus on continuing to train faculty and staff on its new policies and procedures.
“This work is about creating lasting change,” Kinloch said in the Thursday news release. “Our goal is to continue moving forward, strengthening our systems and ensuring that the improvements we make today position Johnson C. Smith University for success for years to come.”
Representatives from the school have not yet responded to questions from The Charlotte Observer about the accreditation decision.
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 3:52 PM.
