Johnson C. Smith receives largest gift in school's history - noteworthy news - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Feb 13, 2003

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Johnson C. Smith University received more than $3.9 million last month from the Duke Endowment, a private foundation established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke.

The grant, which is provided annually for both general operating support and for special projects and programs, is the largest award in the North Carolina-based historically Black school's history. Of the almost $4 million, $3.1 million will be used for the James B. Duke Scholarship Pro. gram, a merit-based, full-tuition scholarship for students. The rest of the grant will support the university's study abroad program and maintain the school's infrastructure.

"This grant is a major boost for the financial viability of Johnson C. Smith," says Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, the school's president.