JCSU is a private liberal arts university with proud HBCU traditions and a future aimed at diversity.

It cultivates an inclusive environment in which students are equipped to be global citizens who develop a compelling sense of social and civic responsibility for leadership and service. Johnson C. Smith University is an academic community and workplace environment which values diversity and the intellectual growth that results from the sharing and expression of different ideas and perspectives.

JCSU actively recruits high-achieving students, faculty and staff from different cultures, races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities. JCSU believes that all involved in the academic enterprise will grow intellectually, emotionally, socially and culturally while developing a sense of social responsibility.