CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
infrastructure and bones to reach some of her goals of increasing the number of the university’s 22 degree offerings, enhancing the climate and culture, and actively engaging with students, faculty and alumni through workshops, town halls and conversations. Dr. Kinloch also wants to borrow some best practices from some of her former campuses, like the University of Pittsburgh’s community engagement centers in an effort to form relationships in surrounding communities.
“We are in the heart of Charlotte, NC. The JCSU campus is literally on one of the highest points in Charlotte,” said Dr. Kinloch. “There are so many businesses, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, and schools in our community. I am committed to engaging proactively and productively with our communities. I want people to know our campus is for students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and community members. We have a responsibility to reach out and
establish meaningful connections. We have to be in community spaces and cultivate those types of deeply-rooted relationships.” Her commitment is also motivated by the recent Supreme Court of the United States court case because its aftermath proves an opportunity to shape how the leaders like her think about HBCUs, and reimagine how these campuses are marketed to students and their families.
“The Supreme Court decision against affirmative action in higher education has motivated me to continue to engage in critical work,” she said. “It’s one-sided to not talk about how affirmative action has benefitted many people, not just Black people. However, the decision against affirmative action has motivated me to engage even more in the work of elevating education with and for Black and Brown students, families, and communities. This is a primary reason why I became an HBCU President.”
Dr. Valerie Kinloch
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