This fall semester, under the leadership of Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University, and after pledges of significant community investment, JCSU is serving a record number of in-coming, students.
This week we highlight two columns written by Dr. Ronald Carter, who served as the 13th president of JCSU, from 2008 to 2017. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives on campus, strong advocacy in the community, and controversy about leadership and financial management during difficult times for universities across the country.
In 2008, upon Dr. Carter taking office, Charlotte Viewpoint published 'Our Statement of Vision,' Dr. Carter's declaration to the community about his ambitions for JCSU. He began, "There is no doubt in my mind that Johnson C. Smith University is poised to become Charlotte’s very own nationally recognized premier independent urban university...We will be recognized for a superb faculty, top-quality and highly motivated national and international students, outstanding teaching and learning, an excellent applied research focus, and a comprehensive, cohesive curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate levels."
In 2012, as part of our Critical Issues series, we published a second, more sobering column by Dr. Carter entitled 'Equity for People of Color' in which he warned of "unusual storm patterns of race relations" that "will most likely lead to calamity," detailed the necessity for Charlotte’s African-American and Latino communities to combine resources to assert their rights, and outlined initiatives of the university to serve people of color "for a better America across all races and socio-economic levels."
As the fall 2024 arts and cultural calendar begins, make sure to read 'Vicarious Living Though Real Life Kisses,' a review of the 2016 Actor's Theatre of Charlotte season by Mark Pizzato; 'The Baby,' a short story about family and generations by Evan Guilford Blake; and experience the work of artist Patrick Glover. You'll also see links to two of our PDF magazines, from 2011 and 2004 respectively, with lead columns from Carlos Salum on encountering awe, and Tim Newman on creating magic and memory Uptown. Sit lux, Mark Peres
Charlotte Viewpoint Founder The Charlotte Center Founder & Executive Director |
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There is no doubt in my mind that Johnson C. Smith University is poised to become Charlotte’s very own nationally recognized premier independent urban university. Our 142-year history says so. Johnson C. Smith University’s narrative of achievements is a compelling story of students and teachers mobilizing intellectual capital for work and investments in productive enterprises throughout the Queen City of the South and beyond her borders.
As the 13th president of Johnson C. Smith University, I am committed to developing this rich legacy. We will be recognized for a superb faculty, top-quality and highly motivated national and international students, outstanding teaching and learning, an excellent applied research focus, and a comprehensive, cohesive curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Our core institutional beliefs will pivot toward a comprehensive, value-based quality liberal education; career preparation; service orientation to the communities surrounding the University; and alliances with Charlotte’s communities, professional organizations, businesses and corporations.
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From 2012: Equity for People of Color |
The city of Charlotte, our state and our nation, are facing unusual storm patterns in race relations, education, demographics, politics and labor market outcomes. If left as they are, such patterns will most likely result in a calamity forcefully hitting us by 2030 – less than 20 years from now. It is one we can avoid, but only if we come to terms with the inconsistent ways in which people of color have been granted access to asset development, economic development strategies public policies. If we start taking aggressive corrective actions now, we can avoid this perfect storm.
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From 2016: Vicarious Living through Stage Kisses |
What ifs. They haunt us. Choices not taken. People lost in our lives. As we move on, our inner theatre twists memories from the past and current regrets into dreams of alternate realities. Fittingly, for its last show in its Stonewall Street home of the past 12 years, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte is presenting—June 8-25, dates, times and ticket info here—Stage Kiss, by Sarah Ruhl, a 2011 comedy (with songs) about former lovers meeting again as professional actors, reviving lost passions, but then learning to move on—through various theatrical contexts.
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There is mist falling through the chilly Saturday afternoon sky, and the still-stark trees tilt from the wind. There are small pits, small swells in the old road. Now and again, the old shocks fail to cushion her and with one hand she holds to the dash to keep from bouncing. With the other, she touches her stomach. |
| Patrick Glover spent his childhood in the rural Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. He received a four year, full tuition scholarship to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City, earning his BFA in 1987. Upon graduating, he remained in the city working as an illustrator, muralist and decorative painter, relocating to the Charlotte area in 2002. |
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About Charlotte Viewpoint |
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Charlotte Viewpoint is a magazine about the city and culture of the Charlotte region that ran from 2003-2016. Charlotte Viewpoint published civic and cultural commentary and programmed events about Charlotte for engaged citizens to nurture creative capital, elevate civic discourse and promote intellectual and artistic excellence in the Charlotte region. |
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| Charlotte Viewpoint has been archived by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room for its historical significance. |
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