Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) has announced a leadership transition within its Board of Trustees, as longtime Board Chair Steven L. Boyd ’79 officially passes the role to Chair-Elect James Ely ’88.
Boyd concludes 17 years of service on the Board, including four years as chair. During his tenure, he also served as interim president in 2023 and played a key role in guiding the institution through multiple periods of transition and strategic growth.
In addition to Ely’s appointment, the Board elected alumnus Greg Bryant ’89 as Vice Chair, while Christy Bryant ’74 was re-elected as Board Secretary. All newly elected officers are JCSU alumni, reinforcing the institution’s continued emphasis on alumni leadership and institutional stewardship.
Boyd reflected on his decades-long connection to the university, noting that his decision to attend JCSU “sight unseen” ultimately shaped both his personal and professional journey.
President Valerie Kinloch praised Boyd’s leadership while emphasizing the university’s continued momentum under what she described as JCSU’s “New Era of Excellence.”
“JCSU continues its forward momentum,” Kinloch said. “Our New Era of Excellence is marked by bold leadership, innovation, strong academic programs, alumni and community engagement, and a promising future.”