Johnson C. Smith University Awarded $100,000 Grant from Truist to support students learning remotely during the pandemic
By LiZeatra B. Wilson
CHARLOTTE, NC - Truist Financial Corporation is paying it forward to Johnson C. Smith University by purchasing laptop computers for students learning remotely during the pandemic.
While the majority of JCSU students have been supported with updated technology since the spring when the University began providing remote instruction due to COVID-19, our Information Technology Department recently assessed our student population to determine need for the 2020-2021 academic year. The assessment revealed that approximately 135 students were without the necessary technology to adequately support their studies in an on-going remote learning environment. The grant, which funds new laptop computers, will allow students to continue their education without interruption.
“We are grateful for the significant support Truist has provided the University. Through our partnership with Truist we were able to supply our students with vital equipment necessary to access learning online while working remotely. Truist and Johnson C. Smith University have a shared vision to enhance the learning experience for our students through technology,” said Tami Simmons, vice president of Institutional Advancement.
The laptop donation ensures all students are equipped to continue their education without interruption despite challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“We’re proud to support the exceptional students of JCSU to help them overcome any financial obstacles they may face as a result of the pandemic,” said Thomas Ransom, head of sales and client experience strategy and Historically Black Colleges and Universities lead at Truist. “At Truist, we are committed to partnering with HBCUs and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for all we serve. We hope this donation helps alleviate any technology or financial gaps students may experience so they can remain confident and focused on their education.”
About Johnson C. Smith University
Founded in 1867, Johnson C. Smith University is an independent, close-knit urban university located in Charlotte, N.C. It has a growing national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology in ways that empower tomorrow’s diverse entrepreneurial citizens and leaders. Offering 23 fields of study, including a master’s degree in social work, to more than 1,500 students from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds, the university’s excellent academic programs focus on servant leadership, civic engagement, and global responsibility. For more information about JCSU, visit www.jcsu.edu or follow the university on social media sites Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspire and build better lives and communities. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history, Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business, and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending and wealth management. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. with total assets of $504 billion as of June 30, 2020. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.
