Dr. Valerie Kinloch became the 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University on August 3, 2023. With nearly three decades of experience in higher education, she has distinguished herself as a passionate educator who has taught and/or served in administrative roles at The Ohio State University, Columbia University’s Teachers College, the University of Houston-Downtown and, most recently, the University of Pittsburgh.

During her time as the Renée and Richard Goldman Endowed Dean and Professor in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Kinloch strengthened the school’s commitments to equity, justice and innovation by focusing on teaching, research, community engagement, academic programs, student success, faculty development and alumni involvement. In addition to her professorships and administrative tenures, she is the author and co-editor of numerous books and publications on race, place, identities, literacies and justice, including her most recent co-authored book, Where is the Justice? Engaged Pedagogies in Schools and Communities.

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Johnson C. Smith University. She earned a Master of Arts degree in English and African American Literature as well as a doctoral degree in English and Composition Studies with a cognate in Urban Studies from Wayne State University. Dr. Kinloch is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and lives in Charlotte with her husband, Tom.