Washington, D.C., Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has named a North Carolina Central University (NCCU) alumnus and renowned retired professor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) to serve as distinguished faculty-in-residence.
Dr. James H. Johnson, the former William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of strategy and entrepreneurship and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC-Chapel, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in entrepreneurial strategy.
“Dr. Johnson is a giant in his field and our students and member institutions are fortunate to benefit from his expertise,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “His work and research in the areas of entrepreneurship, demographics and economic development will help guide our transformation of our Innovation & Entrepreneurship initiatives.”
Johnson published more than 100 scholarly research articles, three research monographs and co-edited four theme issues of scholarly journals during his academic career. He was previously profiled by Fast Company and UNC-Chapel Hill.
His role with TMCF will focus on curriculum design, strategic program development and accreditation support in assistance of the continued growth of Innovation & Entrepreneurship initiatives.
Johnson earned an undergraduate degree at TMCF member school NCCU, a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He also previously served as a faculty member at UCLA.
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit tmcf.org.
Clara Ross Stamps The Thurgood Marshall College Fund 240-931-0696 clara.stamps@tmcf.org
