North Carolina Central University alumnus and retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor joins the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as distinguished faculty-in-residence

September 7, 2026

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. 

Related News

Thurgood Marshall College Fund president inducted into National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame

The president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) was recently inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame and received the organization’s Chairman’s Award. Dr. Harry L. Williams, the president & CEO of TMCF, was inducted during the 41st annual National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony in […]

Finding opportunity and confidence through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 

Darius Mackey, a junior finance major at Texas Southern University (TSU), credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him recognize his potential and pursue opportunities he once thought were out of reach. Mackey, a first-generation college student expected to graduate in December 2027, has participated in TMCF programs including the Lowe’s retail immersion […]

How the Thurgood Marshall College Fund helped open doors in technology for Tuskegee University graduate

Destinie “Alora” James-Knowles, a 2025 graduate of Tuskegee University, credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping shape her academic and professional journey. A double major in computer engineering and electrical engineering, James-Knowles now works as a sales engineer and leads Shift-ALT-HER, a nonprofit focused on helping women pursue careers in technology.  Shift-ALT-HER grew […]