The mission of Johnson C. Smith University is to provide an outstanding education for a diverse group of talented and highly motivated students from various ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. Johnson C. Smith offers a liberal education in conjunction with concentrated study in specialized fields in preparation for advanced study and specific careers.

The University endeavors to produce graduates who are able to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently as well as collaboratively, and demonstrate competence in their chosen fields. Further, it provides an environment in which students can fulfill their physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and other personal needs and in which they can develop a compelling sense of social and civic responsibility for leadership and service in a dynamic, multicultural society. Likewise, the University embraces its responsibility to provide leadership, service, and life-long learning to the larger community.