Jordan Gifts $10M to UNC School of Social Work

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Oct. 5, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has received a historic $10 million gift from Michael Jordan '86, marking the largest single gift in the School of Social Work's history. The generous donation will expand the reach and impact of the Global Social Development Innovations Center, which will be renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, and the Jordan Institute for Families, and provide financial scholarships for Master of Social Work students.

The gift celebration will also kick off the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center's Global Research Symposium, where scholars, practitioners, and partners from more than 20 countries will gather in Chapel Hill to share knowledge and explore innovative approaches to advancing global youth development. The two-day symposium will feature research presentations and panel discussions focused on youth voice and agency, emerging technologies partnerships, and sustainable solutions through innovation and action. It will include a fireside chat with Mrs. Jordan highlighting her work in Kenya.

The Jordan Institute for Families (JIF) was founded in 1996 by Michael Jordan and his family to help cultivate safe, stable, nurturing families over the life course. Its work spans an array of interrelated initiatives, including maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support, child and family well-being, and social work leadership. JIF's efforts to connect community knowledge with social work research, policy, and practice remain firmly rooted in equity and engagement.

The Global Social Development Innovations center was established in 2017 to advance innovative, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen the well-being of youth and their families. In partnership with communities and local organizations, the center develops and evaluates interventions that ensure local knowledge guides efforts to expand opportunities for young people, both locally and globally.

At a time when there is an urgent need for more social workers, this investment will help make entering the profession more accessible while strengthening the workforce needed to respond to challenges affecting children, families, and communities. The gift also establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program, which will provide scholarship support to Master of Social Work students facing increased financial barriers to graduate education.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, is a global higher education leader. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Addressing the greatest challenges of our time through innovative teaching, research, and public service, Carolina is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive.