PHOTO | JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Johnson C. Smith University added a partnership Tuesday with Los Angeles-based Riot games for its new esports and gaming management program. Nacon Gaming, an international video gaming equipment company, earlier this month.

Johnson C. Smith University is building partnerships for its esports and gaming program.

JCSU’s Metropolitan College of Professional Studies introduced an esports and gaming management program as a minor this semester, becoming the first historically Black college to offer one. The school announced Tuesday a partnership with Riot Games, a Los Angeles-based esports organization, less than two weeks after announcing a partnership with Nacon Gaming, an international video gaming equipment company.

JCSU also offers a four-course non-credit bearing certificate program which provides professionals with insight into esports and gaming industries. An esports lab and an esports club, as well as the minor are also part of JCSU’s offerings.

“We are excited and thankful for the ongoing support, continued growth and educational/industry recognition of what we are building with our esports/gaming educational program and ecosystem,” said adjunct professor John Cash Jr. “This fabulous strategic partnership with industry leader Riot Games will reap great benefits for our students, JCSU, and the HBCU community at large.”

Said Laura Colson McLean, dean of Metropolitan College: “We are excited about the dynamic opportunities that these partnerships will provide our students as we collaborate and engage with leading esports industry organizations.”

JCSU’s partnership with Riot Games will provide curriculum support, guest lecturers, industry consultation, scholarships, esports lab equipment and furnishings, internships, and career insights for participating students.

Riot Games is known for publishing video games such as League of Legends and Valorant. The League of Legends World Championship serves as a premier esports tournament.

“Riot is humbled to team up with JCSU and encourage students to pursue opportunities in the growing Esports industry,” Riot Games esports tech lead Scott Adametz said in a statement.  “This partnership amplifies Riot's own diversity and inclusion endeavors, supports outreach programs and creates opportunities for diverse candidates through scholarships and internships.”

Said JCSU’s BerNadette Lawson-Williams, advisor to the esports and gaming program, and online sport management program coordinator at Metropolitan College: “We are honored to partner with Riot Games. Their support is paramount in catapulting our students into unlimited career paths within the esports and gaming industries.”

Fall classes began on Sept. 8. The school is operating under remote instruction for the semester, with the intent of bringing students back to campus for the spring.

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