Johnson C. Smith University’s (JCSU) Metropolitan College of Professional Studies is pleased to announce the establishment of a partnership between its Esports and Gaming trifecta and Riot Games, the world’s leading Esports organization. Based in Los Angeles, Riot Games develops and publishes popular video games led by League of Legends and VALORANT, with the League of Legends World Championship serving as the premier esports tournament in the world.
JCSU is the first HBCU to boast an Esports and Gaming trifecta: Esports and Gaming Management academic program, JCSU Esports Lab, and Golden Bulls Esports Club, as well as an ESG Certificate program. Through this partnership, Riot Games will provide curriculum support, guest lecturers, industry consultation, scholarships, Esports lab furnishings/equipment, internships, and career insights to students participating in the Esports and Gaming programs.
“Riot is humbled to team up with JCSU and encourage students to pursue opportunities in the growing Esports industry. This partnership amplifies Riot’s own diversity & inclusion endeavors, supports outreach programs and creates opportunities for diverse candidates through scholarships and internships,” said Scott Adametz of Riot Games.
“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,” said Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams, advisor of JCSU’s Esports and Gaming program, and Online Sport Management Program Coordinator at JCSU’s Metropolitan College of Professional Studies.
“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. This fabulous strategic partnership with industry leader, Riot Games, will reap great benefits for our students, JCSU, and the HBCU community-at large,” added Professor John L. Cash, Jr., ESG Program Adjunct Professor, sports & entertainment industry professional, board member and officer of Community, a leading minority-owned, non-profit Esports and Gaming educational and social impact organization led by HBCU graduates.
“We are excited about the dynamic opportunities that these partnerships will provide our students as we collaborate and engage with leading Esports industry organizations,” added Dr. Laura Colson McLean, Dean of Metropolitan College of Professional Studies.