Michael Jordan invests in a stronger future for families
A $10 million gift honors his mother and helps prepare the next generation of social workers.
Summary
Michael Jordan committed $10 million to UNC’s School of Social Work in honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan. UNC described it as the largest single gift in the school’s history.
The commitment supports the Global Social Development Innovations Center and the Jordan Institute for Families, alongside scholarships for Master of Social Work students. The center is being renamed for Deloris P. Jordan.
The gift also establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program. UNC said the inaugural group would include 10 students, each receiving a $12,500 scholarship. Those scholarships are intended for students facing financial barriers to graduate education, connecting the broader institutional gift with specific support for people preparing to enter social work.
Why it matters
Supporting social-work education connects help for students with the profession’s wider work serving children and families. Scholarships address financial barriers for future social workers, while the gift also supports the school’s community-focused programs.