Largest gift in school history will advance social work innovation and support students and faculty

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, and her unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of women, children and families around the world, Michael Jordan ’86 has made a historic $10 million commitment to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work. The largest single gift in the School of Social Work’s history 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.

“We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and the people and communities we serve,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “Deloris Jordan’s lifelong dedication to children and families is reflected in this investment, which will strengthen the School of Social Work’s ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond.”

“My mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she has spent her life putting that belief into action,” said Michael Jordan. “Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me. North Carolina will always be home, and I’m proud to support the social workers who are on the ground each and every day helping people navigate challenges, find opportunities and build stronger communities. I hope this gift helps make it possible for more students to pursue this important work.”

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. Ten students will be named the inaugural Jordan Family Scholars during the celebration, with each receiving a $12,500 scholarship.

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.

“I am honored that this investment will support the next generation of social workers and the important work they do,” said Deloris P. Jordan. “I am deeply proud to have been part of the Carolina family for more than 40 years, and it is especially meaningful to know that this gift will strengthen the education and opportunities available to those preparing to serve others. Knowing that this work will extend beyond North Carolina through the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center makes it all the more special.”

“The magnitude of Michael Jordan’s gift will have an immediate and lasting impact, reaching from our classrooms in Chapel Hill to the many organizations and communities we partner with in North Carolina and across the globe,” said Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson. “We are deeply appreciative of his investment and the shared commitment to service that connects Mrs. Jordan and Michael Jordan to our school and our mission.”

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, through reciprocal learning.

The gift celebration will also kick off the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center’s Global Research Symposium. Scholars, practitioners and partners from more than 20 countries will gather in Chapel Hill at the Friday Conference Center 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.

Mrs. Jordan’s commitment to serving families and communities extends around the world. In 2010, she founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre (KWCWC) in Nairobi to bring compassionate, quality healthcare to marginalized communities in Kenya and beyond. KWCWC serves survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse while also training first responders to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Through targeted programs, community engagement and advocacy, KWCWC has reached more than 203,700 individuals.

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About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill    
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader. 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 an engine of opportunity for the next generation of students, the economy and innovation in North Carolina and beyond. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina has ranked among the top 5 public universities for 25 consecutive years. Facts and figures can be found on this webpage.  

University Communications: Media Relations, 919-445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu 

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SOURCE University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill