J.R. Smith to graduate from North Carolina A&T with degree in 2026

Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith will earn his college degree from North Carolina A&T on Saturday, marking the end of a long journey.

Graduation day milestone Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith is set to walk across the graduation stage at North Carolina A&T this Saturday, completing a goal he has worked toward for years. His achievement addresses a long-held fear of education while marking the start of a new chapter. The moment mirrors what many graduates experience: asking, "What comes next?" For Smith, this graduation represents another beginning rather than an ending. ## Next academic ambitions Smith shared with reporters that he is already planning to pursue additional degrees, with his immediate focus on obtaining a master's degree. "I want to continuously get better at understanding and being a person of higher intellect," he explained. His long-term aspiration is to become the athletic director at North Carolina A&T, a position currently held by Earl Hilton III, who announced his resignation in April after 15 years in the role. A search for his successor is underway through a national firm. ## Basketball legacy and goals Now 40 years old, Smith built his reputation as a sharpshooting guard with an aggressive playing style, earning two championship rings during a 16-year NBA career that spanned six teams. After retiring from professional basketball in 2021, he enrolled at North Carolina A&T, majoring in liberal studies with a concentration in applied cultural thought. His college journey included intense academic support, spending hours with tutors three times weekly to refine his work and eventually submit assignments early. ## Overcoming academic challenges Smith described his educational journey as a fight against personal insecurities rooted in childhood diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia. He recalled struggling with reading and public speaking, which led him to avoid academic tasks and focus on sports instead. "I didn't realize how the brain is actually a muscle and the more you work it out, the stronger it's going to get," he reflected. His return to education required confronting these fears head-on, beginning with small, consistent steps. ## Golf and teamwork experience Beyond academics, Smith joined North Carolina A&T's men's golf team as a walk-on, an unconventional move that drew attention at the time. Though golf remained secondary to his primary goal of earning a degree, coach Richard Watkins noted Smith's determination. "He came to school to graduate," Watkins emphasized. Smith qualified for seven tournaments over four years, fitting seamlessly into the team dynamic and even taking on freshman duties such as carrying bags. ## Academic support and growth Smith dedicated significant time to the university's academic excellence center, working with two tutors for four to five hours per session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. His routine solidified into a disciplined schedule, making the workload feel like physical training. He shared on social media, "Been up since 5am LA time working on my education assignments. One bad week will not spoil the semester. Lace your boots up put your head up and go to work. #StuccInMyGrind." His efficiency improved to the point where he could submit work ahead of schedule. ## Inspiration from Ray Allen Smith credited NBA veteran Ray Allen as the inspiration behind his decision to pursue higher education. The two played golf together in the Dominican Republic, where Allen spoke about returning to school and challenging himself. "Ray Allen kind of convinced me," Smith recalled in 2021. He added, "I really took heed to it and decided to go back -- and one of the best liberal studies programs is at A&T." ## Chosen major and favorite class Smith selected liberal studies with a cultural studies concentration because he aimed to learn how to think more efficiently. The program's description highlighted its focus on how cultures and societies function and evolve. One of his standout classes was "African-American Culture through Sports," which provided a new perspective and deepened his appreciation for history. "I wish I could start over as a rookie now knowing what I know now," he admitted. "It just meant so much more." ## Empathy and broader perspectives Smith explained that his major helped him move beyond a narrow worldview. "It was very directed to where my opinion is right, and this is what I feel, and this is what it is," he said. "And even not having facts or basics on it." He emphasized the importance of empathy, noting, "Being able to empathize for other cultures and other people's perspectives without compromising your own." ## Life outside the classroom Smith balanced his studies with life on the move, attending most classes online and living off-campus or in hotels during his freshman year. He moved to Florida the following year before relocating to Texas, which required frequent travel back to campus. Despite the challenges, he maintained his original goal of earning the degree, fitting golf into the mix without distraction. ## University support and future plans North Carolina A&T highlighted Smith's journey as an example of lifelong learning, with Chancellor James R. Martin II stating, "J.R. shows what college can look like in our 30s and 40s as we all participate in an economy in which the average American will hold about 12 different jobs over their lifetime." Smith plans to take time off after graduation to relax with his family, including his newborn son born in September 2024 to partner Candice Patton. He also aims to promote inclusivity in golf. ## Athletic director ambitions Smith expressed a clear desire to become North Carolina A&T's next athletic director. "Man, I want to be the AD at A&T. I want to be an overseer of sports in college and try to bring some championships to Greensboro," he said. The university has begun a national search for Earl Hilton III's successor, who will remain in the role until a replacement is named. The job description emphasizes the need for a visionary leader to guide the nation's largest HBCU in Division I athletics. ## Legacy and inspiration Smith hopes his story encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and overcome personal fears. "I think that's the biggest thing. Stepping outside the box and doing something that you're not good at," he said. "You want to be a well-rounded individual. I think you've got to tap in to that and overcome and conquer those insecurities as a person." His journey from basketball star to educated graduate serves as a testament to perseverance.