Jordan's $10M Gift to UNC Social Work Honors Mother, Expands Global Reach

Key points

• Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the UNC School of Social Work, the largest single gift in the school's history.
• The donation honors his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, and will rename the Global Social Development Innovations Center in her name.
• The gift establishes the 'Jordan Family Scholars' program, providing $12,500 scholarships to ten Master of Social Work students with financial need.
• The funds will support a new Global Research Symposium featuring speakers from over 20 countries and a fireside chat with Deloris Jordan.
• The donation supports the school's goal to increase enrollment to 1,000 students by 2029 and launch a new Bachelor of Social Work degree in fall 2027.

Background

This donation follows a similar $10 million gift from Michael Jordan to Novant Health in January 2026, which led to the naming of the 'Novant Health Deloris P. Jordan Neurosciences Institute' in Wilmington. Jordan, a UNC alumnus from the class of 1986, has a long-standing connection to the university, having played for the Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984. His mother, Deloris Jordan, has been involved with the UNC School of Social Work for nearly 40 years, including serving on its Board of Advisors. The donation also follows the approval of a new undergraduate social work degree by the UNC System Board of Governors in July 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Chapelboro.com and UNC's official release emphasize the historic nature of the gift and its impact on student scholarships and global research. The News & Observer highlights the personal connection between the Jordans and the university, noting that the announcement coincided with Deloris Jordan's birthday and featured an ice sculpture of her. ESPN's source was inaccessible, providing no additional perspective. All sources agree on the core facts of the donation and its intended uses, but the News & Observer provides more detail on the celebratory atmosphere and Deloris Jordan's personal history with the school, including her work in Kenya.

Why it matters

The donation addresses a critical shortage of social workers in North Carolina and supports the expansion of the UNC School of Social Work's reach both locally and globally. By funding scholarships and research, the gift aims to make the profession more accessible and to advance innovative approaches to youth development and family well-being. The renaming of the Global Social Development Innovations Center underscores the school's commitment to international impact, particularly in regions like Kenya, where Deloris Jordan has established healthcare initiatives.

What to watch

The UNC School of Social Work will launch its first undergraduate degree in fall 2027. The Global Research Symposium will take place at the Friday Conference Center, featuring speakers from over 20 countries. The Jordan Family Scholars program will begin awarding $12,500 scholarships to ten Master of Social Work students in its first year. The school aims to increase its enrollment to 1,000 students by fall 2029.