Michael Jordan Makes Record $10M Gift to UNC Social Work in Honor of Mother

Key points

• The $10 million gift is the largest in the history of the UNC School of Social Work.
• The donation establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program, providing $12,500 scholarships to ten Master of Social Work students.
• UNC is renaming its Global Social Development Innovations Center to the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center.
• The gift supports the Jordan Institute for Families and a new global research symposium involving partners from over 20 countries.
• Deloris Jordan, a longtime social worker and UNC advisor, founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in 2010.

Background

This donation follows Michael Jordan's 1996 establishment of the Jordan Institute for Families at UNC. In January 2026, Jordan also donated $10 million to Novant Health to name a neurosciences institute in Wilmington after his mother. The gift arrives as UNC prepares to launch its first undergraduate social work degree in fall 2027, aiming to increase enrollment to 1,000 students by 2029.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report and The Athletic highlight the financial magnitude of the gift as a record-breaking donation. The News & Observer provides a detailed account of the October 5 announcement, noting the emotional tribute, including an ice sculpture of Deloris Jordan and a birthday celebration. UNC's official release emphasizes the strategic impact on global youth development and the expansion of the Jordan Institute for Families. Chapelboro.com contextualizes the donation within Jordan's broader philanthropy, including his earlier gift to Novant Health, and notes the upcoming undergraduate program.

Why it matters

The donation addresses a critical shortage of social workers in North Carolina and expands access to graduate education through new scholarships. It strengthens UNC's global outreach by funding international research and partnerships, particularly in Kenya, where Deloris Jordan's wellness center serves over 200,000 individuals. The gift reinforces the link between elite athletics and community service, showcasing how high-profile alumni can drive systemic change in social welfare and education.

What to watch

The Jordan Family Scholars program will begin supporting ten students immediately. The Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center will host its first Global Research Symposium, featuring speakers from over 20 countries. UNC plans to launch its first Bachelor of Social Work degree in fall 2027, with a goal of reaching 1,000 students by fall 2029.