Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
Jun 13, 2019

James H. Costen Collection

Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
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  • Decade = 1970-1979
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Shakes Hands, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
James H. Costen Collection
Prayer Given by Dr. Quinland Gordon, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley at the President's Reception, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Student Receives Red Hood, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
James H. Costen Collection
Two Men Receive Diplomas, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Smiles While Holding Diploma, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Two Men Shake Hands, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate walks across the stage as he receives his diploma from Dr. Grant Shockley as Charles Coper looks on. Written on recto: Conferring of Degrees 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate is Handed His Diploma, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified graduate walks across the stage as he receives his diploma from Dr. Grant Shockley as Charles Coper looks on. Written on recto: Conferring of Degrees 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified graduates find their seats for the ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduation Attendees, Class of 1978, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified graduates find their seats for the ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker giving his address to the graduates and other attendees.
James H. Costen Collection
Commencement Speaker, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The 1978 commencement speaker giving his address to the graduates and other attendees.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address. Written on recto: Commencement Speaker 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Commencement Speaker, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address. Written on recto: Commencement Speaker 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen. Written on recto: Music I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
I.T.C. chorus singing led by Melva Costen. Written on recto: Music I.T.C. Center Chorus.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood as he crosses the stage.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Receives Red Hood, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man receives a red hood as he crosses the stage.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address the I.T.C. class of 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Commencement Speaker, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address the I.T.C. class of 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified women sit at the back of the room and eat snacks.
James H. Costen Collection
Women Sit and Eat, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Two unidentified women sit at the back of the room and eat snacks.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man crouches as he receives a red hood at graduation.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Bends Over to Receive Red Hood, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man crouches as he receives a red hood at graduation.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Graduating class sits attentively as a crowd cheers.
James H. Costen Collection
Class of 1978 and Attendees, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Graduating class sits attentively as a crowd cheers.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified man receives a diploma from President Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Receives Diploma, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified man receives a diploma from President Grant Shockley.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection