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

For:
  • Subjects = African Americans--Education
1978
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
1978
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
1978
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
1978
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
1978
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
1978
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man shakes hands with a faculty member as he receives his diploma.
1978
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Quinland Gordon leads prayer. Written on recto: Prayer Dr. Quinland Gordon.
1978
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley talks to a man at the President's reception.
1978
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood with his diploma.
1978
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men smile after receiving their diplomas.
1978
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man smiles as he holds his diploma. An unidentified faculty member stands behind him.
1978
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified student and Dr. Grant Shockley shake hands during the graduation ceremony.
1978
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.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
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.
1978
Unidentified graduates find their seats for the ceremony.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified graduates find their seats for the ceremony.
1978
The 1978 commencement speaker giving his address to the graduates and other attendees.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker giving his address to the graduates and other attendees.
1978
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address. Written on recto: Commencement Speaker 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address. Written on recto: Commencement Speaker 1978.
1978
An unidentified man receives a red hood as he crosses the stage.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood as he crosses the stage.
1978
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address the I.T.C. class of 1978.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address the I.T.C. class of 1978.
1978
An unidentified man crouches as he receives a red hood at graduation.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man crouches as he receives a red hood at graduation.
1978
Graduating class sits attentively as a crowd cheers.
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
James H. Costen Collection
Graduating class sits attentively as a crowd cheers.