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

The south view of the dormitory with a view of an abandoned electrical substation.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and an Unidentified man laughing while attending an event featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson.
James Costen stands with other unidentified people in front of an unidentified building.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson on stage preparing for a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
The parking lot and the Westside of the Turner building. Written on recto: West elevation of Turner.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands behind a podium and addresses a crowd.
A packed parking lot where the north elevation of classrooms and a chapel are located.
The south side of the married housing building with physical plant and parking lot.
James H. Costen Collection
The southeast corner of the Phillips School of Theology building. Written on recto: Southeast corner of Phillips crack-base to the roof.
The east view of a classroom building on I.T.C. campus.
James H. Costen Collection
The East view of the dormitory.
James H. Costen Collection
A hole cut into the fence on I.T.C.'s campus. Written on recto: Fence students continue to cut for access.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and an Unidentified man sit and listen to a speech given by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
James Costen and Mance Jackson stand with an unidentified woman. Written on verso: Costen, Mance Jackson.
James H. Costen Collection
Hattie Loving holds out a pen and paper while she stands by a banquet table. Written on verso: 1988 Internal campaign Hattie Loving.
James H. Costen Collection
James Sanders, Portia Vavett, and Barbara [Arrington] eating at a an [Internal] Campaign. Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign James Sanders, Portia Vavett, Barbara [Arrington].
Unidentified People eating and carrying on conversation at a banquet during an internal campaign. Written on verso: Internal Campaign 1988.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen, Jane Jeeles at an internal campaign. Written on verso: Terence Gray Internal Campaign - Costen, Jane Jeeles.
Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff sitting down to banquet at an internal campaign Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff.
Written on verso: Board of Trustees, Stillman College-Tuscaloosa, Alabama 1988. Left to right - First row: George H. Weldon, New York; Sarah L. (Sue) Thompson, Tuscaloosa; Houston H. Harte, San Antonio; Chairperson Cordell Wynn, Tuscaloosa, President. Left to right - Second Row: Alex A. Chambers, Tenn.; Ollie Page, Miami; James H. Costen, Atlanta; Richard A. Thigpen, Tuscaloosa; Mrs. Joseph (Gene) Shannon, Bradenton; Moses C. Jones, Tuscaloosa. Left to right - Third row: E. Granger WIlliams, Little Rock; Wardell Craft, Detroit; Helen Hubbard; Ervin Elligan, Miami; Eugene H. Webb, New York; Samuel Ethredge. Left to right - Fourth row: Eugene L. McCabe, New York; Heywood Strickland, Atlanta; Edward L. Parrish, Birmingham; Carl W. Albright, Tuscaloosa; M.J. Williams, Washington, D.C.
James H. Costen Collection