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 American universities and colleges
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate in front of platform participants.
An unidentified graduate smiles as he crosses the stage with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member has an exchange with a graduate as he crosses the stage.
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) look on during graduation proceedings.
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men stand at a podium to give a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen directing the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives a hood.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate receives a red hood with his diploma.
An unidentified graduate at the 1979 graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood.
An unidentified graduate smiles as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma, followed by James Costen.
An unidentified faculty member looks into the audience as he gives his commencement address.
An unidentified graduate shakes James Costen's hand while she receives a red hood.
An unidentified woman receives a hood from a faculty member after getting her diploma.
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma.
Faculty members stand on stage during 1979 graduation ceremony, including Grant Shockley.
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) sit while watching the proceedings of the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Professors and audience members watch a commencement address being delivered.