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. 
223 Objects displayed
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An unidentified woman receives a hood from a faculty member after getting her diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate Receives Diploma from the I.T.C., 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified woman receives a hood from a faculty member after getting her diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified I.T.C. Graduate Receives Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Faculty members stand on stage during 1979 graduation ceremony, including Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley at the I.T.C. Graduation Ceremony, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Faculty members stand on stage during 1979 graduation ceremony, including Grant Shockley.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) sit while watching the proceedings of the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) sit while watching the proceedings of the graduation ceremony.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Professors and audience members watch a commencement address being delivered.
James H. Costen Collection
Professors in the Audience at the I.T.C. Graduation Ceremony, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Professors and audience members watch a commencement address being delivered.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member places a blue and black hood on an unidentified graduate.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member with a Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member places a blue and black hood on an unidentified graduate.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
People listening to a speaker's address during a graduation ceremony for I.T.C.
James H. Costen Collection
Professors, Graduates, and Audience Members at I.T.C. Graduation, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
People listening to a speaker's address during a graduation ceremony for I.T.C.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man sings with the I.T.C Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Singing with the I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified man sings with the I.T.C Center Chorus.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood with a hand shake from Dr. Grant Shockley, as James Costen hoods the graduate.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Receives Diploma and Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood with a hand shake from Dr. Grant Shockley, as James Costen hoods the graduate.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member looking down at his notes as he gives his commencement address during ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member Gives Commencement Address, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member looking down at his notes as he gives his commencement address during ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Interview with Hampton T. McFadden, May 1, 1975
Date Created
1978-05-01
Description
Subject
African American Presbyterians, Interviews, Church history, African Americans--Education, Oral history
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man places a red hood on a graduate as he crosses the stage.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Places Red Hood on Graduate, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man places a red hood on a graduate as he crosses the stage.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives his diploma and shakes Dr. Grant Shockley's hand.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Receives Diploma, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man receives his diploma and shakes Dr. Grant Shockley's hand.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man places a green hood around the neck of the 1978 honorary graduate as President Grant Shockley looks on.
James H. Costen Collection
Man Receives a Green Hood, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man places a green hood around the neck of the 1978 honorary graduate as President Grant Shockley looks on.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
At the podium, the 1978 commencement speaker delivers his address.
James H. Costen Collection
Commencement Speaker, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
At the podium, the 1978 commencement speaker delivers his address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher sits next to Mrs. Copher in a Santa suit. Written on rector: Dr. and Mrs. Copher.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. & Mrs. Copher, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Copher sits next to Mrs. Copher in a Santa suit. Written on rector: Dr. and Mrs. Copher.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher wears a Santa suit to the 1978 Christmas party.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher Wearing a Santa Suit, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Copher wears a Santa suit to the 1978 Christmas party.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
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
Melva Costen directs the I.T.C Center Chorus. Written on recto: I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress: Dr. Melva Costen.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress Dr. Melva Costen, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Melva Costen directs the I.T.C Center Chorus. Written on recto: I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress: Dr. Melva Costen.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate takes a picture with an older couple.
James H. Costen Collection
An Unidentified Student with a Couple, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified graduate takes a picture with an older couple.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with President Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Shaking Hands, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with President Grant Shockley.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address.
James H. Costen Collection
Commencement Speaker, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The 1978 commencement speaker gives his address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays delivers a speech at the I.T.C. 1978 graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays delivers a speech at the I.T.C. 1978 graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man in a graduation cap & gown holds a green and white decorated stick.
James H. Costen Collection
Man Holding a Stick, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man in a graduation cap & gown holds a green and white decorated stick.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with Dr. Grant Shockley after receiving his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate Shaking Hands with Dr. Grant Shockley, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with Dr. Grant Shockley after receiving his diploma.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified People at the 1978 Christmas party.
James H. Costen Collection
People at a Christmas Party, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified People at the 1978 Christmas party.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man stands amongst his classmates in his cap and gown.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man in Cap and Gown, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man stands amongst his classmates in his cap and gown.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified student and faculty member shake hands.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Men Shake Hands, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified student and faculty member shake hands.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives a red hood draped over him as he graduates.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Receives Red Hood, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man receives a red hood draped over him as he graduates.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
President Grant Shockley speaks from the podium in front of the 1978 graduation ceremony with Charles Copher standing behind him. Written on recto: Honorary Degrees 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Honorary Degree 1978, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
President Grant Shockley speaks from the podium in front of the 1978 graduation ceremony with Charles Copher standing behind him. Written on recto: Honorary Degrees 1978.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified man and woman pose for post graduation photo.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Couple, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified man and woman pose for post graduation photo.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks at a graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks at a graduation ceremony.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays gives speech. Written on recto: Member of the Board Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays gives speech. Written on recto: Member of the Board Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man in his cap and gown smiles while holding his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man in Cap and Gown Smiling, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified man in his cap and gown smiles while holding his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified graduate adjusts his mortarboard after receiving his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Adjusts Mortarboard, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified graduate adjusts his mortarboard after receiving his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Graduates of the class of 1978 hold their diplomas. Written on recto: Class of 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Class of 1978, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Graduates of the class of 1978 hold their diplomas. Written on recto: Class of 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The I.T.C. chorus performs at graduation led by Melva Costen.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress Leads Chorus, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The I.T.C. chorus performs at graduation led by Melva Costen.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
James H. Costen Collection
Woman's Hood is Adjusted, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
An unidentified woman gets her hood adjusted by a man.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
James H. Costen Collection
Attendees of 1978 Graduation Ceremony, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
People attending the graduation ceremony of the I.T.C. class of 1978. Written on recto: Scenes of the graduation.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduating Class of 1978, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
The graduating class sits and listens to the current speaker. Written on recto: Graduating Class of 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
James H. Costen Collection
Procession of Class of 1978, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Graduates enter a gymnasium for their graduation ceremony. Written on recto: Procession of Class of 1978.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
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