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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Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons stand shoulder to shoulder at an ITC Grand Reunion. Written on verso: ITC Grand Reunion 1994. Bennie Mitchell, Angelin Simmons.
James H. Costen Collection
Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons at an ITC Grand Reunion, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons stand shoulder to shoulder at an ITC Grand Reunion. Written on verso: ITC Grand Reunion 1994. Bennie Mitchell, Angelin Simmons.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group attends an I.T.C. grand reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group attends an I.T.C. grand reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Katie Cannon sitting against a brick wall. Written on verso: Katie Cannon 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Katie Cannon, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
Katie Cannon sitting against a brick wall. Written on verso: Katie Cannon 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group attends a grand reunion. Written on verso: Angelin, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy. Grand reunion 1994 - ITC.
James H. Costen Collection
Angelin Simmons, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy., 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group attends a grand reunion. Written on verso: Angelin, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy. Grand reunion 1994 - ITC.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group stands with their arms around each other at the I.T.C. Grand Reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Katie Cannon. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, & Katie Cannon, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group stands with their arms around each other at the I.T.C. Grand Reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Katie Cannon. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen stands with other unidentified people in front of an unidentified building.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Others, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
James Costen stands with other unidentified people in front of an unidentified building.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
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
Board of Trustees at Stillman College, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
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.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Student Receives Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Professors, graduates, and the general public attend the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Attendees of the I.T.C. Graduation Ceremony, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Professors, graduates, and the general public attend the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member kisses a graduate to congratulate her on graduating.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member Congratulates Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member kisses a graduate to congratulate her on graduating.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants During Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a speech.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants Sitting on Platform, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate on Stage, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Gives Commencement Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address during I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants Listening to a Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address during I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate is given a red hood by a faculty member.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate is Given Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate is given a red hood by a faculty member.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate crosses the stage in front of a faculty member at a graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Unidentified Faculty, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate crosses the stage in front of a faculty member at a graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member delivers a commencement address to the class of 1979.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Delivers Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member delivers a commencement address to the class of 1979.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate stands with her classmates as part of the graduation ceremonies.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Graduates Standing, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate stands with her classmates as part of the graduation ceremonies.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen Delivers a Commencement Address, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate Receives His Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate in front of platform participants.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate smiles as he crosses the stage with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate smiles as he crosses the stage with his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member has an exchange with a graduate as he crosses the stage.
James H. Costen Collection
Faculty Member has Friendly Exchange with Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member has an exchange with a graduate as he crosses the stage.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member Gives Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
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) look on during graduation proceedings.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) look on during graduation proceedings.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men stand at a podium to give a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Men Give a Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Two unidentified men stand at a podium to give a speech.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen directing the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Melva Costen directing the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives a hood.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Graduate Receives Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives a hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate receives a red hood with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified I.T.C. Graduate Receives Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate receives a red hood with his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate at the 1979 graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate at the 1979 graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Diploma and Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate smiles as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma, followed by James Costen.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Smiling as She Receives Her Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate smiles as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma, followed by James Costen.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member looks into the audience as he gives his commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified I.T.C. Faculty Member Gives Commencement Address at Graduation, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member looks into the audience as he gives his commencement address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate shakes James Costen's hand while she receives a red hood.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Shakes Faculty Member's Hand While Receiving Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate shakes James Costen's hand while she receives a red hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
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 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
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
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
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