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 = Commencement ceremonies
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate.
Professors, graduates, and the general public attend the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
An unidentified faculty member kisses a graduate to congratulate her on graduating.
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address during I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
An unidentified graduate is given a red hood by a faculty member.
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen leads the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate crosses the stage in front of a faculty member at a graduation ceremony.
An unidentified faculty member delivers a commencement address to the class of 1979.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate stands with her classmates as part of the graduation ceremonies.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
The I.T.C. Center Chorus sits during a commencement speech.
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.
A soloist sings lead in front of the I.T.C. Center Chorus at the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.