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
  • Subjects = Presidents
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
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
An unidentified man receives his diploma and shakes Dr. Grant Shockley's hand.
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
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with President Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with Dr. Grant Shockley after receiving his diploma.
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
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks at a graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant S. Shockley speaks. Written on recto: Dr. Grant S. Shockley - President (1976-1979).
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified man receives a diploma from President Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection