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 man places a red hood on a graduate as he crosses the stage.
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
People gather in a gymnasium for a commencement ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man receives his diploma and shakes Dr. Grant Shockley's hand.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
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
At the podium, the 1978 commencement speaker delivers his address.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
Unidentified graduates find their seats for the ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
The graduating class of 1964 stand at the steps of an unidentified building for a class photo. Written on verso: Commencement at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - May, 1964. Th.M. Degree James H. Costen - Back Floor Left.
Melva Costen directs the I.T.C Center Chorus. Written on recto: I.T.C. Center Chorus Directress: Dr. Melva Costen.
An unidentified graduate takes a picture with an older couple.
James H. Costen Collection
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.
An unidentified graduate shakes hands with President Grant Shockley.
James H. Costen Collection
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection