Press Release,
Indianapolis, IN,
May 22, 2023
The Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual for a lifetime of achievement in cementing the ties between the Disciples and church-related higher education. This person becomes the Alexander Campbell of our day whose faith and vision assure that there will continue to be church-related institutions and ministries that nourish the learning, the science, the arts, the religion, and morals in our day. It is fitting that Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) call the attention of all Disciples to these modern, intellectual, and spiritual giants in order that their commitment and service to church-related higher education may become an inspiration for all Disciples.
The Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) at its meeting in Indianapolis, IN, April 21-23, 2023, by unanimous consent awards the 2023 Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker, 17th President of Jarvis Christian College, now University. Dr. Jenkins-Booker is the first black woman in our church’s history to serve as a Disciples College and University President.
Dr. Jenkins-Booker joins former recipients of this award: D. Duane Cummins (1991), Thomas J. Liggett (1993), William E. Tucker (1995), Fred B. Craddock (1997), Ronald E. Osborn (1999); and, John L. Butler (2001). Dr. Jenkins-Booker has provided significant and unusually committed service to the cause of church-related higher education.
Born on a farm in Learned, Mississippi, Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker chose a life in education, inspired by her mother, a one room school principal. In 1991, Jenkins was inaugurated as the first woman President of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, one of our historic black colleges. She was the first African American Administrator at both Mississippi State and the University of Akron, Ohio. She spent 50 years in education and 17 years as President of Jarvis.
Dr. Jenkins-Booker will receive the Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award at the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) Dinner at General Assembly in Louisville, KY, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 530-7:00pm. You can reserve your tickets when you register for the General Assembly.