Jarvis Christian College’s 2018 Founders Day celebrations took place from March 19-25, 2018, with a number of events, lectures and services. On Tuesday, March 20, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rev. Terri Hord Owens, was the featured speaker at the Founders Day Convocation. Dr. Lester C. Newman, President of Jarvis Christian College, shared that “It was an honor to have Reverend Teresa Hord Owens join us in celebrating 106 years of educating our students by serving as the keynote speaker for the Founder’s Convocation. Reverend Owens captivated the audience with a powerful message that resonated well with all in attendance. We will never forget the roadmap for success that she eloquently provided us – imagine, prepare, do.”
Reflecting on Jarvis Christian College’s relationship to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Newman also noted: “We had strong support. Rev. Bernard “Chris” Dorsey, President of Higher Education Leadership Ministries, introduced our illustrious speaker, Rev. Owens, while Rev. Andy Mangum, Regional Minister of the Christian Church in the Southwest, provided us with the invocation and benediction. We were truly blessed by the fellowship.” In addition to Rev. Hord Owens, Rev. Dorsey and Rev. Dr. Mangum, Rev. Kyle Fauntleroy, Pension Fund Area Director for the Southwest Region, was also present at the Founders Day Convocation.
Jarvis Christian College is a historically black college (HBC) located in Hawkins, Texas. The school began as Jarvis Christian Institute, modeled after the Southern Christian Institute in Edwards, Mississippi. Formal instruction began as early in 1913 after Major James Jarvis and his wife, Ida Van Zandt Jarvis, donated 456 acers to the Christian Women’s Board of Missions with the understanding that a school would be built to provide quality education to African American children. During the first few years, elementary and high school classes were offered, with the first college level courses beginning in 1916. In 1928, the school incorporated as a college with the state of Texas granting a formal charter to Jarvis Christian College in 1939. Over the years, the college has grown in its course offerings and now has a satellite campus in Dallas.