Each year, Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) proudly recognizes two African American alumni at the Dr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Dinner with the prestigious African American Alumni Award. In the spirit of Dr. Starks, award recipients must demonstrate a thirst for theological education, a passion for ministry, and a commitment to community service.

Please keep in mind these Nomination Guidelines:


Nominee should have:

    Completed an MTS degree.
    Made contributions that demonstrate:

    exceptional creativity in congregational, community, ecumenical or reconciliation ministry;
    unusual courage on behalf of  the impoverished and oppressed;
    faithfulness in ministry as demonstrated by longevity of service in a particular context;
     a distinguished and/or unusual service in ministry;
    exemplary support for MTS and theological education.

Past Award Recipients


1990 -    Bettye Alston ‘84              
                Roosevelt Joyner ‘84                                        
1991 -    Uelucious Purdy ‘83                                          
1992 -    James L. Netters ‘87/’94                                  
1993 -    Lee R. Brown ‘92/ ‘98                                
                Martha Smaw ‘85                              
1994 -    David Boyle ‘86                
               Dan Wilborn ‘87                                                
1995 -   Raponzil Stockard ‘87      
               Shirley Prince ‘90                                
1996 -   Cozette Garrett ‘92    
               Edward Parker, Jr. ‘85                                      
1997 -   Wesley C. Holmes ‘69                                      
1998 -   Gina Stewart ‘96                                
               Herbert Lester ’86 / ’94                                    
1999 -   Carmichael Crutchfield ‘93 / ‘02
               Rosalyn Nichols ‘96
2000 -   Sharon Lewis- Karamoko ‘97
               J.O. Patterson, Jr. ‘85
2001 -    L. LaSimba Gray, Jr. ‘85/ ‘95
               Almella Starks-Umoja ’97
2002 -    Regina Taylor ‘99
               Earnest Mottley ‘82
2003 -   Tessie R. Simmons ‘93
               Alvin Summers ‘97
2004 -   Cheryl Davis Jones ‘93
               Melvin Lee ‘97
2005 -   Titus Haynes ‘82
              William Young ‘79
2006 -   Rose K. Patterson (posthumously) ‘89
              Harvey B. Jackson ‘95/’97/’03
2007 -   R. Stan Wood ‘70
2008 -  Corey D. Johnson ‘95/’97
              Willa M. Ross ‘02
             James T. Freeman ‘85
2009 -  Mary Jo Smiley ‘07
              R. Meade Walker ‘04
2010 -  Lynn B. Dandridge ‘04
             Anthony Henderson ‘95
2011 - Jacqueline Pryer ‘00/ ‘10        
             Sonia Louden Walker ‘08
             Eric L. Winston, Sr. ‘03/ ‘04