The Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason appointed Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at New York Theological Seminary
New York, NY (August 1, 2020) – Dr. C. Vernon Mason, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement has been appointed Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at New York Theological Seminary. He previously served interim director of the program for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Dr. Mason has taught on Theology and Urban Youth Ministry, The 20th Century Civil Rights Movement, Slavery and Reparations and Black Lives Matter. He was C.E.O. of Youth Turn, a collaboration of churches, criminal justice partners and service agencies that served youth ages 13-21: street youth, gang members and court adjudicated young people. Youth Turn employed graduates from NYTS’s Master of Professional Studies Program at Sing Sing.
“This appointment marks a milestone in my two decades of service at New York Theological Seminary. As a proud NYTS Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry graduate, it is a singular honor and privilege to be called to serve under the extraordinary leadership of our President, The Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, Dean and V.P. of Academic Affairs, The Rev. Dr. Tamara Henry, and Faculty Chair, Dr. Humberto Alfaro… I am committed to academic excellence and preparing our faith and thought leaders to engage relevant, restorative, and revolutionary ministry,” said Dr. Mason.
Dr. Mason received the excellence in ministry award for his Doctor of Ministry Project for making a significant contribution to the theory and practice of ministry. His research interests include Africa, African –American History, The Black Church, Racial Justice, Human Rights, Civil Rights, Gender Equality, LGBTQ, Youth, Children, Income Inequality, Refugees, Immigration, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Social Ethics, Applied Urban Economics, Democracy, Peace and Security, Ending Poverty, Mass Incarceration, Health and Food.
President, Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond said, “It is an honor to appoint Dr. C. Vernon Mason to the role of Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. His tireless efforts and commitment to student success in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic ensured that the D.Min. class 2020 were able to successfully complete their program and graduate on time. Dr. Mason’s extensive experience both in the church and in the Academy makes him an ideal candidate for this position and I look forward to him taking our D.Min. program to the next level.”
Dr. Mason is also an Ordained Baptist Minister and a Deacon at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem.
